Why Should You Become A Nurse Practitioner
There are many benefits to being a nurse practitioner, including:
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Providing direct patient care: Nurse practitioners can perform more patient care duties than RNs and LPNs. A nurse practitioner may enjoy greater day-to-day independence while at work.
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Choosing your specialization: Since most nurse practitioners focus on a specific area of healthcare, you can select a medical field most relevant to your unique interests and skills.
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Improving patients’ health and wellness: Nurse practitioners make a difference in the lives of their patients. A nurse practitioner may help heal a patient’s medical condition, alleviate their symptoms or improve their overall quality of life.
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Having quality compensation packages: In addition to an average high salary, nurse practitioners often receive generous benefits from their employers. Compensation packages may include professional liability insurance, paid time off and health insurance.
Why Should I Become A Nurse
This article has made it clear that there are many differences among different types of nursing, and there are different educational and professional options for you to choose. The answer to this question, surprisingly, is uniform across the entire field. No matter what, as a nurse, you are helping people. You are meeting people from all ages and all walks of life, caring for them, and making their lives easier. If thats what youre passionate about, you should strongly consider becoming a nurse.
Online Programs For Nurse Practitioners
Online NP programs offer the opportunity to take courses virtually without having to attend on-campus classes.Direct-entry online NP, bridge, oraccelerated online NP programs have such options. The length of the program can range from 2-3 academic years.
Online program requirements for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree include proof of education from an accredited institution, transcripts, prerequisite courses, and a resume. Applicants also submit an academic essay, recommendation letters, entrance essay, GRE scores, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
For those with experience in nursing, but do not have a BSN, qualifications include 1-3 years’ experience in a healthcare setting, a current RN license, transcripts, an academic essay, letters of recommendation, an entrance essay, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Online programs must incorporate supervised, customized clinicals. The hours, location, and format vary. In some situations, students are encouraged to choose their clinical site.
Required coursework is similar to the previous options. Classes can include adult health, psychiatric nursing, or advanced human diversity.
An MSN is earned by completing this program. Sitting for the NCLEX-RN exam and getting experience in the nursing field will guide graduates to NP certification and APRN licensure.
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Organize An Employment Network
Creating a strong network of medical professionals is a great way to find support, resources and work as a nurse. Keep in touch with professors, classmates, colleagues, personal physicians and anyone else who you think can connect you with valuable information or opportunities. You can keep in touch with these individuals through social media, by phone, email or through the use of job networking sites where you can post updates throughout your career journey.
How To Become A Nurse Practitioner: 5 Steps
If youre wondering how to become a nurse practitioner, the process can be broken up into simple steps. It all starts with earning your MSN degree. Then once you enter the nursing field, you will be able to gather the experience and certifications you need to become a nurse practitioner.
With many experienced nurses deciding later in their careers that they want to become nurse practitioners, it makes sense for prospective nursing students to think about pursuing an MSN from the start of their nursing education. You may ask, What are the benefits of earning a masters degree in nursing? You might also be curious about how to become a nurse practitioner with a non-nursing bachelors degree.
Marquette Universitys Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program makes it possible to transform your non-nursing bachelors degree into an MSN. The Direct Entry MSN is an invaluable route to earn your degree and enter a new career as a nursing leader in as few as 19-21 months.
First well discuss why it makes sense to become a nurse practitioner, and then well explain the process of how to become a nurse practitioner in five steps.
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Receive A Master’s In Nursing
Apply for and enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing program. Application requirements vary based on the particular school and program, but most nursing school applications require a personal statement about why you want to receive an MSN, transcripts from previous schools and letters of recommendation.
Aspiring nurse practitioners can choose between several types of MSN programs, such as bridge, accelerated and online programs. The most common choice for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields is the direct entry program. Direct entry programs are four-year programs that specialize in helping students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees earn their MSN. Direct entry programs help you fulfill prerequisites you may not have taken while receiving your bachelor’s degree, such as advanced science courses, typically during the first two years. The program usually offers classes specific to nursing over the following two years.
Labs And Clinical Disclaimer
Please be aware that due to COVID-19 restrictions and limitations, our labs and in-person clinicals could change at any time without prior student notification.
Everything with the ABSN curriculum flows really well. You learn a skill online, apply it in lab, and then go to clinical to see how that skill plays out in real life. -Erin, a 2018 ABSN program graduate.
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When Will Nps Need A Doctorate
As an RN weighing whether to go into advanced practice, you should be aware that there is currently a push in the industry advocating that all MSN nurse practitioner degree programs switch over to the DNP level by 2025.
Some of the reasoning behind this movement comes from the fact that other health professionals that hold a similar amount of responsibility as a nurse practitioner role, such as dentists, psychologists, physical therapists, audiologists, and pharmacists are all required to hold a doctorate for licensure, while the APRN licensure requires a masters in nursing.
In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties announced that it would advocate to make the DNP the new educational standard for NPs. However, the announcement was met with some pushback.
While the intention to have higher educational standards is something that could benefit patients, the move would likely create a harder and more lengthy road to becoming an advanced practice nurse. For employers, this means it would be harder to fill and keep up with the growing demand for qualified NPs.
Which Nurse Practitioner Is Most In Demand
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, psychiatric mental health NPs are among the specialties in highest demand. Gerontology NPs, with the growing elderly population, and preventative medicine NPs, with the movement to improve health and wellness, are also ranked at the top of the list.
Page last reviewed March 18, 2022
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It Makes Financial Sense
For starters, although NPs and doctors share similar responsibilities, the cost of education to become a nurse practitioner is significantly less than medical school. An American Association of Nurse Practitioners study found that the total cost of tuition for an NP is equal to less than one year of medical school tuition .
Over the past few years, Forbes has listed the nurse practitioner role as one of the highest-paying jobs for women. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advanced practice nurses earn an annual median salary of $115,800 .
What Is A Nurse
A nurse is a health care professional who works as a member of a highly trained medical team to assist patients throughout their treatment process. Nurses have a wide range of medical knowledge involving various diseases, illnesses and disorders along with training in complex medical tools and technologies. They undergo an intense clinical training process that provides them with on-the-job experience in assessing, treating and supporting patients. Some of the most common duties of a nurse include:
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Preliminary assessment of patients by taking their vital signs and recording their medical history
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Asking patients about their symptoms and recent physical activity
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Examining patients for obvious signs of illness, trauma or disorder
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Meeting with doctors to create treatment plans
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Administering medications to patients in various forms such as pills and IV drips
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Organizing and sanitizing medical tools
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Collecting blood samples for further diagnostics
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Ensuring patients feel comfortable
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Keeping patients up-to-date on their treatment progress
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Cleaning and suturing outwardly physical wounds
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Serving as an emotional support system to the patient and their loved ones
Read more:Learn About Being a Nurse
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Obtain A Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Once you have a year of experience, you can put your skills and knowledge to work and pursue certification as an advanced practice nurse . At Marquette University, we offer a number of certificate options, including:
- Acute care nurse practitioner
- Primary care nurse practitioner
- Health systems leader
Typically, post-masters certificate programs and the time it takes to earn a certificate will vary from school to school. In addition, during the program you will work with patients during clinicals under the direction of nurse practitioner preceptors.
Should Professionals Earn A Graduate Nursing Degree
Regardless of which of the three career pathways a registered nurse has taken to complete their BSN degree, they should consider whether they would like to earn a graduate degree in nursing. A Master of Science in Nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree will allow professionals to gain stronger competencies and a better understanding of how to improve patient care. The time it can take to complete these programs will vary.
If an RN decides to temporarily stop working in order to study for an MSN on a full-time basis, it may take between 18 months and two years to complete this degree. However, many RNs decide to continue working while earning their graduate degree. It may take three or more years to earn an MSN on a part-time basis.
A DNPa terminal degreewill take even longer. It may take two or more years to earn a DNP if the student is studying and working on their clinical project and manuscript on a full-time basis.
Although it can take a long time to earn a graduate degree in nursing, the rewards are well worth the effort. MSN- and DNP-prepared nurses are in high demand by healthcare employers, who recognize the value advanced education brings to healthcare organizations. In addition, a graduate degree can pave the way for pursuing career advancement opportunities.
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How Long Does It Take To Become A Nurse
Individuals who are interested in a meaningful and rewarding career field may want to consider pursuing a career in nursing. The nursing field enables professionals to make it their lifes work to serve others. This field can be particularly attractive given that it does not take as long to become a registered nurse as many people might think.
How long does it take to become a nurse, exactly? There is no one universal answer, as people can travel different paths to this career field. Below are detailed explanations of the various paths a professional might take to become a registered nurse and then to pursue advancement opportunities.
Make A Bold Call For Your Future
Are you ready to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree? The first step is a conversation with our admissions counselors, who will help you determine if youre right for USTs ABSN program.
The admissions counselors at ABSN@UST are here to answer any questions you may have about our 12-month second-degree ABSN program. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start your nursing journey.
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Becoming A Nurse With A Science Degree
Leveraging your science degree to become a nurse puts you in a great position. If you already hold a science degree, such as a bachelors in biology, you might be ready to jump into your ABSN coursework sooner than someone who doesnt hold a science degree. Thats not to say you wont have to take any prerequisites, but youll be a step ahead.
In addition to prerequisites, ABSN students are required to take additional support and signature courses that help provide you with a more holistic view of the nursing profession. The support and signature courses can be taken before you start the nursing program. We would suggest all prereqs and support and signature courses be taken prior to getting enrolled in the nursing program for you to be able to only concentrate on the nursing courses once accepted.
How Our Absn Program Works
The ABSN program at Concordia University, St. Paul allows you to earn a BSN sooner. If you have at least 60 non-nursing credits, CSP can prepare you for the nursing profession in as few as 16 months by leveraging your prior education.
We offer two program locations in Portland, Oregon, and one in St. Paul, Minnesota. With three start dates per year in January, May and September, the ABSN program at CSP lets you begin your studies as soon as youre ready.
Keep in mind that the 16-month ABSN program at CSP is a rigorous track, comprised of online coursework in nursing theory and fundamentals, hands-on skills and simulation labs and in-person clinical placements at leading healthcare facilities.
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Become A Nurse Practitioner With A Non
There arent any academic shortcuts to becoming a nurse practitioner or advanced practice registered nurse . However, if you have a non-nursing bachelors degree, there are streamlined education options that can help you achieve some steps on an accelerated timeline, including Marian Universitys 16-month ABSN program.
Below, well break down how to become a nurse practitioner into six steps, as well as discuss how Marians ABSN program has helped two alumni pursuing NP careers excel at every stage of their journeys.
Pass Your Cnp/crna/cnm Certification Exam
After earning your graduate degree, youll need to take a national certification exam for your area of practice. This exam will depend on whether you become an NP, CRNA, or CNM. For CNPs, nurses choose a population specialty, so the board exams cover general knowledge as well as population-specific information.
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What Are Nursing Clinicals
Nursing clinicals are a part of nursing school at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nursing clinicals provide students with the opportunity to practice their nursing skills while being supervised and directed by a registered nurse or clinical instructor. Nursing clinicals vary depending on an aspiring nurse practitioner’s experience level and chosen medical specialty, but typically include basic patient care measures, medical evaluations and diagnostic procedures.
What Is Your Why
Identify your reason for wanting to become a nurse. You might be drawn to nursing because its an in-demand career with the promise of good pay. But if you dont have a deeper motivation for becoming a nurse, money alone will not leave you satisfied in this demanding profession. You should have a true desire to care for others and improve lives.
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What Do Nurses Do
The question, What does a nurse do? is more complex than it might seem. A question that might be more helpful is, What does an RN do? More helpful information may surface if you specify the type of nursing youre interested in. Here are some responsibilities that are important across many different nursing specialties:
- Assess the condition of their patients
- Record patients medical data and relevant behavior
- Work and communicate efficiently with other members of the healthcare team
- Effectively use and maintain medical equipment
- Assist in forming a treatment plan
- Assess patient and families teaching needs, develop an individualized teaching plan and provide relevant teaching
- Advise families on the condition of the patient and post-hospital care
For more in-depth information on what nurses do, check our page dedicated to the topic.
What You Can Do With This Certificate
After earning a state-approved certificate, youll be qualified to take your states CNA competency exam. With certification, you can apply for jobs in which youll work with patients under the direction of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, depending on the laws of your state.
Per the B LS, CNAs across the country earn a median annual wage of $30,850, with those working in medical and surgical hospitals making slightly above average.
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Accelerated Nurse Practitioner Programs
Accelerated NP programsoffer a fast-track option for earning an MSN to individuals with a nursing background without a BSN and those who hold a bachelor’s degree in another industry.
Focus and rigorous commitment are essential due to the amount of content covered in a condensed time frame. Many factors can influence how long the program takes to complete, which can range from 12-36 months.
Requirements for this program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, a resume, an academic essay, and letters of recommendation. An entrance essay, GRE scores, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and completion of prerequisite courses must also be submitted.
Prerequisite courses for an accelerated NP program may include microbiology, chemistry for nurses, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology.
Clinical experience and courses, such as evidence-based practice, child and adolescent health nursing, and leadership in nursing, are part of this curriculum. Coursework can be on campus or online. Students can receive an MSN at the end of this program.
After completion of prerequisites, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to receive their RN licensure. This allows them to complete their MSN degree to become an NP.