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If you’re considering becoming a nurse practitioner, you might be wondering what kind of education you need. Here’s a look at what you’ll need to study to become a nurse practitioner.
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The role of a nurse practitioner
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed a master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing. Nurse practitioners are licensed to practice nursing and provide direct patient care. They are also allowed to prescribe medication in some states.
Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty health care services to patients of all ages. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and nursing homes. Some nurse practitioners also work as researchers or teachers.
In most states, nurse practitioners must complete an accredited master’s or doctoral degree program in nursing. They must also pass a national certification exam and obtain a state license.
The different types of nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have completed advanced education and training in a health care specialty. NPs are prepared to provide a broad range of health care services, including the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide preventive care and health education to patients.
There are four main types of nurse practitioners: family nurse practitioners (FNPs), adult-gerontology nurse practitioners (AGNPs), pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs), and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). FNPs provide primary care to patients of all ages, while AGNPs specialize in the care of adults over the age of 18. PNPs focus on the care of children from birth to adolescence, and PMHNPs provide care to patients with mental health conditions.
The education requirements to become a nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 36 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.i With this rapid growth comes an increased demand for qualified nurse practitioners.
To become an NP, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing (MSN).ii Some states also require you to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) before you can enroll in an MSN program.iii Depending on your state’s regulations, you may also be required to complete a post-master’s NP certificate program.iv
Once you have completed your MSN or post-master’s NP certificate program, you will need to obtain national certification in your chosen area of practice.v To be eligible for national certification, you must have completed an accredited NP program and have passing scores on a national standardized exam.vi Once you have obtained national certification, you will need to obtain a state license before you can begin practicing as an NP.vii
References:
i https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6
ii https://www.aacnnp.org/page/FAQ
iii https://www.aacnnp.org/page/Practice_Brief_Licensure
iv https://www.aacnnp.org/page/-/AACNNP%20BS%20 tigers %20Web%20Content%2062219_2 (1).pdf?dl=0&sd=mm&lettslid=39D126FD44114DE28C72A583882F48BF&lmlettslid=39D126FD44114DE28C72A583882F48BF&m lettslid=39D126FD44114DE28C72A583882F48BF#page=1&zoom=auto,-161,792
v https://www.aacnnp .org / page / Certification – credentialing – Overview
vi https://www .aanp .org / education / becoming – certified – faq#sthash .7VxhmW5J .dpbs
The different types of nurse practitioner programs
There are three different types of nurse practitioner programs: certificate, master’s, and doctoral. Each type of program has different requirements, but all three types of programs will prepare you to become a licensed nurse practitioner.
The type of program you choose will depend on your prior education and experience, as well as your career goals. If you are already a registered nurse (RN), you may be able to enroll in a certificate or master’s program. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you will likely need to enroll in a master’s or doctoral program.
Certificate programs are the shortest type of nurse practitioner program, and they typically take 1-2 years to complete. These programs are designed for RNs who want to become nurse practitioners, and they will prepare you to take the national licensing exam.
Master’s programs are typically 2-3 years long, and they are designed for RNs and students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. These programs will prepare you to take the national licensing exam and specialize in a particular area of nursing practice.
Doctoral programs are the longest type of nurse practitioner program, and they typically take 3-4 years to complete. These programs are designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field, and they will prepare you to take the national licensing exam and specialize in a particular area of nursing practice. In addition to coursework, doctoral programs also include research components and clinical rotations.
The certification process for nurse practitioners
In order to become a certified nurse practitioner, you must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a registered nursing license. Once you have completed these steps, you can then enroll in a nurse practitioner program.
Nurse practitioner programs are available at the graduate level and typically take two to three years to complete. During your time in the program, you will take coursework in advanced nursing theory and practice, as well as courses specific to the nurse practitioner role. You will also complete clinical rotations in various medical settings.
Once you have completed your nurse practitioner program, you must then pass a national certification exam in order to earn your certification. Once you are certified, you will be able to apply for state licensure. Each state has its own licensure requirements, so be sure to check with your state board of nursing for more information.
