Reasons To Become A Nurse Practitioner
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When it comes to starting a career, you want it to be one you love. If you have a job you love, youll never work a day in your life. Maybe your dream is to become a nurse practitioner, or maybe you have another goal and a nursing degree will help you get there. Whatever your goal is, here are six reasons to become a nurse practitioner.
1. Career Advancement
Over the years, the need for nurse practitioners has grown immensely, leaving the door open to opportunities both inside and outside of the clinic setting. Nurses pave the way for research, both medical and nursing, which is vital to the growth of the medical industry. They are teachers inside a classroom for all of those eager to learn more, and nurses are important members of medical corporations, playing a big role in patient-related advocacy.
2. New Opportunities
Any education will open doors to better opportunities, but an advanced education opens windows too. Youll have countless new job opportunities, and an education will arm you with knowledge and experience. This will allow you to give the very best care to your patients in a range of specialties anywhere you go. With the right degree, youll always have work available.
3. Personal Fulfillment
4. Financial Stability
5. Longevity
6. Variety
Complete A Graduate Program
All NPs require a masters degree or doctorate. The standard degree choice is a master of science in nursing, which takes between one and two years to complete. Options of part-time or full-time degree programs allow students to choose the schedule that best fits their lives.
All MSN students must declare a population specialty/patient population. This specialization will determine the coursework the student completes. A graduate will be most qualified for positions within their specialty.
Most MSN degrees, even online degrees, require a certain amount of clinical experience. Most graduate programs include clinical experience requirements. Students who complete online degrees may fulfill their clinical requirements at local clinics or their places of employment.
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses that provide care to patients in acute care and/or hospital settings. Acute Care NPs see patients when they are sick, admitted to the hospital, or after a surgical procedure and/or trauma. Their focus is solely on caring for the adult population with complex diseases.
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How Many Years Does It Take To Become A Nurse Practitioner
NPs typically spend six years earning their undergraduate and graduate degrees and gaining work experience in a clinical setting. Accelerated programs along with RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN bridge programs can shorten the time to an NP career. Conversely, certain specializations and part-time study can extend a candidate’s time line.
What Kind Of Impact Would You Like To Have On The Nursing Profession
I certainly hope my little piece of the puzzle that I can contribute to the big picture and will be impactfulnot only on the side of patient care but also in representing family nurse practitioners positively… so we can practice at the upper end of our license and be a voice for patients and the profession.
I certainly hope to be… a voice for patients and the profession.
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Types Of Nurse Practitioner Specializations
Nurse practitioners may choose to specialize as do other healthcare professionals. Additional NP specializations include:
Adult-Gerontology Acute-Care Nurse Practitioners or AGACNPs
These NPs specialize in assisting the elderly with acute healthcare needs and predominantly work in hospitals, emergency rooms, or urgent care clinics.
GetEducateds Pick:Master of Science in Nursing / Acute Care Nurse Practitioner / Adult-Gerontology from Grand Canyon University
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners or AGPNCPs
These NPs also assist the elderly. However, they carry out their duties in primary care settings, such as private clinics, long-term care facilities, and ambulatory care centers. These NPs help patients with chronic health issues.
GetEducateds Pick:Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Postgraduate Certificate from Purdue University Global
Neonatal Nurse Practitioners or NNPs
These NPs primarily help neonatal physicians. They may specialize in treating infants and/or pregnant mothers.
GetEducateds Pick:Master of Science in Nursing / Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners or PNPs
These NPs specialize in pediatric care for infants and young children.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners or PMHNPs
These NPs specialize in helping patients with psychiatric disorders and medications for these conditions.
Womens Health Nurse Practitioners or WHNPs
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 outearned those in other states, enjoying salaries above $140,000.
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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.
How Much Will An Np Degree Cost
Tuition at nurse practitioner schools varies significantly depending on factors. Degree level , type of college , residency status , and program length all affect cost. Other considerations include school prestige, program format , and credit requirements.
Nurse practitioner candidates may pay around $30,000-$98,000 in tuition to earn their degrees. Attending a public university and paying in-state tuition typically offers a more affordable option than enrolling in a private institution and paying out-of-state tuition.
Prospective students need to consider other costs they may incur during their studies, including housing, travel, books, and tech-related expenses. Financing options for nurse practitioner degrees include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans. Nursing majors can also pursue student loan forgiveness programs.
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An Unmatched Learning Opportunity
The depth of the curriculum included in Goodwin Universitys FNP program is impressive and valuable. This makes sense, because the FNP job requires an in-depth understanding of health practices for adults , children, and women. At Goodwin University, you can expect to study a mixture of theory and clinical studies, including:
- Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment for Advanced Nursing Practice
- Theoretical Basis and Current Concepts/Professional Roles
- Policy, Politics and Organization of Healthcare
- Advanced Reasoning and Differential Diagnosis
In addition, youll spend 600 hours spread across three Advance Practice through the Lifespan courses, which cover the following demographics: adults, women, pediatrics, and complex clients. This 47-credit masters program can be completed in as few as 27 months when studying year-round.
Another important consideration for your future FNP program is accreditation. Being accredited means that the curriculum has been vetted and approved by an overseeing institution. Accreditation ensures the highest quality educational program. Goodwin Universitys FNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education .
Bachelor Of Science In Nursing
In order to become a nurse practitioner, youll first need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Earning your BSN prepares you for a career as a NP in a few ways.
First, like earning an associates degree in nursing, it will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam, which you must pass before you can become a registered nurse. You must be a registered nurse in order to become a nurse practitioner.
Second, as you will see below, becoming a nurse practitioner will require you to earn a graduate degree, and virtually all graduate nursing degrees will require you to hold a bachelors degree before you can enroll.
Of course, in some states you can become a registered nurse by only earning an associates degree in nursing. In these cases, you will need to complete your bachelors degree before enrolling in a graduate program. There are, however, many accelerated nursing programs that you can consider to make this process as quick as possible.
After becoming an RN, you can choose to work in the field as an RN for a time , or you can immediately continue your education to become a nurse practitioner.
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Gmercyu Your Pathway To Success
Students can start their educational journey toward licensure and practice in the nursing field at a top nurse practitioner school, like Gwynedd Mercy University. The programs and guidance available at this elite institution can provide real support for aspiring nurse practitioners in the modern educational environment. Contact our Admissions office today at 844-707-9064 or send an email to to learn more about our nurse practitioner degree programs. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve your career goals.
Reach Greater Career Heights As An Np
No matter who you are, what education youve earned, or where youre working today, your career as a nurse practitioner is possible.
U.S. News and World report ranks nurse practitioner as the #1 best healthcare job and #2 best job overall in 2022, due to its high marks in terms of salary, job market, and future growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse practitioners is expected to rise 52% from 2020-2030, representing one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States.*
Walk this growing career path to advance your skills in nursing practice, compete for a higher salary, and take your career to the next level.
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Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
Addressing the unique health care needs of women is the primary focus of womens health nurse practitioners . Examples of the health care that WHNPs provide, according to the AANP, include preventive care such as well-woman exams, fertility evaluations, care for menopause, and contraceptive care.
WHNPs usually work in private physician or group practices. According to the AANP, WHNP certification is the primary certification area for nearly 3% of nurse practitioners.
Explore The Duties Requirements Certifications Job Outlook And Salaries Of Nurse Practitioners
Its rare to find a personally rewarding field that is also in constantly growing demand. Nursing is one such field. From the earliest days of modern medicine, nurses have played a key role in patient care, but there has been a continual shortage of nurses. This situation has worsened as the worlds population has become older. The recent pandemic made this shortage painfully obvious.
In the nursing world, a great way to boost your options and your salary* is to become a nurse practitioner. This requires additional education either a Master of Science in Nursing degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree but the rewards for your extra training are excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn, on average, around $30,000 more than registered nurses and more than double the earnings of licensed practical nurses .
Lets get into what youll need to know about the path to becoming a nurse practitioner, along with the duties, practice settings, compensation, and other details about this excellent healthcare career.
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Advice For Aspiring Nurse Practitioners
Before becoming an NP, remember it’s a considerable investment in time and money. If you are prepared for the investment, you will be able to pursue it with a clear mind.
Have a goal and a vision. What do you want your career to look like? Where do you see yourself in five years?
Seek out a mentor in nursing. It is easier to start a position as a brand new NP with a coach or a mentor guiding you through your first year.
Be open-minded about which nursing specialty you choose. Then get your experience and pursue your passion. Lastly, get involved as a nurse, whether it is in legislation, policy making, or volunteering. Volunteering makes lasting impacts in your community and your life, and I believe, makes you a better healthcare provider as well.
Why I Want To Be A Family Nurse Practitioner
I have always admired the nursing profession, and as far back as I can remember, I had no dreams other than to become a professional nurse someday. I grew up and still live with family members who are nurses, so I am well-versed in what a day in their lives looks like.
Honestly, in the beginning, I only wanted to have a nursing career because it seemed like a family tradition my mom and my two sisters are all registered nurses. That soon changed when I really took the time to listen to their stories and spend time with their fellow nurse friends.
I learned that nurses need to be a patient advocate at all times and places. They need to support whatever is best medically for the patient under their care. They also need to be a good listener, especially when it comes to checking in on patients and asking them to describe what theyre feeling. They also need to have a strong rapport with the families, the doctors, and other members of the healthcare community.
Since they provide care round-the-clock, nurses can sometimes work double or late night shifts. There were days when I would barely see my mom and sisters because of a medical crisis in the hospital. They would often come home just to sleep and grab a change of clothes. With this, I think that its important to stay healthy as nurses are exposed to sick patients all the time and they cant afford to have weak immunity at the wrong time.
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Enroll In A Nursing Graduate Program
Currently, a master of science in nursing comprises the minimum educational requirement to become an NP. However, there are many advantages to pursuing a doctor of nursing practice . These include adapting to a possible shift to the DNP as the minimum NP degree, higher earning potential, and increased job opportunities.
MSN programs last 1-2 years, and DNPs take 3-6 years to complete. Both degree tracks require students to focus on a population specialty.
How Do I Decide Which Np I Want To Be
This decision is yours to make. Ask yourself what patient age group youre interested in caring for. Patients from birth to 21 are within the pediatric NPs purview. Patients ranging from age 13 through death can be cared for by adult-gerontology NPs. If you see yourself treating newborns up to 1 year old and premature babies, you may enjoy being a neonatal NP.
A significant shortage of psychiatric providers exists, so if youre interested in helping individuals across the age continuum manage mental health issues and disorders, this role may be for you. If youre interested in treating women and individuals with gender- related issues , then consider a womens health and gender-related role. If you like the idea of managing patients and their families across the lifespan, then family practice NP may speak to you. If youre considering focusing on either pediatric or adult through gerontology patients, youll need to choose between acute or primary care. If youre drawn to patients who have acute or critical illnesses, want to restore their health or help them obtain the highest level of independence possible after recovery, then acute care is for you. If you want to focus on preventing illness, encouraging heal thy behaviors, delivering preventive care, and managing chronic illness and lower acuity episodic issues, then choose primary care.
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What Is A Nurse Practitioner
NPs hold advanced training in a nursing specialty area such as adult-gerontology , family nurse practice , neonatal, pediatrics, psychiatric, and women’s health. NPs diagnose and treat patients in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.
Becoming a nurse practitioner can increase an RN’s career advancement opportunities and NP earning potential. While nurse practitioner schooling can take between 2-6 years to complete, graduates find it well worth the time and effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 52% growth rate for NP positions from 2020-2030 and reports an average annual salary of $118,040.
Visit our nurse practitioner career overview for additional information about what nurse practitioners do and where they work.
Do Credentials Differ By State
All nurse practitioners must pass an exam that leads to a national certification. While credentials are awarded by a national organization, its important to note that licensing varies by state. At SNHU, we teach to the highest-level national standards, said Dr. Jequie Dixon, APRN, AGACNP-BC, clinical coordinator of MSN programs at SNHU.** That way, nurses who graduate from our nurse practitioner program have the knowledge and skills needed to begin a new career” and become nurse practitioners who are well-trained and ready to work.
Some states allow nurse practitioners to practice independently. Others require them to work under the oversight of a physician. Every state can set its standards for licensure in terms of clinical hours and type of training needed beyond the masters degree as well as for continuing education and national certification.
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What Are The Reasons For Becoming A Nurse Practitioner
Truth be told, the world can never have too many nurses. There are far too many people who are sick and are in need of medical attention. Most of them are in places with little access to care. There will always be a demand for this profession because there will always be patients who need assistance. Whether or not your reasons are personal, more people entering the field are always welcome.