How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most respected and fulfilling jobs in healthcare is that of a nurse practitioner (NP). Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who give patients of all ages primary and specialized care. They diagnose ailments, prescribe medications, and oversee treatment programs. They often have more freedom than registered nurses to do these things.
This complete guide explains in detail how to become a nurse practitioner, including the schooling needed, the licenses and certifications needed, and the different career paths available.
What does a nurse practitioner do?
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who delivers advanced nursing care in many places, such as primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty practices, and urgent care facilities. NPs fill the gap between nurses and doctors by providing services like
Finding out what’s wrong and treating it
Giving out prescriptions
Ordering and understanding tests for diagnosis
Giving patients advice on how to avoid getting sick
Taking care of long-term illnesses
In some states or countries, NPs can work on their own or with a doctor.
Step 1: Get your RN license
Getting a registered nurse (RN) license is the first step on the way to becoming an NP.
Ways to Get an RN License Through School
To become an RN, you need to do one of the following:
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year curriculum that community institutions provide.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree that gives you more training and is generally favored by companies.
Candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after finishing the program in order to get their license.
Step 2: Get some clinical experience
Before they can go on to graduate school, people who want to become nurse practitioners need to work as RNs in a clinical setting. Most NP schools require at least one or two years of experience working with patients, especially in areas like
Emergency Room (ER)
ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
Kids’ Health
Elderly Care
Care for the Primary
Hands-on experience makes you better at making decisions, working with patients, and using your clinical judgment.
Step 3: Get a master’s degree (MSN or DNP)
To be a nurse practitioner, you need to have an advanced nursing degree from a school that is recognized.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
This is the most common way to become an NP. It usually spans two to three years and includes classes in:
Advanced Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Diagnosis in the Clinic
Health of the Population
Practice Based on Evidence
DNP: Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is the highest level of nursing degree and is great for people who want to be leaders, make policies, or work in academia. In many places, it is becoming the new standard for nurse practitioners, and it usually takes 3–4 years.
Step 4: Pick a specialty for your nurse practitioner.
Nurse practitioners can pick from a number of specialization tracks based on what they like and want to do with their careers. Some common specialties are
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Nurse Practitioner for Women’s Health (WHNP)
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
Your specialization choice affects your clinical training in graduate school and the kinds of jobs you can have after you graduate.
Step 5: Get your license and certification
After you finish your graduate program, the next step is to get certified by a national board that is well-known. Some organizations that provide out certifications are
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
The National Certification Corporation (NCC)
You have to pass an exam to get each certification, which is linked to a certain NP specialty. After getting your certification, you can seek a state license to work as an NP.
Step 6: Look for jobs as a nurse practitioner
You can start working as soon as you get your certification and license. NPs can work in a number of different healthcare settings, such as
Medical Centers and Hospitals
Clinics for Community Health
Private Practices
Platforms for telehealth
Health Services at the University
Make changes to your resume to fit your NP specialty and start sending it out. Think about using employment websites like Indeed and Monster, as well as niche sites like NursingJobs.com.
Step 7: Keep your certification and keep learning.
Depending on the organization that gave them their accreditation, nurse practitioners must renew it every five years. Renewal usually needs
Units of Continuing Education (CEUs)
Hours of Clinical Practice
Re-examination (optional)
To keep your skills sharp and give good care, you need to stay up to date on the latest clinical procedures and technologies.
Step 8: Look into advanced opportunities
As they gain experience, NPs can move into jobs like
Educator in the clinic or faculty member
Manager of Health Care
Researcher or Advocate for Policy
Legal Nurse Consultant or Medical Consultant
Getting more qualifications or a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) will help you get into leadership positions in business and academia.
Advantages of Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
There are many benefits of being an NP:
Higher Earning Potential: NPs make a lot more money than RNs. Depending on where they work and what they specialize in, their average incomes range from $100,000 to $140,000 a year.
Autonomy in Practice: In a lot of states and countries, NPs can work on their own and even start their own clinics.
Job Security: The number of NPs needed is predicted to rise by more than 40% in the next ten years.
Meaningful Work: NPs have a real impact on the health of their communities and love building relationships with their patients.
Difficulties of Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Becoming an NP is rewarding, but it also has its own set of problems:
Rigorous Education and Training: Graduate degrees are hard and take a lot of time and effort.
Cost of Education: Tuition for MSN or DNP programs might be pricey, but there are scholarships and loan forgiveness programs that can help.
State Restrictions: The scope of practice is different in each state, and some places require a doctor’s supervision.
In conclusion
Becoming a nurse practitioner takes a lot of work, significant education, and a desire to keep growing. You can become one of the most important people in healthcare today if you have the appropriate mix of clinical experience, academic preparation, and professional dedication.
- FAQ
- What’s the difference between a nurse and a nurse practitioner?
A nurse usually gives basic care to patients while doctors or nurse practitioners watch over them. On the other hand, a nurse practitioner (NP) has more education and training, which lets them diagnose diseases, write prescriptions, and supervise treatment programs on their own in many states. - How long does it take to train to be a nurse practitioner?
It usually takes 6 to 8 years to become an NP. Getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), getting clinical experience, and getting a Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing Practice (MSN or DNP) are all part of this. - Do I need a bachelor’s degree to work as a nurse practitioner?
Yes, most NP schools require applicants to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before they may apply to a graduate nursing degree. - Is it possible to become a nurse practitioner without first being an RN?
No, you can’t get advanced NP education until you first become a registered nurse (RN) through a recognized nursing program and have your license. - What kinds of specialties may a nurse practitioner pick from?
There are many areas of specialization for nurse practitioners, including family practice (FNP), pediatric (PNP), acute care (ACNP), adult-gerontology, women’s health, and psychiatric mental health (PMHNP). - Is it hard to get a job as a nurse practitioner?
It takes devotion, advanced education, and clinical hours, but it is possible to do it. A lot of people find the job very fulfilling, both professionally and financially. - What is the salary of a nurse practitioner?
Depending on their area of expertise, where they work, and how much experience they have, nurse practitioners in the US make between $100,000 and $135,000 a year. - Are nurse practitioners allowed to write prescriptions?
Yes, nurse practitioners in most U.S. states can write prescriptions, which means they can give out drugs, even banned narcotics, with different levels of supervision based on the rules of the state. - What kind of certification do I need to get to be a nurse practitioner?
You must pass a national certification exam from organizations like the AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners) or ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) after finishing a graduate NP school. The exam will depend on your specialty. - Are NP programs that are taught online a good idea?
Yes, a lot of well-known universities offer NP programs that are either hybrid or totally online. These are great for nurses who work. But make sure that the program you choose is accredited and has clinical practice hours.