Become A Registered Nurse And Gain Work Experience
Aftercompleting an undergraduate degree, aspiring NPs, CNMs, and CNSs mustfirst become RNs by applying to their local State Board of Nursingand passing the National Council Licensing Examination .After getting licensed as RNs, they can pursue entry-level work,ideally focused on their intended specialization such as primarycare, nurse-midwifery, or psychiatric-mental health. Please note thatmany acute care nurse practitioner programs require at least two years of experience to qualify.
Best 24 Nurse Practitioner Programs In 2021
The nurse practitioner career has quickly become one of the most popular and high-paying positions in the nursing field over the last several years. According to recent reports, the number of practitioners has doubled over the previous four years to more than 200,000 licensed practitioners, with further increases likely in the future the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a growth of 34 percent by 2022.
Furthermore, the pay of the average nurse practitioner is $96,988 with a high salary of about $122,000 and a low income of $78,000. So even practitioners in low-cost hospitals will still make a high-quality wage. This type of career is an excellent choice for those who want to be a nurse but who want to earn great money and settle into a long-lasting job. And nurse practitioner programs can help a person achieve that goal.
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University of Connecticut | Mansfield, Connecticut |
A typical education program for a nurse practitioner includes Associate degrees or Bachelor degrees followed up by a Masters degree at an accredited university. Practitioners utilize hands-on courses and on-site clinical, as well as some online work, to master the skills necessary for this career. And they must get continuing education every five years to maintain their certification and licensing. Most hospitals will likely pay their practitioners training fees for this type of continuing education.
Career Opportunities With An Msn Fnp
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, family nurse practitioner job growth is projected to increase by 45% through 2029 due to an interest in preventative care combined with an aging population in need of healthcare services.
A family nurse practitioner works closely with patients throughout the course of their lives, helping them reach greater wellness and happiness through health. To excel in this career field, nurses must be compassionate and dedicated to forming a bond of trust with their patients.
Career opportunities for those with a University of Cincinnati FNP can look forward to promising careers in fields such as:
- Private Practice
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Maryville University Of St Louis
The Maryville University of St. Louis is a private university located in St. Louis, Missouri. the Religious of the Sacred Heart established the school in 1872 as the Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart with the goal of providing education to underprivileged youth and young women. The school wouldnt become coeducational until 1968. It slowly evolved into a university over the years, becoming a junior college in 1921, a college in 1923, and finally, a university in 1991. It now offers 90 different programs of study at the bachelors through doctorate level and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Maryville also offers extensive online learning opportunities, with 38 degree programs available at a distance. 40% of the universitys nearly 7,000 students are taking their courses entirely online less than a quarter of the graduate student population attend campus at all. The six schools and colleges that are housed under the university are the College of Arts and Sciences the School of Education the Walker College of Health Professions the John E. Simon School of Business the School of Adult and Online Education and the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing.
To learn more about Maryvilles program, check out the program website.Freshman Retention Rate: 86%Final Score: 158/200
Signs Of A Strong Online Np Program

Even with so many online nurse practitioner programs available, potential students can easily narrow their options when considering program components. For starters, only apply to programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, as this better ensures your chance of receiving licensure and competing for jobs. Also make sure the program offers a concentration in your area of focus, such as gerontology, family, or pediatric care. Program delivery also matters, so check whether the program exists in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Lastly, look for faculty with experience.
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Rn To Nurse Practitioner Programs
In our practical guide to RN to Nurse Practitioner Programs, you’ll find tips on choosing a population focus area, finding a high-quality RN to MSN NP program, and evaluating the pros & cons of online degrees. There’s an entire section on How to Become a Nurse Practitioner, with step-by-step advice on licensure & certification, and tons of links to helpful NP resources.
Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
For nurses seeking to become a womens health nurse practitioner, an online womens health nurse practitioner program may help prepare students to provide gynecologic and primary care to women. As an online WHNP student, you will learn and acquire the skills and experience to treat and prevent illnesses and health concerns unique to women. Areas of focus will include primary care, prenatal and postpartum care, menopause, reproductive healthcare, and general wellness.
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How To Become An Advanced Practice Nurse
Becoming anadvanced practice registered nurse such as a nursepractitioner, certified nurse midwife, or clinical nursespecialistinvolves a combination of accredited graduate education,work experience, and credentialing.
Here is abasic step-by-step guide to joining one of these growing healthcareprofessions:
Get Your Graduate Degree
You must complete an NP educational program that has been approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario Council before you may register in Ontario as an NP. These programs are at the graduate level and usually result in a masters degree or post-masters diploma/certificate. If you do not graduate from an approved program, you must be assessed by the Colleges Registration Committee.
If the NP program you graduate from is not Council-approved, the Registration Committee must assess your competencies. This process begins when you submit your application packet for registration as an NP in Ontario. The Committee will focus on your demonstration of knowledge of the NP Core Competencies as defined by the Canadian Nurses Association. Further information may be required from you as your application is evaluated, such as a resume, job description or a list of medical directives you have used.
Course Requirements
Because the College of Nurses of Ontario does not assess credentials, only competencies, course requirements for NP programs have not been specified. However, if you look at the NP core competencies, you can surmise that the following topics must be covered in any NP educational program. These competencies are common to all specialty certificates:
Prescriptive Authority
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Fulfill Safe Nursing Practice Requirements
One of the requirements to become registered as a NP in Ontario is to demonstrate safe nursing practice. This entails proving that you have been practicing nursing safely for at least two years of the past five years. At least one of those years must have consisted of you practicing in an advanced practice nursing role.
Your advanced practice nursing experience must include demonstration of the following advanced practice clinical competencies:
- Health assessment and diagnosis
- Health promotion
- Prevention of injury, illness and complications
Additionally, you must be able to provide an employer reference attesting to your fulfillment of the safe nursing practice hours requirement. This reference must include numeration of hours practiced, the safety of your practice, your role, a copy of your job description, and must meet the advanced practice competencies above.
Nurse Practitioner Salaries & Job Outlook
AANP publishes an AANP National NP Compensation Survey report on a fairly regular basis. This report is free for AANP members and available for purchase by non-members. You can compare these figures to Payscaleâs data on Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Salaries.
Better yet, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides annual occupational statistics for Nurse Practitioners, including a list of industries with the highest published employment and wages for this occupation.
- Physiciansâ offices tend to be the largest employer group of NPs, followed by general medical & surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers.
- In 2017, the average wage for NPs in these physicians offices was ~$50/hour. For NPs in hospitals and care centers, the average wage went up a little to ~$54/hour.
The BLS also has handy national maps that show you states & metro areas with the highest level of employment and the best wages for nurse practitioners.
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Northeastern University Boston Ma
In this 100% online program, students gain the expertise and diagnostic knowledge they need to save lives in the workplace.
The National Certification Corporation offers a certification exam for neonatal nurse practitioners, and the MSN and CAGS programs are meant to help students prepare for this exam . You will cover pathophysiology, early evaluation methods, pharmacology, and other topics.
There are 41 credits in total, and the program lasts between 12 and 24 months.
Requirements include a BSN from an authorized college or university, a GRE or GMAT score, three letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.
Professional Organizations And Credentials

There are several agencies and organizations that award certifications for nurse practitioners. These often require eligibility requirements such as experience in the field, a completed accredited nursing degree, and a passing score on an examination.
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers four initial certifications for nurse practitioners: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board awards certifications for primary and acute care pediatric nurse practitioners.
- Certifications as a neonatal nurse practitioner or womens health nurse practitioner are offered by the National Certification Corporation .
Your licensure as a nurse practitioner is determined by your states nursing board. Requirements are likely to vary but most include a graduate-level accredited nursing degree, a nationally recognized certification, like those above, license as a registered nurse, and an application fee. Check your states nursing licensure requirements for more information.
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Graduate From An Accredited Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Or Related Program
AccreditedBSN programs typically fulfill the course prerequisites and hands-ontraining to apply for a graduate degree. While an associate degree innursing or diploma program can suffice, completing a BSN is themost direct route to qualify for initial employment and advanced,graduate-level nursing programs.
Does The Rn To Msn Np Program Prepare You For A Career
We canât stress this point enough! NPs often face a lot of competition when they hit the job market after graduation . For the money and time youâre investing in a program, you deserve career assistance.
Strong RN to Nurse Practitioner programs will:
- Post alumni employment rates and job openings
- Use the clinical rotation / practicum to connect you with potential employers
- Help you build a professional network
- Arrange career fairs and introductory interviews
- Provide you with career counseling throughout the program
We provide detailed career advice & links to job boards on each NP specialty page.
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Best Campus Nurse Practitioner Programs 2021
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke offers a doctor of nursing practice that accepts applications from licensed nurses holding a bachelor of science in nursing or master of science in nursing . The DNP does not require applicants to submit GRE scores.
The 74-credit BSN-to-DNP pathway offers a nurse practitioner specialization. Students earn the MSN and DNP upon graduation. MSN-to-DNP enrollees complete 12 core coursework credits in science development, study design, and statistics evidence-based practice population health in a global society and transition to advanced nursing practice.
MSN students can choose from 11 NP concentrations, including nursing and healthcare leadership, women’s health, and nursing informatics. DNP candidates can complete the final project required to earn the degree at their place of employment.
Duke also offers a DNP pathway for nurses with a doctor of philosophy in nursing. Ph.D. in nursing degree-holders need an MSN in an advanced practice registered nurse direct care or indirect care specialization.
Duke’s DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Purdue’s graduate nursing degrees include four master of science in nursing nurse practitioner programs, a doctor of nursing practice , and a doctor of philosophy in nursing.
Purdue’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Emory’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Regis University Denver Co
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner students at Regis University in Denver are well-prepared to work in this field. To prepare students for the treatment of high-risk newborns, this 100% online curriculum provides clinical training.
The program of study includes courses in health policies, ethics, leadership, and other subjects. Those who have completed the Regis MSN program can easily transition into the Regis DNP program.
Forty-four credit hours are required for the private non-profit four-year synchronous online program.
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Program Levels For Nurse Practitioners
Because nurse practitioners must perform many advanced medical services, its important they possess the knowledge and skills to discern how to handle a wide range of medical issues. Most registered nurses begin their careers by completing either an associate or bachelors degree. Because online NP programs require applicants to possess a bachelors degree when applying, those who pursued an associate degree may need to complete a bridge program before enrolling. The following section takes a look at the different levels of nursing degrees and how each contributes to becoming a nurse practitioner.
What Are The Requirements For An Msn Degree
The admission process for online MSN degree programs varies by college. However, most nursing schools require a BSN, an unencumbered RN license, and clinical experience. Some colleges offer RN-to-MSN programs that allow students to pursue an advanced degree with just a diploma or associate degree in nursing.
Many online MSN programs also require students to submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and essays. Applicants may also need to meet a minimum GPA requirement.
Once enrolled in an online MSN degree program, students typically complete 30-50 credits, including course, clinical hour, and research requirements.
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University Of Southern California
The MSN program at the University of South California is designed for nurses who have earned a BSN and have at least a year of medical knowledge as a licensed registered nurse before enrolling .
Part-time students can complete the course in 33 months, while full-time students can complete the course in 21 months.
Although most of the curriculum is delivered online, the University requires students to come to workshops, clinicals, and other hands-on aspects in the Los Angeles region.
Admissions are 31 percent, and graduation rates are 46 percent at this Institution in Pensacola, Florida.
The college is a private institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Approximately 60% of all students are enrolled in classes online.
Website:
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

RNs with a master of science in nursing and specialized training can assume roles as nurse practitioners.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Best Masters In Nurse Practitioner
Lets face it, we all want to not just choose a career we love, but choose a career that is surging in employment. There are not many that are making the strides that Nursing is making in todays world. The job outlook for nurse practitioners is higher than ever before, and that number is only climbing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career is expected to see a 26% rise over the next 10 years! That is much higher than the average.
Nurses work all hours of the day, even overtime. To be a nurse, you need to love what you do and be willing to help others. Helping out individuals who are sick and need quality health care is fulfilling. By studying at one of the 25 Best Masters for Nurse Practitioners, you can learn advanced ways to effectively administer patient care and provide treatment for those who need it while receiving a very beneficial salary.
Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs 2021
Based in College Station, Texas A& M’s College of Nursing offers a master of science in nursing in family nurse practitioner, mostly online. In addition to the online coursework, students must begin the program with a one-day intensive on campus and must complete 45 hours on campus throughout the program to qualify for licensure.
The 48-credit program covers course topics such as advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and primary care of families. Students must travel to the Bryan-College Station campus twice to complete clinical hours. Students must also plan an on-campus visit during the completion of the diagnostics and procedures course. The rest of the curriculum happens online with flexible scheduling.
The program accepts Texas residents with unencumbered registered nurse licensure only. The program recommends a 3.0 minimum GPA on the last 60 hours of the student’s bachelor of nursing degree. Students must also complete elementary statistics with a grade of “C” or better before the first day of class.
Texas A& M is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Located in Milledgeville, Georgia College offers an online master of science in nursing in family nurse practitioner. Students take courses online but must travel to campus a few times throughout the program.
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