[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]8-11 years(including work experience)[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]MSN or DNP[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook, 2024-2034[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]40% growth[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link] are in high demand as primary and specialty healthcare providers. They are particularly valuable because they can practice medicine with little or no oversight from other care providers. This means they can typically diagnose and treat a host of medical conditions in some states, including by prescribing medication.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs are not only one of the nation’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-practitioners-fastest-growing-profession-nursing-second-year/”]fastest-growing occupations[/hen-ui-link], but they’re also among the highest-paid nursing professionals. But NP training can be intense. Learn how to become a nurse practitioner, including how to find the right school and chart your training path in this guide. We also cover the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]average salary for nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] and their career outlook after graduation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is a Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP is an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-link]. As the name suggests, APRNs, including NPs, have advanced training that enables them to administer more complex care. They have many of the same capabilities as physicians and more responsibilities and authority than registered nurses (RNs).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like RNs, licensed NPs’ primary focus is patient care. However, depending on the state in which they work, their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]scope of practice[/hen-ui-link] includes responsibilities such as diagnosing patients, performing surgical procedures, ordering tests, and prescribing medications. NPs work in hospitals, nursing homes, physician’s offices, and community health settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most common NP specialties include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]FNPs provide primary care to patients of all ages, from infancy to older adults. These professionals assess, screen, diagnose, and treat patients with preventive and disease management care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/what-to-know-about-working-as-a-pediatric-nurse/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]These NPs care for patients from birth to young adults. Their typical duties include assessing, screening, diagnosing, and treating patients. Pediatric NPs may specialize in primary or acute care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]NPs who specialize in adult-gerontology primary or acute care treat older adults, including those with critical or chronic illnesses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]Psychiatric and mental health NPs assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health issues. They can prescribe medication in every state.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]Women’s health NPs provide health care to women from adolescence through pregnancy and beyond menopause. They specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Neonatal Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]: [/hen-ui-text]Neonatal NPs care for high-risk newborns and infants in delivery rooms, emergency rooms, and neonatal intensive care units.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an NP can increase an RN’s career advancement opportunities and earning potential. While NP schooling takes an additional 2-3 years after completing a bachelor’s degree, a doctorate would take an additional 3-5 years.[/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″]Steps to Becoming an NP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse practitioner must have a master’s degree, active RN and NP licensure, and board certification in their specialty. Completing the steps to become an NP takes 8-11 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]Earning a BSN[/hen-ui-link] is the first step toward becoming an NP. Traditional BSNs take four years to complete, including general education, nursing-specific coursework, and hands-on clinical training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] can enroll in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge[/hen-ui-link] programs, which typically take 1-2 years. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who wish to earn BSNs can enroll in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-second-degree-bsn-programs/”]accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective RNs must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link] to obtain licensure. The adaptive computerized exam contains 75-145 questions, tailoring the test in real-time in response to the test-taker’s performance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN assesses clinical knowledge of four key areas: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most graduate programs require 1-2 years of patient-centered nursing experience to enroll. Exploring different clinical settings and identifying your areas of interest can help you select a primary specialty and healthcare location to gain experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As you choose a role in the field that attracts you, hands-on nursing practice will allow you to develop and refine your clinical skills and judgment. For example, working on a pediatric unit would be key for the pediatric NP path.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Enroll in a Nursing Graduate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After gaining nursing experience, you can research schools and enroll in an NP program. Admission requirements typically include a BSN, RN license, transcripts, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Some graduate programs also require GRE or MCAT scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NP program curriculum includes coursework and supervised clinical placements to strengthen clinical decision-making skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently, the minimum educational requirement for NPs is an MSN degree. However, a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/bsn-vs-msn-vs-dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] can lead to higher earnings and increased job opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs last 2-3 years, while DNPs take 3-4 years to complete. Both degree tracks require students to focus on specific populations or conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn Specialty Certification and NP Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs must become licensed in their states to practice. While some licensing criteria may vary, all states require an advanced nursing degree and a passing score on a national board certification examination in the applicant’s specialty area, such as family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric, pediatrics, or women’s health.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administered by accredited certifying organizations, the rigorous exams test general advanced practice nursing competency and knowledge of specialty populations. Candidates can register for exams only in the areas where they earned their degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Find Employment[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your clinical experience and credentials greatly impact your ability to find an NP position. Skills [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/networking-in-nursing/”]in networking[/hen-ui-link], the job search process, and interviewing are also key factors. NPs can also join professional organizations to find open roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using traditional job boards and searching directly on healthcare organization websites are places to start your search. Job fairs, agency recruiters, professional organizations, and networking sites like LinkedIn are valuable resources to identify opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs learn how to provide comprehensive patient care and apply evidence-based practices throughout their education. The amount of time a candidate spends becoming a nurse practitioner depends on many factors, such as education level, work experience, specialization, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore the typical length, requirements, and curriculum for BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurse practitioners earn a BSN before undertaking their graduate-level coursework. The time commitment, curriculum, and admission requirements vary depending on whether applicants hold an RN license or not.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Common admission requirements include a high school diploma, transcripts, a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and a resume. Programs often ask for personal essays and letters of recommendation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: BSN programs combine didactic coursework and clinical rotations at healthcare facilities. Typical courses include anatomy, nursing informatics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, research, and statistics. Clinical experiences involve shadowing RNs and applying nursing skills in healthcare settings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: BSN programs often take four years to complete, but transferable credits can shorten this timeline. RNs with ADNs and students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees may qualify for bridge and/or accelerated programs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: BSN curricula foster hard and soft skills, including empathy, case management, critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]Earning an MSN[/hen-ui-link] provides the fastest path to NP careers. These programs strengthen clinical decision-making skills and prepare graduates for board certification in an NP specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Most MSN programs require a BSN, an RN license, transcripts with a 2.75-3.5 GPA or higher, personal essays, and recommendation letters. Some NP schools request GRE scores and admission interviews.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Core courses include advanced pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology; health assessment; and nursing administration and ethics. NPs also complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: NP programs that award an MSN take 2-3 years for full-time learners. The exact time frame varies with concentration area, educational history, and enrollment status.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: MSN programs emphasize advanced clinical skills, ethical decision-making, collaboration, and leadership. Students also develop their organization, healthcare technologies, disease prevention, and health promotion abilities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]DNP Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A DNP is the highest degree for nurse practitioners. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]Earning a DNP[/hen-ui-link] can mean greater clinical expertise and a higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: DNP schools often admit MSN degree holders who have completed nursing research and statistics prerequisites. Applicants must submit transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA, a valid RN license, and proof of clinical experience. DNP bridge programs combine MSN and DNP coursework for candidates with BSNs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: DNP programs include courses in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, and clinical requirements in the NP specialty area.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Full-time learners can complete DNPs in 3-4 years. Students can also continue working while attending school part time. Most schools allow part-time completion within 6-7 years.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: DNP professionals often take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, using their critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Nurse Practitioner Courses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most NP programs include foundational courses in nursing ethics, health assessment, primary care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare policy.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Course content varies depending on a program’s specialization. NP students complete advanced coursework in their specialty area to prepare for board certification. Common NP courses include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Advanced Pharmacology”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students examine the physiological effects that medications have on the body, including how to administer and monitor drug therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Advanced Pathophysiology”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Building on an RN’s clinical skills, this course provides an advanced look at human anatomy and physiology and how body systems function and are affected by disease.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Nursing Ethics”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This course covers ethical issues in nursing practice and leadership, including questions NPs face and the application of professional codes of ethics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Advanced Health Assessment”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs develop their assessment skills and diagnostic reasoning for advanced clinical practice. Students learn to differentiate anatomic and physiological variations across the lifespan.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Primary Care Nursing”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Primary care courses develop the clinical knowledge needed for diagnosing, evaluating, practicing evidence-based care, and managing individuals and families in primary care nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Clinical Decision-Making”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learners develop their clinical diagnosis, problem-solving, and reasoning abilities by applying theoretical concepts to hands-on clinical practice and holistic primary care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Healthcare Policies and Issues in Practice”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs develop skills in synthesizing organizational leadership, theory, and management processes to influence healthcare policy from historical, political, socioeconomic, and technological perspectives.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does an NP Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioner programs average $20,260-$166,500 in tuition, according to the[hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab” target=”_blank”] National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link]. Total [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]nursing school costs[/hen-ui-link] vary based on a number of factors, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree level (MSN, DNP, or postgraduate certificate)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Type of college (public or private)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Residency status (in-state or out-of-state)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program length[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School prestige[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program format (online or in person)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit requirements[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to tuition, NP students must consider other costs, including housing, travel, books, and technology. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]Nursing students can pay for their degrees[/hen-ui-link] with scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, and employer assistance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses often qualify for student loan forgiveness programs. In addition, many larger medical centers associated with nursing schools will offer tuition reimbursement for RNs pursuing MSN/DNP programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs must earn and maintain two credentials: state licensure and board certification. Both require an accredited NP degree and clinical experience. The specific licensure process and board certification requirements vary depending on the state and certification area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Certifications[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates seeking board certification take an exam that tests their competency in their specialty area. All but two state nursing boards require national certification for NP licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certification requires NPs to earn an advanced nursing degree, complete 500-800 practicum hours, and pass a certification exam in their specialty area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several professional associations offer NP certifications, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Association of Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pncb.org/” target=”_blank”]Pediatric Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccwebsite.org/” target=”_blank”]National Certification Corporation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recertification requirements vary by certification body, but NPs usually must complete 1,000 clinical practice hours, take advanced continuing education courses, or recertify by examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Licensure[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP must hold a current RN license and APRN license. State licensure boards impose specific licensing criteria, but they typically require at least an MSN or a DNP from an accredited graduate nursing program, along with a passing score on the specialty certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State law determines the scope of practice for NPs, including their level of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-practitioner-prescriptive-authority-by-state/”]prescriptive authority[/hen-ui-link]. Renewal requirements also follow state law but tend to mirror requirements for national certification maintenance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the healthcare field, nurse practitioners benefit from one of the strongest salary and job outlooks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]nurse practitioner salary[/hen-ui-link] is $129,210, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). NPs rank among the fastest-growing occupations in 2024-34 BLS projections, with 40% projected job growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What’s driving demand for nurse practitioners? The healthcare industry faces a shortage of primary and specialty care providers, and NPs can help meet that need. Many states are also expanding the practice authority of APRNs, allowing NPs to provide a broader scope of healthcare services.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The earning potential for NPs varies depending on their specialty area, experience, location, and work setting.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nurse Practitioner Salary Data by Work Setting[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Industries[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]NP Work Setting[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Pay (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Industries”]Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NP Work Setting”]Provide primary care to patients of all ages, including treating ongoing medical conditions[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Pay (2024)”]$163,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Industries”]Hospitals[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NP Work Setting”]Diagnose, prescribe meds, intubate patients, and place patients on ventilators.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Pay (2024)”]$138,340[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Industries”]Home Health Care [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NP Work Setting”]Home health NPs provide care to home-based patients to help them recover and prevent re-hospitalization. They also provide referrals for necessary services.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Pay (2024)”]$130,410[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Industries”]Outpatient Care Centers[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”NP Work Setting”]Provide specialty care, interpret lab results, prescribe medication, and treat patients in urgent care settings[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Pay (2024)”]$143,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Including training as an RN, nurse practitioners typically spend a minimum of 8 years to qualify for NP jobs. RNs with a BSN and 1-2 years of clinical experience can become nurse practitioners in as little as two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it harder to become an NP or an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s harder to become an NP because all NPs are already RNs. You can become an RN with a two-year nursing degree, while NPs need a graduate degree. NPs generally bring 8-11 years of nursing education and experience to their field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Why are nurse practitioners one of the fastest-growing occupations?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners (NPs) are one of the fastest-growing occupations because they can help address the shortage of primary and specialty healthcare providers. Many states are expanding the scope of practice for NPs to address healthcare needs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the 10-year growth rate for nurse practitioners?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The 10-year growth rate for nurse practitioners is 40%, making NPs the fastest-growing healthcare occupation. By comparison, RNs are projected to grow by 5% over the same decade, which is still faster than the 3% national average growth rate for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]