When you consider a nursing career, you'll find that there are more avenues to take than just the generic idea of being a nurse. From nursing assistants and registered nurses to nurse practitioners and physician assistants, there are many options in the field to consider.
Best Accredited Colleges is here to lay out the educational requirements for nurse practitioners (NPs) and the first steps you can take to begin your career as an NP today.
Educational Requirements for Nurse Practitioners and How to Begin Your Career
To become a nurse practitioner, you first have to become a registered nurse.
This requires a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Once you've passed the exam, you can apply for and receive your registered nurse (RN) license.
Many people become registered nurses and start their careers, but some go on to become nurse practitioners by completing a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing, passing the National NP Certification Board Exam, and obtaining their nurse practitioner (NP) license.
So that means you have to take at least two exams and get two licensures in addition to meeting the educational requirements for nursing practitioners.
Nurse Practitioner Specializations
When entering your master's or doctoral program to become a nurse practitioner, you need to decide what kind of NP you'll become.
All NPs have a specific patient demographic they plan to work with, and your education will cater to that demographic during your program.
Types of nurse practitioners include:
- Family NP (FNP)
- Neonatal NP (NNP)
- Pediatric NP (PNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)
- Women's Health NP (WHNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
Most end up being primary care NPs (AGPCNPs), but demand for practitioners has increased enough in recent years that there are plenty of openings for other types of NPs as well.
Keeping your patient demographic in mind during your education will be vital for your future career as a nurse practitioner.
Completion Requirements for Nurse Practitioner Degrees
Before you enter your master's program, there are some prerequisites and requirements to meet.
Most MS Nursing programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA and completed courses in subjects like statistics or anatomy and physiology. By maintaining good grades in your nursing bachelor's courses, you're guaranteed to meet these prerequisites.
Once you've entered your nursing program and chosen your patient focus, graduating with your master's in nursing requires the completion of all credit hours with a satisfactory GPA and passing any clinical requirements of the program.
At the end of the program, you can take the National NP Certification Board Exam and get your nurse practitioner license.
While the program aims to help you get your nurse practitioner licensure, it isn't a required part of finishing the master's degree.
Maintaining Your Nurse Practitioner Licensure
In order to keep your NP license, you need to renew your certification and ensure you meet all the requirements set by your state. This includes continuing education and completing a certain number of work hours within a specified timeframe.
As long as you continue working in your chosen career as an NP, you shouldn't have much trouble maintaining your licensure - but make sure to check your state and certification board's renewal requirements regularly.
The Steps You Need to Know to Begin Your Career as Nurse Practitioner
To become a nurse practitioner and start your career, you need to complete these steps:
- Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and obtain your registered nursing license
- Gain nursing experience and maintain your licensure by working as an RN
- Complete a Master of Science in Nursing program and obtain your nurse practitioner license
- Obtain further certifications and work experience for chosen NP position (private practice, assisted living, hospitals, etc)
- Apply to desired nurse practitioner positions
Once you've met the educational requirements for nurse practitioners and obtained the necessary nursing experience through clinicals and work, you can begin your career as an NP.
FAQs About Educational Requirements for Nurse Practitioners
If you have more questions about the educational requirements for nurse practitioners and what they do in their careers, check the answers below.
How Long Does it Take to be a Nurse Practitioner?
From beginning your bachelor's program for registered nursing to completing your National NP Certification Board Exam, becoming a Nurse Practitioner takes a minimum of six years. Specializations or further education can make the process even longer.
What is a Nurse Practitioner's Salary?
The average salary for a nurse practitioner is nearly $122,000 a year. There is some variation based on experience, specialization, and location.
What is the Difference Between a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and Physician Assistant?
Compared to registered nurses, nurse practitioners are able to complete more tasks without direct supervision from doctors - they can prescribe medications and perform some surgeries.
Physician assistants are very similar to nurse practitioners, but they diagnose and treat diseases while nurse practitioners diagnose and treat people - like all nurses, a nurse practitioner's focus is on the patient and their needs more than the illness they have.
Find a Degree Program to Become a Nurse Practitioner Today
Now that you know about the work and educational requirements for nurse practitioners, it's time for you to begin paving your own way to success through nursing. Start your degree program today to make a difference tomorrow.
