The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: A Practical Guide | USAHS

The role of a nurse practitioner encompasses more than general nursing responsibilities. A nurse practitioner sees patients, orders diagnostic testing, and often prescribes medications while working closely with a licensed physician. After receiving a degree as a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner requires additional education. 

The Nursing Field Offers Many Employment Opportunities

If a long-term career in nursing is the goal, consider becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurses are an essential part of the medical field, and there are many opportunities for advancement. With additional education, the role of a nurse practitioner (NP) offers a unique way to interact with patients. Nurse practitioners work closely with medical doctors and provide many of the same services as physicians. NPs can diagnose, order specialized tests, treat ongoing medical conditions, and perform minor medical procedures.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

Requirements for nurse practitioners vary from state to state. However, all NPs must complete the course requirements for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). Obtaining an MSN requires two years of additional study, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice takes four years. It’s important to note that some employers only hire NPs with a Doctorate in Nursing, so research the state requirements before signing up for classes. The time frame to become a registered nurse and then a nurse practitioner is six to eight years. 

Nurse Practitioners Fill the Gap

The number of physicians available across the United States is inadequate for the number of people who reside here. Nurse practitioners fill in the gap and provide preventative treatment that helps reduce patient ER visits. As the population increases, nurse practitioners ease the burden on physicians in every area of medicine.

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NPs often choose an area to specialize in, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP), or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Family Nurse Practitioners work in Primary Care Provider offices and see patients of all ages. Oncology Nurse Practitioners work with oncologists and assist with the individualized treatment plan for patients dealing with cancer. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners find a rewarding career caring for infants and children up to two years of age who are in the intensive care unit of a hospital (ICU) or assist with labor and delivery. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners conduct wellness checkups, administer immunizations, treat illnesses, and see patients ranging from infants to young adults.  

Nurse Practitioners Earn a Competitive Salary

Choosing a healthcare career is rewarding and provides the potential for a generous salary. Since every state offers different compensation for specialized skills and certifications, select a location that provides the best earning potential for the specialty area chosen. Nurse Practitioners enjoy a wide area of medical specialties to focus on that are rewarding and pay well, too. Many NPs earn a six-figure salary!

Several Steps are Necessary for a Nurse Practitioner’s License

Besides dedication, a nurse practitioner needs an advanced education that starts with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) is next. One to two years of experience as an RN is necessary to develop skills before enrolling in an advanced degree program for either a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a field of specialty chosen at this point.

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Beginning a career as a nursing professional does more than merely pay the bills. A licensed Nurse Practitioner can change lives while helping individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

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