Nursing MSN & DNP

| 2 February 2024

The data in this blog is for general informational purposes only and information presented was accurate as of the publication date.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: A Practical Guide

A USAHS nursing student interacts with a patient.

Nurse practitioners perform many of the same services as physicians without attending medical school, and they are in high demand—the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow 38% by 2032.1

To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to earn a graduate-level nursing degree, at least a master’s, and become certified in your specialty area.2 Continue reading to learn more about this growing profession.

Table of Contents:

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What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is a nurse whose clinical education and training exceeds that of a registered nurse.3 In some states, they may have the same authority level as a doctor, while other states may require nurse practitioners to work under the supervision of a physician.3

Definition of a nurse practitioner.

A nurse practitioner delivers patient-centered care and may serve as a person’s primary care provider or a specialty care provider.3 Depending on the state where you live, your day-to-day responsibilities as a nurse practitioner may include4,3:

  • Taking medical histories
  • Conducting physical examinations
  • Ordering diagnostic tests and interpreting them
  • Prescribing medication and treatment
  • Referring patients to specialists
  • Counseling patients and their families about illnesses or injury
  • Educating patients on preventing disease and making healthy choices
  • Collaborating with other members of a patient’s healthcare team

Nurse practitioners are essential to the U.S. healthcare landscape. By 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts the U.S. will be short 124,000 physicians, and nurse practitioners are helping to fill the gap.5,4 With their focus on preventing disease, nurse practitioners also help patients minimize their medical costs by reducing emergency room visits and using preventive treatment to lower overall medication costs.4

Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Nurse practitioners specialize in a particular area. Common nurse practitioner specialties include:

  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): These nurse practitioners provide care to patients after they’ve experienced a severe illness or injury or immediately after surgery, often in a hospital setting.3
  • Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner: Aesthetic nurse practitioners specialize in cosmetic procedures.3 They examine and counsel patients, conduct procedures and provide recovery care.
  • Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Nurse practitioners specializing in adult gerontology work with patients from young adulthood to old age. Demand for this type of nurse practitioner continues to grow as the population ages. Some AGNPs may also work in home health.6
  • Emergency Nurse Practitioner: Emergency Nurse Practitioners work in emergency rooms, treating and monitoring patients with emergency injuries or illnesses.3
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): An FNP promotes health and wellness in people of all ages.3 They are often a person’s primary care provider in place of a physician.
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): NNPs work with babies from birth through age two.6 They often work in neonatal intensive care units (ICUs), but some NNPs may also assist in delivering babies.6,3
  • Oncology Nurse Practitioner: These nurse practitioners work with cancer patients and collaborate with oncologists and other healthcare providers to develop treatment plans and manage patient care.3
  • Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner: Patients with musculoskeletal issues may see an orthopedic nurse practitioner who specializes in diseases and injuries related to bones, joints, muscles and connective tissue.3
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): PNPs specialize in treating children from infancy through the time they become adults.3 They conduct wellness checks, administer immunizations and treat acute and chronic illnesses.
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This specialty focuses on providing mental health care to people of all ages experiencing mental health conditions or substance use disorders.3 They often collaborate with psychiatrists.6
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): WHNPs provide reproductive, gynecological and obstetric services for women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB).3

Nurse Practitioner vs. Registered Nurse: What’s the Difference?

Registered nurses and nurse practitioners are both nurses, but they are not at the same level of nursing.

Summary of the differences between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse.

Nurse practitioners have more authority than registered nurses.3 While registered nurses implement care plans, nurse practitioners can design them (although some states may require a physician’s signoff).7

Nurse practitioners have a higher education than registered nurses.7 Registered nurses need to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurse practitioners must have at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a specialty certification to practice.

Finally, nurse practitioners have unique career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential than registered nurses.7 Salaries vary widely based on factors such as location and specialty, but nurse practitioners make more on average.7 Nurse practitioners can also hold administrative and leadership roles in medicine.7

Steps to Become a Nurse Practitioner

You’ll need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to practice as a nurse practitioner, although the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is pushing to require the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as the entry-level degree for NPs by 2025.8

Education specifics will vary based on how you become a registered nurse and which advanced degree you select, but most nurse practitioner candidates follow the path below.

How to become a nurse practitioner.

1. Earn a Degree in Nursing

Before becoming a nurse practitioner, you must be a registered nurse first. To do that, you’ll need to start by earning one of the following:

  • Registered Nurse Diploma or Certificate: A certificate earned through a hospital nursing school that prepares you for an entry-level registered nurse position.10 However, credits earned in a diploma or certificate program typically do not transfer to a degree program and career advancement is limited.
  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A degree that typically takes two years to complete.11 Credits earned in an ADN program can often be applied toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) if you wish to continue your nursing education.10
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN typically takes four years to complete.9 This degree for nurses offers the most comprehensive education of the three and comes with higher starting salaries than the other two options.10

All three options will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam, but BSN graduates have the highest pass rate.12

2. Pass the NCLEX-RN

All states require registered nurses to pass the NCLEX-RN, an up-to-145-question exam that evaluates your readiness to practice nursing.9,12

To sign up for the NCLEX-RN, you’ll need to apply for licensure through your state’s regulatory board and then register for the exam.12

3. Get Nursing Experience

Once you’ve become a registered nurse, you’ll need some nursing experience since most graduate programs require at least 1-2 years of clinical experience.9 You can also use this time to work in different specialty areas.

USAHS requires the following experience for its nursing programs:

  • MSN with RN-entry: One full-time year.
  • MSN with BSN-entry: One full-time year by the time you intend to take your first practicum course.
  • DNP: One full-time year by the time you intend to take your first practicum course.

4. Graduate from a Nursing Graduate Program

Currently, you can either earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to work as a nurse practitioner, but by 2025, you may need a DNP.3,9 No matter which degree you choose, you’ll have to select a specialty area.9

An MSN is a graduate nursing degree that allows you to expand your nursing career.

There are usually two different entry pathways: RN to MSN or BSN to MSN. At USAHS, the RN to MSN program allows you to enter the program with an ADN as long as you are a registered nurse and have at least one year of work experience, while the BSN-entry is for people who have already earned their BSN.

The MSN curriculum includes a blend of coursework and practicum hours, although the exact course material will vary based on your specialty. Most students at USAHS complete their MSN in 2-3.7 yearsTime to completion may vary by student depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors., depending on their entry path and role specialty.

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A DNP covers everything an MSN does while preparing you for a leadership role at the clinical or administrative level. This terminal degree in nursing is a great option for aspiring nurse practitioners and those wanting to work in leadership and administration.14

Organizations pushing for a DNP to be required for nurse practitioners by 2025.

The DNP curriculum typically includes a blend of coursework and practicum hours, although the total time spent in each area may vary based on your specialty and entry level. The USAHS DNP program typically takes 2.3-4 yearsPlease note, the DNP-FNP program typically takes 3 years and 8 months to complete, based off the most recent 2-year graduate data (2020-2021 and 2021-2022); however, individual experiences will vary based on factors including, but not limited to, individual progress, traditional vs. accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors., depending on your entry path and role specialty.

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5. Earn a Specialty Certification

After graduating from your advanced degree program, you’ll need to pass the national certification exam required by your specialty area.9 These exams assess advanced knowledge and skills related to your chosen specialty. The relevant national nursing organization administers the exam.

6. Get a Nurse Practitioner License

Finally, you’ll need to get your state’s nurse practitioner license. The process varies by state, so you’ll need to consult your state’s licensing board.3

FAQ

Learn more about becoming a nurse practitioner by reviewing these common questions.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

If you know you want to become a nurse practitioner after graduating high school, the entire process takes 6-7+ years.15 This includes:

  • Four years to earn a BSN
  • At least one year of registered nursing experience
  • Two to three years to earn your MSN or DNP

At USAHS, our graduate nursing programs can take anywhere from 2-4 years to completeTime to completion may vary by student depending on individual progress, traditional versus accelerated pathway, credits transferred and other factors., depending on your program, entry pathway and specialization.

How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?

Nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $121,610.16 For comparison, a registered nurse earns a median annual salary of $81,220.17

Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work?

Nurse practitioners work in several settings depending on their specialty areas, including4:

  • Hospitals
  • Emergency rooms
  • Clinics
  • Urgent care centers
  • Private practices
  • Nursing facilities
  • Schools and colleges
  • Public health departments

What Skills Do You Need as a Nurse Practitioner?

Successful nurse practitioners have the following skills2:

  • Communication
  • Critical-thinking
  • Compassion
  • Detail-oriented
  • Interpersonal
  • Leadership
  • Resourcefulness

Prepare to Become a Nurse Practitioner with USAHS

USAHS is a great place to start your journey to becoming a nurse practitioner.

Our MSN and DNP programs feature dedicated support from day one to help you stay on track and graduate on time. We integrate interprofessional education to prepare you for real-world healthcare team collaboration, and our expert faculty-practitioners support you every step of the way. Our flexible entry points and individual study plans help you to select the right track.

Learn more about our nursing programs or apply today!

Sources:

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Job Outlook,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified September 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-6.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife or Nurse Practitioner,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified September 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-4.
  3. Cleveland Clinic, “Nurse Practitioner,” Cleveland Clinic, last modified January 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24651-nurse-practitioner.
  4. American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “What’s a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?” American Association of Nurse Practitioners, https://www.aanp.org/about/all-about-nps/whats-a-nurse-practitioner.
  5. Stuart Heiser, “AAMC Supports Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023,” Association of American Medical Colleges, last modified March 2023, https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/aamc-supports-resident-physician-shortage-reduction-act-2023.
  6. American Nurses Association, “Types of Nurse Practitioner Specialties,” Nursing World, https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/types-of-nurse-practitioner-specialties/.
  7. Chaunie Brusie, “Registered Nurse (RN) vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP): What’s the Difference?” Nurse.org, last modified September 2023, https://nurse.org/education/rn-vs-np/
  8. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “AACN Fact Sheet – DNP,” American Association of Colleges of Nursing, last modified June 2023, https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/dnp-fact-sheet.
  9. Brandy Gleason, “How to Become a Nurse Practitioner,NurseJournal, last modified September 2023, https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/.
  10. Maura Deering, “RN Diploma vs ADN vs. BSN Degree: What’s the Difference?” NurseJournal, last modified July 2023, https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/.
  11. NurseJournal Staff, “Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Overview,” NurseJournal, last modified July 2023, https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/.
  12. Sarah Jividen, “What Is the NCLEX? Everything You Need to Know & How to Prepare,” Nurse.org, last modified May 2023, https://nurse.org/resources/what-is-the-nclex/.
  13. NurseJournal Staff, “Ask a Nurse: MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs Are Changing to DNP Programs by 205. What Does This Mean for Me?” NurseJournal, last modified March 2023, https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/msn-np-programs-to-dnp-by-2025/.
  14. Danielle LeVeck, “What Is a DNP and Is It Worth It?” Nurse.org, last modified September 2023, https://nurse.org/articles/how-to-get-a-dnp-is-it-worth-it/.
  15. Leona Werezak, “How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?” Nurse.org, last modified January 2023, https://nurse.org/education/length-to-become-nurse-practitioner/.
  16. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Pay,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified September 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-5.
  17. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Registered Nurses: Pay,” Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified November 2023, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-5.

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