How To Become A Nurse Practitioner

By: Annette Smith

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you are looking for a career in a high-demand field, consider how to become a nurse practitioner (NP). A nurse practitioner is a high-level nursing professional similar to a doctor in many ways. He works with doctors to provide health care services to patients.

A nurse practitioner is a licensed professional. The occupation requires a master’s degree. Unlike a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a nurse practitioner can examine and diagnose patients and prescribe medications.

A nurse practitioner can choose to work in a number of specialty areas, including family, pediatric, or geriatric nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing field is expected to grow faster than most other occupations.

Steps To Become a Nurse Practitioner

Earn an associate’s degree. Many nurse practitioners begin their education with an associate’s degree program in a junior college or community college. This prepares graduates for entry-level positions in clinical settings. Most students complete their associate’s degree program in 70 semester hours. Coursework includes health assessments, individual care, family care, child care, and mental health.
Obtain a nursing license. Nurses who complete an accredited nursing degree program must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Eligibility requirements vary from state to state, and local agencies may have different local requirements, as well.
Earn a bachelor's degree. A Bachelor of Science degree prepares a nurse to enter a master’s degree program. A master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for nurse practitioners. Coursework includes health assessment, pharmacology, pediatric nursing, mental health, psychiatric nursing, and community health.
Earn a master’s degree. A registered nurse who desires to become a nurse practitioner must earn a Master of Science degree in nursing with a nurse practitioner concentration. Most nurses decide their specialization area before enrolling in a degree program. Licensure requirements vary with each state, and most states require both a master’s degree and certification from a national board.
Earn certification. A nurse practitioner who complete a master’s degree program and meets the licensure requirements must sit for a certification exam by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). If he chooses to specialize in a particular area, a nurse practitioner must sit for a specialty certification exam by the ANCC.