What Are The Highest
Based on PayScale data from September 2021, acute care nurse practitioners and psychiatric nurse practitioners are among the highest-paid NPs. Acute care nurse practitioners earn an average annual salary of $103,910 per year, while psychiatric nurse practitioners earn an average annual income of $111,570.
A Supportive Nursing Education Designed To Fit Students Lives
The Nursing@Simmons online FNP program is designed to help nurses earn their MSN while continuing to provide care and help patients in their communities we offer full-time, part-time, and extended program options, and consistent support from faculty and staff.
To help working nurses successfully complete their degrees, the program incorporates a number of features which were implemented based on student feedback:
Predictable, standardized course schedules Live courses are held on the same designated days of the week throughout the program for predictable scheduling that allows students to plan around work and life.
Clinical placement team Students partner with a dedicated clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors for rotations in or near their communities.
Course delivery that prioritizes RN lifestyles and learning outcomes Courses are designed to help students learn in the way that works best for them, and are structured with our students busy schedules in mind. Many courses offer flex scheduling, with lectures hosted multiple times per week so students can choose the lecture session that fits their schedule. All live sessions are also recorded and accessible to students.
In clinicals, multiple preceptors have commented that I am well prepared and far ahead of students from other universities.
Alyssa Porter, Nursing@Simmons Student
Additional Nurse Practitioner Programs
When researching the best nurse practitioner program for your goals and aspirations, you may find that a specialized NP program is your best route, a bridge nursing program, or an online nursing program.
There are several MSN-level programs you may also consider:
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Reasons To Get An Online Post
Post-masters nurse practitioner graduate certificate programs can be a great choice for the right nurse in the right circumstance. Lets take a look at some of the reasons why a post-masters NP certificate program might be the best choice for you.
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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Is A Nurse Practitioner As Good As A Doctor
Research suggests that NPs provide the same quality of care as physicians. However, in some states, nurse practitioners’ scope of practice is reduced or restricted. In reduced practice states, NPs can diagnose and treat patients but can only prescribe medication under a doctor’s supervision. In restricted practice states, NPs require physician oversight to diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients.
Nurse Practitioner Career And Salary
Certified nurse practitioners are in high demand and the job outlook is excellent for these roles. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nurse practitioner positions are expected to rise 28 percent between 2018 and 2028, an increase of over 53,000 jobs . Additionally, nurse-midwifery positions are expected to increase by 16 percent for that same time frame. The average across all occupations is 5 percent, for reference.
Nurse practitioners can expect to earn between $80,670 and $182,750 per year with a median salary landing at $107,030 . NPs play an important role in healthcare, and given their advanced practice training and their significant autonomy and practice authority, NPs can help mitigate the shortage of family practice doctors across the country.
NPs study a wide variety of subjectsincluding courses on:
- Healthcare policy
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Types Of Nurse Practitioner Msn Programs
Nationally accredited nurse practitioner programs may help lead to certification by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses , the American Nurses Credentialing Center , or the National Certification Corporation . There are several types of nurse practitioner degrees with specializations in different populations and approaches to care.
Advanced Practice Registered Nursing And Nurse Practitioner Specializations Explained
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, or APRNs, are a category of licensed and/or certified senior-level clinicians who have graduate training in a clinical specialty and who are entrusted with greater responsibilities and a broader scope of practice than RNs. For example, APRNs are qualified to order and interpret diagnostic medical tests, manage and direct patient care autonomously and in consultation with physicians and other allied health professionals, and prescribe treatments and medications subject to the prescriptive authority granted by the state in which they practice.
Nurse Practitioners, or NPs, represent a broad category of APRNs who provide primary and/or acute care to specific patient populations throughout the healthcare system, in hospitals, medical centers, outpatient clinics, residential care facilities, private medical practices, and other clinical settings. NPs train in a specialization that aligns with a professional certification or credential as well as with the requirements for licensure outlined by their states board of nursing. Licensing requirements vary by state, and most states license NPs by specialization. While professional certification is not required for NPs by all states, licensure through ones state board of nursing is required by all states in order for an NP to practice. However, most employers require NPs to hold a professional credential in their area of specialization in addition to being licensed. These specializations include:
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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.
What Is The Difference Between A Nursing Certification And A Post
When it comes to nursing certifications, there are several options for nurses based on their degree level. For example, nursing certifications differ from post-masters graduate certificates for several reasons. First, the requirements for certification are different. Nursing certifications are offered to RNs with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in a specific specialty. Post-masters certificates are offered to masters degree nurses or higher. Second, nursing certifications usually only require a certain amount of clinical experience. Post-masters certificates usually require completion of a curriculum in order to become certified.
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Financial Aid And Scholarships
Financing your nursing education doesnt have to be an obstacle. There are various resources available to students who qualify.
For starters, the federal and state governments offer financial aid to qualifying nursing students. You might qualify for student loans, grants, or work-study programs. To see if you qualify for need-based aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid .
There are also private and public organizations that offer scholarships. There may even be scholarship programs specifically for nursing students. Your prospective school may have scholarship and financial aid opportunities as well.
If youre currently working, you can also check whether your employer offers professional development or tuition reimbursement opportunities.
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Concentration
If you choose the pediatric primary nurse practitioner program, you will be prepared to provide care to patients from birth through the age of 21. Pediatric primary nurse practitioners, also known as PNPs, focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic conditions in pediatric offices as well as school, community, urgent care and specialty settings.
Graduates are eligible for national certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
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What Are Types Of Online Nurse Practitioner Masters Programs
Nurse practitioner masters programs online might be offered in a variety of flavors. Some programs are more generalized, aiming to prepare nurses for any situation they might face in the field. Other programs are more tailored, focusing on specific healthcare settings, issues, or patient populations. What that means for you: you could choose an online nurse practitioner masters program focused on what you need to know to help your patients.
Here are some examples of the types of online nurse practitioner masters programs you might find:
Keep in mind that individual programs might vary from the above descriptions. Additionally, some schools might not have all these options, or might have some not listed here. If you have questions or want to know more, get in touch with your online nurse practitioner masters program for details.
What Nurse Practitioner Makes The Most Money
NP salaries depend on local demand and cost of living, specialty, and employer, along with individual factors like professional experience. The BLS reports that NPs in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Ohio make the most money. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , adult mental health NPs earn the highest wages, drawing a median annual salary of $125,000. The AANP also reports that Veterans Affairs facilities offer the highest median salary of all employers.
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Can You Become A Nurse Practitioner Online
Yes although not 100%. While you can earn your FNP online, it’s important to note that immersion experiences and clinical practice hours are a requirement within the program.
At SNHU, students will complete the first portion of their program entirely online, then travel to New Hampshire for a multi-day immersion experience.
After successful completion of the immersion experience and NUR-600, students will then complete their 650 practicum hours over five courses that focus on treating patients across the lifespan. These hours must be completed under the guidance of preceptors within their program.
That said, even learning partly online can certainly help you earn your degree and advance your career faster, on a schedule that works for you. Not only does online learning offer more flexibility these programs are generally more affordable, too. SNHU, for example, offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
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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Requirements For International Students
International students on F-1 or J-1 student visas are not eligible for admission to this nursing program due to the fact that the Master of Science in Nursing degree is offered completely online. For additional information, contact the Office of International Services office at 314-977-2318.
Please follow the five steps outlined below to apply:
Examples Of Online Post
The schools listed below offer NP graduate certificate programs that provide a representative overview of the kinds of programs that are currently offered online.
The University of Cincinnati offers two online NP graduate certificate programs: an online Post-Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program and an online Post-Masters Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate program. Both programs are designed for RNs who hold an MSN degree in any specialization, APRN or non-APRN, and both programs require applicants to have a minimum of one year of post-MSN clinical experience. Students enrolled in the programs must complete 504 supervised clinical hours as part of the curriculum. The FNP post-masters certificate does not require any campus visits, while the PMHNP program requires students to attend one campus-based session at the UC College of Nursing during the first semester of the program. RNs who have already taken courses in advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology, and advanced patient assessment can finish either of the programs in four semesters. RNs who require these courses typically take five semesters to graduate. For further information on these programs, visit the UC College of Nursing at www.nursing.uc.edu.
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What Are Potential Nurse Practitioner Requirementsi
Another thing to think about is certification. Currently, most states have certification requirements for nurse practitioners. The specifics might vary by location and specialty. Some online nurse practitioner masters programs may be specifically designed to help students sit for these exams and fulfill other licensing requirements. If this is something you wish to pursue, be sure to check if your online program compliments your states requirements.
Follow up with your state nursing board or your selected online program to find out more about your particular requirements, and how your online program might help you fulfill them.
What Are The Admission Requirements For An Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Although admission requirements vary by program, requirements for online and on-campus MSN programs are generally the same. Students typically need a BSN to enroll in an MSN-NP program. Unless they are applying to a direct-entry MSN program, prospective students must also hold an active RN license.
Usually, students with bachelor’s degrees in nursing meet prerequisites for MSN programs while earning their degree. However, some programs specify that students must complete undergraduate coursework in specific subjects, such as statistics. Students who do not have a bachelor’s degree in nursing may be required to complete bridge credits as part of their coursework.
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Why Is Program Accreditation Important
ââRegionally and nationally accredited schools offer a quality education. Accrediting agencies review student outcomes, faculty, and curricula to ensure that they meet the highest standards.
Accreditation also influences the student journey in many other ways:
- Accredited graduate schools may not accept students who attended unaccredited undergraduate schools.
- Unaccredited schools cannot provide students with federal financial aid.
- Some employers do not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools.
School Aanp Pass Rates
MSN-NP programs often advertise what percentage of its students pass their national certification exams. For example, Drexel University’s MSN-NP program boasts a 100% pass rate on certification exams offered through the ANCC and AANP. If you’re interested in a program, speak to a program representative about certification exam pass rates. Doing so can help you determine the program’s quality.
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Is A Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Worth It
Earning your degree from an MSN-NP program can lead to a rewarding career with flexible hours, high pay, and plenty of job opportunities. In 2020, NPs, CRNAs, and CNMs earned a median income of $117,670. In addition, the BLS projects that jobs for NPs will increase 52% between 2020 and 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S.
Earning An Nurse Practitioner Masters Degree Online
To earn your nurse practitioner masters degree, you generally need to be an RN with a bachelors degree and professional experience. That doesnt mean you cant become a nurse practitioner coming from another field, though. Some masters programs may incorporate RN education and certification requirements in their curriculum. More often, though, programs are designed with professional nurses in mind, who want to take that next step.
Because most nurse practitioner masters programs are aimed at current RNs, they tend to use that background as a foundation. Courses aim to build medical and scientific expertise related to different types of patients and medical care. They might also discuss how to diagnose different conditions, treat them, prescribe medication, and more. The specifics, however, might vary, depending on the care setting, the type of care, and the type of patients that program is looking at.
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What Do Family Nurse Practitioners Do
Family nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients and their families.
As an FNP, you’ll assess patients, determine how to improve or manage their health and discuss ways to integrate health promotion strategies into their lives.
As an expert in family medicine, you’ll also need to understand the unique needs of your patient population. This means understanding the social and economic factors that contribute to overall health, and may act as barriers to equitable care and outcomes.