Nurse practitioners are advance practice registered nurses that specialize either with a specific demographic or in a specific area of care. They work directly with patients and are highly trained and educated. You will need a relevant MSN degree at minimum, with the option of furthering your credentials with a doctorate later on.
Depending on the state, you will either have full practice authority, reduced, or restricted authority. Full practice authority means that NPs can write prescriptions, send for tests, and even create care plans for their patients. Reduced authority requires NPs to get physicians to sign off on some of these activities, while in restricted authority states, NPs must work under a physician's supervision.
Nurse practitioners are one of the best job roles in the country, and you too can become one by following these steps.
1. Earn a BSN Degree
In order to become a nurse practitioner, you will eventually need to earn an MSN degree. In order to qualify for said MSN, you will need a BSN. There are several ways to earn this credential, giving more people the opportunity to kickstart their careers in nursing.
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Take a full-time intensive BSN
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Take an online and flexible BSN (ideal for working professionals)
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Fast-track your BSN by transferring credits from a non-nursing bachelor's
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Earn your associate's degree in nursing (ADN) and then transfer credits to fast-track your BSN
2. Become a Registered Nurse
Once you have either the ADN or the BSN, you will often need to work as an RN for a few years. The practical experience is essential not just as a requirement before you can go for your MSN but also to help you understand what NP specialization you want to focus on and work towards. Try working in different departments and with a variety of patients to understand what area of care and medicine you are most interested in or passionate about. Taking the time to understand what type of nurse you want to be early on can help you make the right choice for your future when the time comes.
3. Earn an MSN Degree
The next step is to find, apply, and complete an MSN degree. It is important to note that there will be restrictions on where you can apply. If you have a license in a non-eNLC state, you will need to find a local program. If you are a nurse in a participating eNLC state, you can usually apply to programs around the country. You could apply from one of thirty different states to these top TWU online nursing programs, for example, allowing you the chance to learn from your top choice without relocating.
4. Other Degree Options
The MSN is not a terminal degree, meaning that you can go one step further with your education and earn a doctorate. There are various types of doctorates. You can earn a DNP, a PhD, or an EdD. You can also earn a post-graduate certificate that allows current APRNs to qualify for a different role.
