Nurse Practitioner Licensure And Certification
NPs must earn and maintain two types of credentials: state licensure and national board certification. Candidates seeking board certification take an exam that tests their competency in her or his specialty area, and the certification and graduate education specialties must match. State nursing boards require national certification for NP licensure.
Becoming A Licensed Registered Nurse
Once youve graduated with a BSN, you should be prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses , which is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing . This is a test of the skills and knowledge gained during an undergraduate education, and whether nurses can effectively and safely apply what they learned in care settings.
If you hold a BSN from an accredited nursing program, youll likely be eligible to sit for the exam. Other degrees may not meet eligibility criteria, so be sure to check with your state board. The exam consists of a minimum of 75 questions and a maximum of 265 questions that assess four areas of practice:
Test questions may cover a range of topics, including abnormalities in vital signs, mental health concepts, informed consent and health promotion, among many other concepts. Physiological integrity makes up the bulk of the examination, accounting for up to two-thirds of all questions. The NCLEX-RN is administered in-person and electronically. Individuals have up to six hours to complete as much of the examination as they can. If you fail, you must wait 45 days until the next attempt. Nurses get eight attempts per year and there is no maximum lifetime number of attempts, although varying state regulations may apply. It costs $200 to sit for each instance of the NCLEX-RX.
Master Of Science In Nursing Fnp Programs
An MSN has traditionally been the standard entry-level credential for all APRNs, including family nurse practitioners. There are several different paths students can take to earn an MSN in the FNP specialty, based on their current level of education. Traditional MSN programs are designed for licensed RNs who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a CCNE- or ACEN-accredited institution. This particular FNP pathway, often referred to as a BSN to MSN program, can generally be completed in 15 to 24 months of full-time study. Part-time options are also available, for students who wish to take a smaller course load each term. Those pursuing a BSN to MSN-FNP program part-time can expect to graduate in anywhere from 24 to 48 months.
For RNs who do not possess a BSN, some schools offer RN to MSN programs with an FNP specialization. These particular programs can be broken into two different categories based on their admission requirements. Traditional RN to MSN programs accept registered nurses who have earned an ADN or, in some cases, a diploma in nursing. Sometimes called ADN to MSN programs, these typically require around 30 to 36 months of full-time study, or 36 to 48 months for students enrolled on a part-time basis.
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Key Differences For Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
In general, the requirements for an online NP program are generally the same for an in-person NP program. However, there are a few differences:
Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Online programs are ideal for various nursing professionals with busy schedules as they allow the entirety or majority of coursework to be completed remotely. They are flexible and give students the opportunity to work around their schedule.
While online programs are inclusive to all lifestyles, nurses with the following lifestyles may especially benefit from online programs:
- Working nurses
- Nurses with difficult and/or set schedules
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How Long Will Earning A Nurse Practitioner Degree Take
The length of time it takes to become a nurse practitioner depends mostly on the degree you hold when you start and the degree you are hoping to eventually earn, but between two and four years is the average.
Youll need to hold an RN license before you can start an NP program. This means youll need to earn at least an associate degree or, more commonly, a bachelors degree. An ADN generally takes around two years, while a BSN will take around four.
It generally takes two to four years to become a nurse practitioner.
You can go straight to an MSN program as an RN with an associate degree, but this bridge program will take longer than it would to earn your MSN if you already had a BSN. Generally, you can complete an MSN in around two years, but a bridge program could take as many as three. Plus, BSN-educated nurses can take their own bridge, going straight from a BSN to a DNP with BSN-DNP programs.
If youre looking to earn your doctorate, it can take anywhere from three to six years. The length of time will depend on your program, program structure, specialty, and more. Some DNP programs will also require extensive clinical hours, which can add to the length.
A Closer Look At Family Nurse Practitioners
A family nurse practitioner is a type of nurse practitioner whose specialty is in family health care. An FNP works with patients of all ages, providing care to the needs of adults, children, adolescents, women, and elderly patients.
Many FNPs share similar responsibilities as family physicians, diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions, prescribing medications, and providing medical care over a patients lifespan.
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How Much Does Medical School Cost For Nurses
According to Educationdata.org, the average cost of medical school is $54,698 per year. This figure was higher for private universities, at $59,555 per year.
In 2020, U.S. News & World Report released a list of the ten most affordable public medical schools. 6 of the 10 are in Texas. As seen in the table below, these low-cost medical schools are also ranked as some of the lowest, or not ranked at all in medical and osteopathic schools. While this may not seem important – graduating from a well-known and well-respected medical school can make a stark difference in residency placement and future job opportunities.
| Medical school |
Are You Ready To Thrive
I currently have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field
If you already have a bachelors degree but it isnt in nursing, youre in luck. There are a few accelerated programs offering a shortcut to the nurse practitioner profession. These programs require two to three years to complete.
If there isnt an accelerated program that meets your needs, you will need to get a bachelors degree in nursing. Many nursing schools have BSN programs for students with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing major. These programs take one to one and one-half years to complete. Following your BSN program, you must complete a nurse practitioner program to get your masters degree in nursing . This requires two to three years of schooling. Ultimately, if you have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and choose not to enroll in an accelerated MSN program, it will take you anywhere from three to five years to become a nurse practitioner depending on which program you choose.
I currently have an RN degree and do not have a bachelors degree
If you are an RN but do not have a bachelors degree, some schools offer RN-MSN programs catering to your specific needs. These programs allow you to become a nurse practitioner in about three years.
I currently have an RN degree and a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field
I currently have a bachelors degree in nursing
Best of luck in planning your NP education!
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Is Biology A Useless Degree
With a BS in Bio, youll be competing against a lot of people for relatively few jobs. Its not a great scenario to be in. Youll want to get another certification, skill, or graduate degree that is more marketable/in demand. It isnt a useless major, but it definitely needs something extra to supplement it.
Pursue Aprn State Licensure
To become a nurse practitioner , you must hold an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse license from your State Board of Nursing. Some Boards call this Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner licensure.
Any ACEN- or CCNE-accredited RN to MSN program should help prepare you for the APRN licensure process, but we suggest a visit to your State Board of Nursing website. Each state has its own unique requirements and itâs best to be forewarned. Generally speaking, State Boards will expect you to:
- Hold a current and unencumbered RN license.
- Earn a relevant graduate degree in your NP specialtyâState Boards often specify that the program covers certain coursework, clinical components, and a practicum/internship.
- Pass a national certification exam. In a few states, you may not need to sit for a national certification exam if you earn your degree from a state-approved NP graduate program, but certification is rapidly becoming a mandatory requirement.
- Maintain state licensure through Continuing Education .
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Spotlight Online Rn To Np Programs
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
RNs can earn an MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration online from Loyola University. Full-time students can expect to graduate in two years. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will have the opportunity to become certified as an FNP. Other features include:
- 48 credit hours, including 720 practicum clock hours, are required
- Program is fully accredited
- No BSN required
https://www.loyno.edu/academics/colleges/loyola-online/master-science-nursing-online
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
The GW School of Nursing offers an online RN to MSN in which an ADN-educated nurse will earn both a BSN and an MSN. Students can choose either the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration, or the Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program takes about 3-4 years to complete. Other features include:
- Courses are online but some campus visits may be required depending on specialization
- Clinical hours to be arranged with an approved preceptor
- Online programs may be subject to state authorization requirements check to see if your state qualifies
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
- Some clinical experience may be required to be accepted into certain programs
- Classes are offered online some on-campus visits may be required
- Dual-role NP concentrations available
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Uc Online Fnp Program Offerings
- 100% online instruction.
- Easy to transfer credits.
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
- Online FNP programs are taught by doctorally prepared faculty who are practicing nurses and who are up-to-date clinically.
- Part-time flexibility.
- This post-licensure program can be completed entirely online in two years.
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Ms In Family Nurse Practitioner
LIU Post offers the Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education . The 46-credit program is designed to be completed in seven semesters of part-time study. Graduates of the FNP program are eligible for a New York State licensure as a family nurse practitioner and will be eligible for national board certification through the national certifying agencies for advanced practice nursing .
Family nurse practitioners diagnose, treat, and prescribe for conditions affecting the pediatric, womens health , and adult/gerontology populations. In New York State, nurse practitioners are autonomous and the FNP program at LIU Post is committed to preparing students to this autonomous role. The FNP program also serves to increase the opportunity for nurses to obtain advanced practice preparation as well as serve to increase the number of nurse practitioners available to deliver primary and tertiary care as well as health promotion, education, counseling, and disease prevention so patients can make healthy choices. Candidates will complete course work and a minimum of 540 precepted hours of clinical practice in primary health care settings.
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at LIU Post are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, 887-6791.
Learning Environment
Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan
The Master’s of Science in Nursing degree, Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration is a six-semester program that allows students to continue working full or part-time. Coursework with preceptorships in Adult, Women and Pediatric Primary Care prepares students for the national certification exam offered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners as a Family Nurse Practitioner . The student’s education provides theoretical and evidence-based clinical knowledge and learning experiences for role development as a family nurse practitioner, emphasizing the development of clinical expertise needed to deliver primary care for families. Course work prepares students in theoretical foundations for advanced practice, professional role, health care policy, and clinical assessment and management.
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Prospective Student Information Sessions
Interested students are invited to attend a Prospective Student Information Session to learn more about our programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing , a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice . These sessions will provide details on admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, student life, clinical experiences and other opportunities. Students are required to attend a PSIS prior to requesting an individual appointment.
- Reservations are required to attend a session
- Guests of registered attendees are welcome
- Sessions last approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half
Can I Teach Nursing With A Masters Degree
Currently, there is a strong need for qualified Nurse educators. While the most in-demand nurse educators hold a PhD, MSN-prepared nurses are qualified to teach and lead clinical classes. If you want to work in research or teach masters degree students, your masters degree can serve as a stepping stone to a PhD.
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What Is A Nurse Practitioner
First off, let’s get into what a nurse practitioner is and what they do. Nurse Practitioners are masters-level educated nurses who work as practitioners in a variety of specialties, from womens health to surgical to cardio, and everything in between.
Many times, the average nurse practitioner student has been practicing as a registered nurse for 10 years or so, explained Ken Miller, the former president of the AANP. They just get to a point in their career that they want more autonomy. There is just such a need for this profession because of the Affordable Care Act.
Miller added that between 30 and 40 million more people have been added to the primary care system after finally getting health insurance. But no single discipline can handle that. So, the nurse practitioners are picking up a lot of that primary care that needs to be done, he said. They also can own their own clinics. In fact, there are 250,000 nurse-owned and managed clinics across the country.
Working as a nurse practitioner is so desirable that the U.S. News & World Report ranked the profession as #2 Best Health Care Job of 2021 and #3 in the 100 Best Jobs overall in 2021.
Do Nurse Practitioners Get Paid Well
A 2019 AANP report cited the median base salary for a full-time NP at $110,000. Top-earning NPs included those with adult psychiatric/mental health certification who earned $125,000 a year, and emergency room NPs who made $135,000. NPs in California and Hawaii out-earned those in other states, enjoying salaries above $140,000.
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Rn To Msn Nurse Practitioner: Undergraduate Phase
To get you up-to-speed for graduate studies, RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs always include relevant upper-level undergraduate courses . You must take these courses through the college or university.
For example, a university may expect you to complete ~15-60 undergraduate credits in science & nursing before it will admit you to the MSN portion of your program. Fortunately:
- A number of schools have developed accelerated programs to help speed up the process.
- Undergraduate transfer credits are often accepted for courses such as statistics.
- In some cases, youâll also be permitted to use professional nursing experiences for transfer credits.
- With RN-BSN-MSN programs, you can often âopt outâ with a BSN if you lose interest in a masterâs degree.
- You may be able to start earning graduate credits while you work toward completing a BSN.
- Certain programs skip the BSN altogether, which saves time & money.
Rn To Msn Nurse Practitioner: Admissions
Generally speaking, RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs would like applicants to have the following:
- A diploma or associateâs degree in nursing or a bachelorâs degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution.
- A current RN license in the state where you plan to conduct your clinical practicums.
- At least one year of prior RN clinical experienceâprograms may specify that it has to be in your field of concentration . We have seen a few programs that waive the work requirement.
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higherâthis stipulation can vary.
- Three letters of professional reference.
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