[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″]Licensed RNs can advance to NP roles by completing an MSN or DNP program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These graduate programs build on a current RN’s clinical skills and knowledge, and can include around 500-750 hours of clinical practice requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This advanced training can lead to higher earning power for NPs by around $35,000, according to recent median salary figures.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners (NP)[/hen-ui-link] provide both primary and specialty care — and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/nurse-practitioners-fastest-growing-profession-nursing-second-year/”]they’re in high demand[/hen-ui-link]. Becoming an NP can mean higher compensation, greater autonomy, and increased professional opportunities. Unlike a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link], an NP has professional authority that’s closer to that of a physician, meaning they can order tests, diagnose diseases, and prescribe medication.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is it worth it to go from [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-to-np-is-it-worth-it/”]RN to NP[/hen-ui-link]? For many, the payoff is worth the investment. Discover the steps to advance your nursing career as an NP.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Go from RN to NP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your first step in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]becoming a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] is to become an RN. Once you’ve got your RN license, here’s your next steps to go from RN to NP.[/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″]Gain Clinical Nursing Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although not all NP programs require it, many prefer at least two years of experience as a registered nurse. This step will help you identify the specialty you want to work in as an NP before making the commitment.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete Educational Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP programs typically require a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree. RNs can enroll in bridge programs including [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] or an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] program. Some of these programs are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]ADN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] programs, while others require a bachelor’s degree. These programs allow nurses with an associate degree to pursue an MSN without first earning a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Attend an Accredited NP Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most NPs hold an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link] from an accredited NP program. In general, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/most-critical-prerequisites-for-getting-your-masters-in-nursing/”]MSN program prerequisites[/hen-ui-link] include a current and active RN license, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prerequisite courses. Nursing schools offer traditional on-campus and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]online NP programs[/hen-ui-link]. These programs typically take 2-3 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass a Board Certification Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After you graduate, you’ll pass a board certification examination in a particular specialty, such as family practice, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]women’s health[/hen-ui-link], geriatrics, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/psychiatric-nurse/how-to-become/”]psychiatric mental health[/hen-ui-link], or pediatrics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Apply for an NP License[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You will need to apply for state licensure after passing your board certification exam. Your [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] provides additional information on the NP licensure process and requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][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 MSN 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″]What Is a Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Drawing on the nursing profession’s tradition of patient-centered care, nurse practitioners provide both primary and specialty care. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]Family nurse practitioners (FNPs)[/hen-ui-link] act as primary care providers to patients of all ages. NPs also provide specialty care in areas such as women’s health, mental health, and pediatrics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical NP duties include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Comprehensive physical assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests including blood work, X-rays, and much more[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing illnesses and conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can become NPs by earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree. NP programs build on a registered nurse’s clinical skills with intensive coursework and about 500-750 hours of clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners also can choose from a range of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]specialties designed for NPs[/hen-ui-link]. Common NP specialties include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family practice[/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/”]Women’s health[/hen-ui-link][/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/”]Psychiatric-mental health[/hen-ui-link][/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/”]Pediatrics[/hen-ui-link][/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/”]Gerontology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Going from an RN to an NP is a significant investment in time and money, including at least two years of graduate school. The RN-to-NP career path offers significant rewards, and most people who have made the transition find the change enriching and worthwhile.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Increased Salary[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The transition from nurse to nurse practitioner can be financially rewarding. The median nurse practitioner’s salary is $129,210 annually, compared to $93,600 for RNs — a difference of more than $35,000 per year — according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP’s higher average salary can help offset education expenses. There are many opportunities to help you [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/ways-to-finance-your-masters-degree-in-nursing/”]finance your MSN[/hen-ui-link] degree through [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]nursing scholarships[/hen-ui-link], grants, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Growth and Opportunities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are among the fastest-growing professions nationally. The BLS projects that NP jobs will grow 40% from 2024-2034 — far faster than the national average. The aging U.S. population, greater recognition of NPs’ effectiveness, and the need for healthcare practitioners all contribute to this growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]More Flexibility and Autonomy[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many nurses make the move from RN to nurse practitioner to gain more professional autonomy. Nurse practitioners can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and act as primary care providers.In some states, NPs must work under the supervision of a physician, which means they report to a physician or can consult with a physician as needed. NPs do not have direct physician supervision in their daily responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What are the licensure and certification requirements for nurse practitioners? Nearly all states require an APRN license issued by the state board of nursing and board certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Multiple organizations offer NP certifications. Nurse practitioners can earn board certification from the following organizations:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [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″]The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certified NPs must renew their credential on a regular basis.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Association of Nurse Practitioners provides detailed information on NP certification.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN-to-NP: Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to go from RN to NP?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can become NPs in as little as 2-3 years. Nurses can enroll in MSN programs to train as NPs. During an NP program, nurses strengthen their clinical and leadership skills. If you have an ADN, the path from RN to NP may take an additional 1-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it worth going from RN to NP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The answer to this question will depend on each unique individual. On one hand, an NP career offers greater autonomy and higher compensation. On the other, it requires additional time, training, and cost. Many NPs, however, say the professional and financial rewards are worth the investments.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does nurse practitioner school cost?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average cost of an NP school ranges from $20,000-$50,000. Your exact cost will depend on your school choice, program, location, and whether the school is private or public. Many employers offer tuition assistance to help cover school costs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is NP school harder than nursing school?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, yes. NP school is more academically rigorous than nursing school as it is an advanced degree. However, NP programs build upon your existing nursing knowledge, education, and experiences. In some cases, nurses find NP school easier to adjust to than those who are switching from a non-nursing field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”py-4 my-0 text-center border-b md:pb-8 md:border-none”]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-article-row variant=”3-col” ids=”34351,59652,63399″][/hen-ui-article-row]