How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: Steps & Tips

"The role of a nurse practitioner is more than just a job—it's a calling," says Jon Fanning, CEO of the AANP. "With nearly 100 million people in areas lacking primary care, NPs are expanding access to healthcare across the nation. They inspire a new generation to serve and build healthier communities."

Nurse practitioners combine clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with a focus on disease prevention and health management. They bring a comprehensive and personal touch to healthcare, providing high-quality, cost-effective, patient-centered care. With over 385,000 NPs addressing the primary care shortage in America, they are crucial to our healthcare system.

If you're considering this rewarding career, read on to learn the essential steps to becoming a nurse practitioner, the job outlook, and answers to common questions.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced nurse with education and training that exceeds the level of a registered nurse (RN). In some states, NPs can practice independently like doctors, while in others, they must work under a doctor's supervision.

NPs focus on the overall health and well-being of their patients. They emphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. By helping patients make better health and lifestyle choices, NPs can also help reduce healthcare costs.

To ensure they provide the best care, nurse practitioners must get national certification, go through regular peer reviews, and evaluate their clinical outcomes. They adhere to strict ethical standards and continually pursue professional development to keep their skills up-to-date.

In addition to providing direct care, NPs lead and participate in health forums, conduct research, and apply their findings in practice.

NPs offer a wide range of services both independently and in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, including:

• Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic tests like lab work and X-rays
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries
• Prescribing medications and treatments
• Managing patients' overall care
• Counseling patients
• Educating patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices

RN vs NP: What is the Difference

Both registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) play vital roles in patient care. Since all NPs start as RNs, there's often some overlap in their careers. However, their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

Nurse Practitioner Education

According to our custom nursing essay writing, to become a NP, you must complete advanced education beyond your registered nurse training. This involves earning either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Both degrees include courses and clinical training that prepare nurses to work in primary care, acute care, and long-term healthcare settings.

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): All states require NPs to hold an MSN. This program typically takes 18 months to three years to complete, depending on your previous education and whether you study full-time or part-time. For example, a nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing can usually finish an MSN program in about two years with full-time study.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): By 2025, many entry-level NP positions may require a DNP. This degree focuses more on clinical practice than the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), which is geared towards research and academia. DNP programs can take one to two years for those who already have an MSN or three to four years for those starting with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Nurse Practitioner Specialties

After completing their core coursework, students focus on courses for nurse practitioner specialties and clinical hours specific to their chosen field. This specialized training prepares them for licensure in various areas, including:

• Acute Care.
• Adult Health.
• Family Health.
• Gerontology Health.
• Neonatal Health.
• Oncology.
• Pediatric/Child Health.
• Psychiatric/Mental Health.
• Women's Health.

NPs can also pursue sub-specialties in areas such as:

• Allergy and Immunology.
• Cardiovascular.
• Dermatology.
• Emergency.
• Endocrinology.
• Gastroenterology.
• Hematology and Oncology.
• Neurology.
• Occupational Health.
• Orthopedics.
• Pulmonology and Respiratory.
• Sports Medicine.
• Urology.

6 Steps to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

Here's a list of steps to help you understand how to become a nurse practitioner. By following these steps, you can become a licensed nurse practitioner ready to provide advanced nursing care in various healthcare settings.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

To become a nurse practitioner, the first step is earning a BSN. A traditional BSN takes four years and includes general education, nursing coursework, and clinical training. If you already have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and an RN license, you can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to earn your BSN faster. Those with non-nursing bachelor's degrees can join accelerated BSN programs.

BSN programs include general education classes (usually in the first year), nursing classes, and clinical experience. To graduate, you typically need 120-130 credit hours. Admissions requirements vary but generally include:

• A high school GPA of 2.75 or higher or a nursing diploma/associate degree
• Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology classes
• SAT scores
• A CV or resume
• A personal essay
• References
• An RN license (if applicable)
• Volunteer experience
• An application fee

While you look for accredited BSN programs to ensure high standards in faculty qualifications, course content, and overall quality, check out our list of full ride nursing scholarships.

Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) License

After completing your bachelor's degree, the next steps to becoming a nurse practitioner include passing the NCLEX exam. This national test can be taken in any state and determines your readiness to practice as a registered nurse. The exam adapts to your performance, consisting of 75-145 questions that assess your clinical knowledge in areas like safe care practices, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.

However, earning your license involves more than passing the NCLEX. The board of nursing in your chosen state evaluates additional qualifications under the Nurse Practice Act (NPA). These may include demonstrating good moral character, physical and mental health, English proficiency, and a clean criminal record, among others.

Gain Clinical Experience

Knowing how to become nurse practitioner includes gaining clinical experience. This means working in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings to apply what you've learned and develop your skills in real-life situations. It's where you'll learn how to care for patients directly, collaborate with healthcare teams, and handle different medical challenges.

In these roles, you'll rotate through various departments, like surgery, maternity, and pediatrics, to gain broad experience. This hands-on training not only prepares you to provide quality patient care but also sets the stage for advancing in your nursing career. Whether you aim to specialize in a particular area or pursue further education, clinical experience is the foundation upon which you build your expertise as a nurse.

Earn a Graduate Degree in Nursing

Getting a master's in nursing (MSN) is a way for registered nurses (RNs) to advance their careers and deepen their expertise. With an MSN, nurses can pursue roles like nurse educator, clinical nurse leader (CLN), health policy expert (HPE), or nurse administrator.

Moreover, an MSN prepares RNs to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), specializing as nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), or certified nurse-midwives (CNM).

To apply for an MSN program, you typically need letters of recommendation, a résumé, a statement of purpose, and transcripts. Each program may have additional requirements outlined on its website.

Consider these schools for your MSN:

• Simmons University offers an MSN with options in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), completing in as few as 24 months with full-time and part-time tracks available.
• Georgetown University provides an MSN that can be completed in 23 months, offering specializations in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Nurse-Midwife/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (NM/WHNP), or Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), emphasizing hands-on clinical experience.
• St. John Fisher University offers part-time and accelerated MSN tracks with options including Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner (PCFNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).

Obtain NP Certification

Getting a nurse practitioner certification is the next essential step for practicing in the field. Certification requirements vary by state but generally include holding an advanced nursing degree and passing a national board certification exam in your specialty area, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health, Pediatrics, or Women's Health.

Certification exams are rigorous and administered by accredited organizations. They assess both general advanced practice nursing skills and specialized knowledge relevant to specific patient populations. Candidates can only register for exams in the areas where they completed their advanced degrees, ensuring alignment between education and certification.

Get Licensed as a Nurse Practitioner

Once certified, the next step is obtaining nurse practitioner license to practice in their state. Licensing requirements vary but typically include submitting proof of national certification, completing an application, and paying any associated fees. Some states may also require background checks or documentation of supervised clinical practice hours.

After meeting these requirements, NPs may receive their state license, enabling them to independently assess patients, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications within their scope of practice. This licensure process ensures that NPs meet state-specific standards for patient care and professional conduct, allowing them to provide comprehensive healthcare services to their communities.

On your path to becoming a specialist in the field, understanding nursing care plans is important. So, check out our dedicated article to learn why they are essential.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) typically takes 8-11 years, including undergraduate and graduate education, plus clinical experience. Here is a more detailed look at how long are nursing programs.

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 3-4 years
2. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): 2-3 years
3. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Starting in 2025, a DNP will be required, taking an additional 3-4 years.

Accelerated Pathways:

• RN-to-BSN and RN-to-MSN Programs: These bridge programs can shorten the timeline by allowing registered nurses to earn their BSN and MSN more quickly.

Specializations and Part-Time Study:

• Specializations and part-time study can extend the timeline.
• Full-time students can complete a DNP in 3-4 years, but many students work while studying part-time, which can take 6-7 years to complete.

Nurse Practitioner Job Search Tips

After earning your license, consider these tips for securing good jobs for nursing students.

1. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each job listing. Many employers use specific keywords in their job descriptions and expect candidates to use these keywords. Including relevant skills, credentials, and characteristics from each job description can make your application stand out.
2. Practice Interview Questions: Prepare by practicing answers to common nurse practitioner interview questions. This can boost your confidence and help you articulate your qualifications clearly. Practice in front of a mirror to assess your posture and eye contact.
3. Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of professional organizations such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). These organizations offer job boards, networking events, and resources that can aid in your job search.
4. Use Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and specialized healthcare job boards can help you find job openings suited to your qualifications and preferences.
5. Attend Job Fairs and Career Events: Participate in job fairs and career events focused on healthcare. These events provide opportunities to meet potential employers, learn about job openings, and make a positive impression in person.

Final Words

Becoming an NP starts with a solid base in nursing education and clinical practice. From earning a BSN to gaining specialized certification and state licensure, each step equips nurses to provide advanced patient care. As you progress, never worry thinking ‘who can write paper for me’—we're here to support you every step of the way!

Remember, through dedication and ongoing learning, as a nurse practitioner, you'll play a vital role in healthcare, advocating for patient wellness and contributing to the evolving landscape of nursing practice. Whether in primary care, specialty clinics, or hospital settings, you will uphold the highest standards of professional excellence, making a meaningful impact in the lives you touch!

FAQs