If you’re interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP), you may be wondering, “How many years of school do I need to complete in order to become a nurse practitioner?” The general path involves becoming a registered nurse (RN), completing a bachelor’s degree, and then obtaining a graduate degree after gaining experience as an RN. State licensure and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) are required, too. Show
Explore Online MSN Programs Georgetown University’s Online Master’s in NursingNursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
USC’s CCNE-Accredited Online MSN ProgramNursing@USC delivers the online Master of Science in Nursing program from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Department of Nursing. RN and BSN req’d.
Earn Your MSN Online from Simmons UniversityEarn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
Earn Your M.S. in Nursing Online at St. John Fisher UniversityEarn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required.
Another common question is “How much does it cost to become a nurse practitioner?” The cost varies depending on where you enroll for undergraduate and graduate school, and whether or not you pursue your Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Fees for nursing programs vary from state to state, as well as across program formats. For example, online nursing programs may help cut down on costs related to transportation to and from classes. What Is a Nurse Practitioner?A nurse practitioner is a type of APRN with advanced education and training. NPs have the authority to diagnose, treat, counsel, and prescribe medication to patients. They may be able to practice independently without physician oversight, depending on state regulations. Often, NPs focus on certain specialties—such as pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, women’s health, or adult medicine—but it’s important to note that additional training is required. General Path to Become a Nurse PractitionerHow long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? Becoming a registered nurse, completing a bachelor’s degree, gaining experience in the field, obtaining a graduate degree, and completing certification are all part of the process, which means the length of time it takes to become an NP will vary from one individual to another. However, understanding the importance of getting the right degree and the right certification at the right time will go a long way toward planning your path most efficiently. The following provides a general description of common steps to become a nurse practitioner.
Education and Training Requirements to Become a Nurse PractitionerAs noted previously, an MSN degree is the minimum requirement to become a nurse practitioner. However, some candidates choose to pursue a DNP, either as the initial path to meeting the educational and training requirements to become an NP or as additional education beyond the MSN. Both are popular options to meet NP education requirements, with many MSN programs available and the number of DNP programs growing. When you are researching MSN programs, it is important to find one that offers your preferred area of focus. To determine the right specialty for you, consider the following tips:
Choose the Right MSN ConcentrationThe job responsibilities and salaries will be different for various specialty areas. You can find more about that on our career page that highlights the following specialties:
Choose the Right DNP Concentration for Your DNP DegreeIf obtaining a DNP degree is your preferred choice for meeting the NP graduate education requirement, it is important to understand how this compares with the MSN option already discussed. The DNP is a post-BSN or post-MSN medical practice degree. This means that it includes advanced training in specific nursing skills and disciplines for use in the field. Some NPs with DNP degrees move on to health leadership roles. Others specialize in a specific area of focus, similar to NPs with an MSN. Since the DNP degree is recommended as the graduate degree for advanced nursing practice by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), it can be a suitable option for nurses interested in advancing in their careers. Examination, Licensure, and Certification RequirementsAs with the MSN path for NPs, it is important to gain a quality undergraduate nursing education and clinical experience that will aid in the efficient completion of the DNP degree. Understanding various areas of specialization will help you to choose the program that will best fit your needs, as will knowing the NP examination, licensure, and certification requirements for each state. Some Experiences to Help You SucceedYou can start building the foundation for a successful nurse practitioner career by taking part in a variety of experiences right away. For example:
Useful Resources for Nurse PractitionersTo learn more about the nurse practitioner role, you may find this Nursing Resource Guide and the following resources helpful:
Disclaimer: Timelines listed in this article are estimates that will vary based on the program of choice, pace of study, and overall professional goals. Contact an accredited university for the most updated timeline information. Teach.com is not responsible for any timeline changes after 2020. Last Updated: April 2020 |