Others Will Require You To Physically Attend Classes In A Classroom
LVN jobs will be filling many of those roles. Due to the shortage and increasing demand for nurses in emergency care, one interested person is looking into how to become a nurse practitioner. Nurses are required in all health departments and are the first people who can help patients that need urgent attention. To become a licensed practical nurse and advanced degree nurse, you must complete either a four-year degree at an accredited nursing institute or earn a two-year associates degree from an institution that has been approved by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Accreditation .
If you wish to become a nurse practitioner, you have many options available to you. A nursing practitioner program focuses on the science of medicine and will provide you with both general and specialized knowledge needed to assist patients with all their healthcare needs. You will learn how to take vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and monitor them in order to help patients determine when they need medical attention. You will also learn how to administer medications and therapies, and how to assess their effect on a patients health.
Become A Certified Nurse Practitioner
Be sure to review information on licensure and regulatory requirements in your state. The AANP is a good resource.
To become licensed to practice as a nurse practitioner, you will need to take a national certification exam. You can take this exam through any of five national certification boards, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , the National Certification Corporation , or the American Nurses Credentialing Center . Each organizations exam is different, so you should research the focus and format of each one and consider your personal career goals and testing preferences when deciding which exam to take.
Can I Use My Specialty Nursing Certification To Fulfill The Continuing Education Requirements To Renew My License
A nurse who is certified by a health care specialty program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies or the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification is exempt from continuing education requirements. This must be reported to the Departments tracking system powered by CE Broker.
Please note: The CE exemption based on certification does not apply to the 3 hour Safely Prescribing Controlled Substances course requirement nor the 2 hour Human Trafficking course requirement.
Also Check: How Do I Get A Nursing Degree
Five Nurse Practitioner Salary
Nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $117,670 in the United States according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2021, which places their income at more than double the average annual salary for all other occupations.
Nurse Practitioners make, on average, around $30,000 more than Registered Nurses each year. And compared to an LPNs annual wages of $46,240, becoming an NP will more than DOUBLE your earnings.
The Nursing School Application Process

During 2008 to 2009, nearly half of qualified applicants were turned away from registered nursing programs, despite the fact that there was a shortage. Part of the reason for that is that nursing schools dont have the capacity. How can you increase your chances of getting in to a program? Professional nursing programs do have science prerequisites, and they are often at a higher level than those required for practical nurses. Your grades in these courses can be very important. BSN level nurses are frequently called upon to be leaders. An advisor for the Health Occupations Students Association notes that schools like well rounded candidates who have demonstrated leadership ability.
Do remember that there are a lot of schools out there to apply to. The Florida Board currently lists 29 in-state BSN programs. There were nearly 100 at the ADN level and these figures dont take into account online LPN to RN programs offered by institutions in other states.
Don’t Miss: Top Rated Nurse Practitioner Programs
What Are The Prerequisites For Becoming A Florida Nurse Practitioner
The path to becoming a Florida nurse practitioner starts with graduate nursing education. Before you can begin, you’ll need to meet two prerequisites.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
As you research how to become a nurse practitioner in Florida, you’ll learn it’s essential to have a bachelor’s degree.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing , all registered nurses should hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited four-year college or university.
Why? Research has linked preparation at the baccalaureate level and higher with:
- Lower mortality rates
- Fewer medication errors
- Positive patient outcomes
As a result, a BSN is an admissions requirement for most nurse practitioner programs. The degree will prepare you to succeed in graduate school as well as in our increasingly patient-centered world of health care.
Become a Registered Nurse
Getting your registered nursing license is another prerequisite for how to become a nurse practitioner in Florida. It’s also an admissions requirement for nurse practitioner programs.
In Florida, aspiring nurse practitioners can hold a registered nursing license from any U.S. jurisdiction. In other words, you donât need to be a Florida RN to become a Florida nurse practitioner.
Licensure Requirements In Florida
RNs can earn a Florida nursing license by exam or endorsement. The application process for RNs can take 5-7 days or up to 30 days. Candidates applying for licensure by endorsement must hold a valid RN license from another state.
Other applicants obtain licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN. This process includes paying fees, taking a background check, and undergoing fingerprinting. Candidates who pass the exam receive a license within 7-10 days.
The NCLEX-RN takes up to six hours and features 75-265 questions pertaining to healthcare management. This differs from the NCLEX-PN, a five-hour test for future licensed practical nurses. This exam includes 85-205 questions focused on nursing care delivery. Both exams are computer adapted tests, which mean that the number and difficulty of the questions will change as you answer questions, in order to determine whether the person will pass or fail the exam.
Don’t Miss: Nursing Home Administrator School Online
How To Become A Caa
A career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant is highly rewarding, offering the opportunity to work under the direction of an anesthesiologist with a salary that can be competitive with a CRNA. CAAs work as part of the anesthesia care team model and perform a variety of tasks, including administering drugs, obtaining vascular access, applying and interpreting monitors, establishing and maintaining patient airway, and assisting with preoperative assessment, according to the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
The first step is to obtain a bachelors degree with numerous premedical curriculum requirements, including biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus, and take the Graduate Record Examination or Medical College Admissions Test .
Next, you will need a Masters of Science in Anesthesia, which will include numerous clinical rotations. This can take about 2½ years.
- There are two accredited AA educational programs in Florida: At the campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
- The Nova program is 27 months and consists of at least 2,500 clinical hours. Clinical rotations are full time during the senior year and include all anesthesia specialties.
After this extensive training, you will be able to take the Certifying Examination for Anesthesiologist Assistants administered by the National Commission for Certification of Anesthesiologist Assistants in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners .
Earn A Masters Or Higher Degree In Nurse
The Florida Board of Nursing requires its nurse midwives to complete a masters degree in nurse midwifery or post-masters program in nurse midwifery before going on to earn national certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board . Furthermore, to be eligible for national certification candidates must complete a nurse-midwife graduate program that has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education .
There is one such program at a school with a campus location in Jacksonville, and several other schools throughout the nation offering ACME-accredited graduate degrees through online programs that admit Florida residents. These flexible online programs are ideal for working RNs interested in pursuing graduate study in nurse-midwifery while maintaining their professional commitments.
More and more, graduate schools with masters programs in nurse-midwifery are choosing to offer an additional focus in womens health, structuring them as dual specialization Nurse Midwife/Womens Health NP degree programs. A graduate of this type of accredited dual specialization program would be eligible to become dually certified as a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Womens Health Nurse Practitioner .
Admission Standards
Common admission standards for nurse-midwife graduate programs include:
- Current RN license
- Personal essay, video essay, or statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Graduate Program Structure
Didactic Education
You May Like: Rn To Doctorate Nursing Programs
The Benefits Of Earning An Msn Degree
Regardless of whether you intend to become a nurse practitioner, a Master of Science in Nursing degree is just a smart career choice. Not only can you pursue certification in a number of advanced practice nurse roles as the U.S. healthcare industry moves toward the Institute of Medicines goal of 80% of RNs holding a BSN degree by 2020, youll stand out with an MSN degree. Additionally, many hospitals and other healthcare providers require an MSN degree in order to take on nurse leadership roles. Not to mention, an MSN degree also allows you to work as a nurse educator.
Obtain Certification As A Florida Nurse Practitioner
Now, you can obtain certification as a nurse practitioner in Florida. Certification helps you confirm your knowledge and understanding of the practice area you provide care in and is a requirement for practicing independently in the state. There is a $110 fee for submitting an application for the certification.
Don’t Miss: Nurse Practitioner Total Years Of School
How Much Do Nps Make In Florida
The annual average wage earned by Florida NPs totals $101,060. The five highest paying metropolitan areas in the state consist of Sebastian-Vero Beach with a median annual salary of $111,940, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton , Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford , Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach , and Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin .
Millions Of Americans Seek Out Nps For Their Health Care The Unique Ability Of Nps To Blend Clinical Excellence And Personalized Care With An Emphasis On Prevention Is A Key Reason Why Patients Choose Nps As It Turns Out Those Are Also Reasons Why More Individuals Are Choosing A Career As An Np

The NP community reflects the diversity of the U.S. representing a multitude of backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders and life experiences. NPs can be found in every health care setting: from private NP-owned practices to large, multistate health care systems in outpatient primary care offices and the intensive care unit and from small frontier communities to large urban cities. Building on the strength of that diversity and continuing to meet the needs of patients and our health care system will require a robust NP workforce.
Whether you are just beginning your NP education or are a seasoned professional in a different field who is considering becoming an NP, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® has the resources to help you plan for your future and join the ranks of over a quarter million NPs as we improve the health of our nation.
Also Check: Texas Woman’s Accelerated Nursing Program
Internship And Certification Requirements For Nurse Practitioners
Though states have varying licensure, accreditation, certification and education requirements, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing initiated in 2011 the Campaign for Consensus an attempt to standardize requirements across state lines. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NPs and other APNs must have completed an accredited graduate NP program and completed a certification program meeting recognized standards, indicated by accreditation by the American Board of Nursing Specialties or the National Commission for Certification Agencies, in order to be eligible for practice.
NPs who choose to specialize in family or adult-gerontology primary care can obtain national certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners National Certification Board . The following bodies also grant certifications for NPs:
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
NPs should consult the Board of Nursing in their respective states to determine the exact requirements to obtain practice eligibility.
The Best Florida Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Take the first step to becoming a nurse practitioner in Florida by exploring the top-ranked NP programs and schools in the state.
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Online nurse practitioner programs lead to the master of science in nursing degree and prepare graduates for careers as advanced practice nurses. Read on for information about choosing and applying to online NP programs in Florida, funding your education, and pursuing licensing. This guide also discusses potential salaries and the importance of accreditation.
We use our data-driven methodology to rank the top direct-entry master’s in nursing programs, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, program offerings, and online flexibility.
Keep reading to find out more about job opportunities and information on how to apply to nurse practitioner programs in Florida, or to learn more about the best Florida online NP programs on our list.
Don’t Miss: Ut Austin School Of Nursing Acceptance Rate
Get A Bachelor’s Degree In Nursing
To start the process of becoming a nurse practitioner, it is a prerequisite to complete your bachelor’s degree in nursing from a four-year institution. These programs typically include several biology, chemistry, anatomy and physics courses that help establish a base level of knowledge in subjects related to nursing. Students may also work in primary care settings, learning care techniques and patient interaction skills.
Related:21 Non-Clinical Jobs for Nurse Practitioners
Do I Need A Dispensing License
If it is in your protocols that you are to dispense medications for a fee, you must be authorized to dispense. Dispensing is writing and filling a prescription and selling the medication to a patient. Giving samples is not dispensing. The dispensing license must also be renewed when renewing your APRN license. You may add dispensing to your license from your online account under Manage my License or you may submit the Dispensing Practitioner Application to the Board.
Don’t Miss: Malpractice Insurance Cost Nurse Practitioner
Do All Nurses Qualify For The Designation As A Psychiatric Nurse
No, only an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has met the necessary requirements outlined in statute is recognized as a psychiatric nurse.
Pursuant to s.394.455, F.S., Psychiatric nurse means an advanced practice registered nurse certified under s.464.012 who has a masters or doctoral degree in psychiatric nursing, holds a national advanced practice certification as a psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurse, and has 2 years of post-masters clinical experience under the supervision of a physician.
In addition, Section 464.012, FS, references: A psychiatric nurse, who meets the requirements in s. 394.455, within the framework of an established protocol with a psychiatrist, may prescribe psychotropic controlled substances for the treatment of mental disorders.
For more information about this advanced practice certification, please visit the Latest News section of our website at .
Three graduate-level semester hours are equivalent to forty-five Continuing Education credits offered by the entities set forth in Section 464.013, F.S. and Rule 64B9-4.002, F.A.C.
The pharmacology course content must address the therapeutic uses and biological effects of drugs.
The differential diagnosis course content must address advanced health assessment, differential diagnosis, critical thinking, or diagnostic reasoning.
The Arnp Application Process
Applications can be downloaded from the Board website . The same application form is used for nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife the applicant will select his or her specialty.
The licensing agency can accept either official verification of certification or a notarized copy of the current certification card.
An applicant who answers affirmatively to the criminal history question will need to provide various supporting documents, including disposition and recent letters of recommendation.
An applicant who already holds a Florida RN license pays $100 an applicant who is applying for both credentials at the same time pays $210. An applicant who withdraws the application is entitled to a partial refund.
Nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives are eligible for provisional status pending certification. The application packet includes a verification form to be completed by the educational institution. The licensing agency will also require transcripts.
An applicant will need to have a fingerprint-based background check. Fingerprints are to be made through Livescan providers approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement . The Board has provided a link to a list of providers . The applicant will need the correct ORI number the results will be transmitted to the licensing agency.
Recommended Reading: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Louisville Ky
How To Become A Crna
Certified registered nurse anesthetists are valued advanced practice registered nurses who provide services similar to anesthesiologists, proving anesthesia care to patients before, during, and after medical procedures in all settings where anesthesia is delivered. The path is much shorter than becoming an anesthesiologist, typically requiring seven to eight years of post-secondary schooling and training. You must become a registered nurse and continue on to complete graduate-level training.
The annual mean wage for a CRNA in Florida was $177,390 in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and nurse anesthetist employment is expected to grow 31 percent from 2016 to 2016.
The first step is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a graduate degree to become licensed as a registered nurse. A GPA of 3.0 is typically required in undergraduate coursework.
Next, you will need at least one year of full-time work experience as an RN in a critical care setting.
- According to the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists, RNs have an average of 2.9 years of experience before entering nurse anesthesia educational programs.
After gaining this work experience, the next step is to graduate with at least a masters degree from a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. These programs can range from 24 to 42 months and give graduates an average of 8,636 hours of clinical experience.