[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most NP programs require RN licensure and clinical experience, but you can become an NP without a nursing degree by enrolling in a direct-entry MSN program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission to direct-entry MSN programs can be competitive, and some programs require prerequisite courses for nurses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bridge programs can help LPNs, CNAs, and second-career students earn an RN license so that they can apply to NP schools.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link] is one of many pathways to making a difference, and you can achieve this goal in just a few years, no matter your academic background.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore this guide to discover how you can become an NP, even if you aren’t already a nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Though not as common, it is possible to become an NP without a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link]. Most NPs enter the profession by earning a BSN, gaining clinical experience, and applying to a graduate program. Next, they earn either a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link]. But the right track for you depends on your prior education and timeline.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have strong grades and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] offer the fastest path to becoming an NP. If you already have an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link], you can become an NP in 2-3 years through [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-msn/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link]. Finally, if you have some nursing or paramedicine experience, but you’re not an RN, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] can prepare you for an NP program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Programs with No Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you have no prior nursing experience, you can still become an NP in about 2-4 years through a direct-entry MSN program. Also called entry-level MSN programs, these programs admit applicants with a bachelor’s degree who do not hold an RN license. In addition to in-person programs, you can consider [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-direct-entry-np-programs-online/”]direct-entry online NP programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The first portion of a direct-entry program covers pre-licensure coursework and RN clinical training. These courses prepare you for the RN role by introducing topics such as fundamental nursing, medical-surgical nursing, pediatric care, and mental health nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing prelicensure courses, you are eligible to sit for the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link] to become an RN. Then, you can progress to the MSN portion of the program, which includes advanced nursing coursework and NP clinical rotations. After earning an MSN, you can apply for NP licensure through your state board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission for direct-entry MSN programs can be competitive. You’ll likely need a minimum 3.0 GPA, and some programs require [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/prerequisites-for-nursing-school/”]prerequisite courses for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bridge Programs to NP School[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing bridge programs offer an accelerated pathway for nursing professionals without an RN license, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/lpn-lvn/how-to-become/”]licensed practical nurses (LPNs)[/hen-ui-link] and paramedics. [hen-ui-link href=”/cna/”]Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)[/hen-ui-link] typically begin by bridging to an LPN or RN program. These professionals can complete the nursing and clinical requirements for an RN license through the bridge program and then apply to NP school.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An LPN can complete an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN-to-BSN bridge program[/hen-ui-link] in around two years. With an RN license, they can apply to NP graduate programs. Some nursing schools may offer direct admission to NP programs for graduates of BSN bridge programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Other Paths to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The right NP program depends on your personal needs and career goals. When exploring these alternate NP pathways, consider your preferred program pace and current education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”white”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”If you do not have a degree”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For candidates without a degree who want to become an RN quickly but prefer to gain RN experience before enrolling in NP school, you might consider earning a 2-year ADN first.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you plan to work as an RN as you continue your schooling journey, an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN to BSN program[/hen-ui-link] may be suitable, as it offers great flexibility for working students. Then, you can apply to an NP school. But if you prefer to skip the BSN altogether, you can enroll in an [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-go-from-rn-to-np/”]RN to NP program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For degree holders in non-nursing fields who want to become an RN as soon as possible, but rather work as a nurse before becoming an NP, you might consider an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] or an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-accelerated-bsn-programs-online/”]online accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] first. After earning a BSN, you can enroll in a traditional NP program or an [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/accelerated-online-programs/”]accelerated NP program[/hen-ui-link], depending on your desired program pace at the time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accelerated NP programs may be rigorous, but if you already hold an MSN, you may be able to finish in 12-18 months if enrolled full-time. You can even skip an MSN altogether and earn a DNP. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/bsn-dnp-program-guide/”]BSN-to-DNP programs[/hen-ui-link] take about 3-4 years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I be a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can become an NP without a nursing degree. Direct-entry MSN programs admit applicants with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. In these programs, you’ll complete foundational nursing courses to earn your RN license before moving on to graduate-level nursing courses. NP programs incorporate clinical requirements so you can work as an NP.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who gets paid more: PA or NP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician assistants earn slightly more than NPs. Nurse practitioners report a median salary of $129,210 per year, while physician assistants earn a median salary of $133,260. However, there are nearly twice as many NPs, who are in higher demand than PAs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I skip my BSN degree and get my MSN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can skip your BSN degree and earn an MSN. Many nursing schools offer bridge programs for RNs without a BSN. These RN-to-MSN programs offer a fast track to a graduate degree in nursing because they combine BSN and MSN programs. In these programs, nursing students complete undergraduate nursing classes before advancing to graduate courses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can an RN be a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs are advanced practice RNs who need a graduate degree to practice. RNs can become nurse practitioners by completing a 2-4-year NP program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]