If you would like to learn how to become a nurse practitioner, your first step is to earn a BSN. Next, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and get licensed, gain experience as an RN, and then earn an MSN or DNP. Lastly, earn board certification and get an APRN license.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have full practice authority in nearly 30 states, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. This means they can order tests, diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and operate independent clinics without physician supervision or collaboration. In the remaining jurisdictions, NPs still generally have a broader scope of authority than registered nurses (RNs). This makes nurse practitioner an ideal role for aspiring nurses to eventually grow into. Consider learning how to become a nurse practitioner by starting with an accelerated nursing program.
Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) prepares you to enter your health care career as a confident nurse. The skills you will learn during Pacific Lutheran University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program are an excellent foundation for your career and will serve as the first stepping-stone on the path to your future career as a nurse practitioner.
Before getting started, uncover the answers to questions such as, “What does a nurse practitioner do?” and “How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?” You should also explore the benefits of this nursing career, as well as the steps needed to reach it.
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Nurse practitioners are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). NPs are trained to diagnose and treat patients through all stages of life. Their responsibilities will largely depend on their specialty area, such as family health, women’s health, pediatrics, or adult-gerontology. Depending on practice authority in their jurisdiction, a nurse practitioner may do any of the following:
- Record patients’ medical histories
- Maintain medical records
- Order lab tests or diagnostic procedures
- Examine and diagnose patients
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications and perform treatments
- Coordinate care with other providers and specialists
- Deliver patient and family caregiver education
- Serve as a nurse leader and mentor
NPs frequently offer acute care, urgent care, and primary care services to a wide range of patients. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nurse practitioner employment to grow 40% from 2024 through 2034.
Why Become a Nurse Practitioner?
There are plenty of exciting careers in nursing, so why become a nurse practitioner? As an NP, you will get to enjoy:
- Selecting from many different specializations and work settings
- Working in a growing industry
- Having the ability to establish your own independent practice
- Practicing with a broader scope of authority
- Providing mentorship to other nurses
- Serving as a leader in health care
Need help choosing a bachelor program that is right for you? Explore these 8 things to look for in a nursing school.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: Step by Step
Nurse practitioners begin as registered nurses to gain clinical experience. Prospective NPs then apply to master’s or doctoral programs, after which they can become board-certified as a nurse practitioner.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? It depends on your starting point and your choices along the way. For many clinicians, the timeline can extend up to eight years. The ABSN program at PLU, however, helps reduce this time to as little as less than two years. Consider the following steps:
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
The first step to becoming an NP is to earn a BSN degree. The accelerated nursing program at PLU can help you earn your nursing degree in as few as 16. By leveraging your previous schooling, we provide a high-quality education and a faster timeline through a comprehensive program that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical placements.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam and Get Licensed
After graduating from the ABSN program, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure and practice as a registered nurse. The exam is a computerized adaptive test (CAT) that adjusts the difficulty of its questions based on your previous answers. It reviews common procedures, scenarios, patient care best practices, and more.
During your time in PLU’s ABSN program, our attentive nursing instructors will equip and prepare you to succeed on the NCLEX-RN. You can also independently access practice exams and other study resources to make sure you are ready.
3. Gain Experience as a Nurse
Before you become an NP, you will need to work for a few years as an RN. This time will give you the clinical experience required to care for patients and continue learning and growing as an RN.
Additionally, many graduate programs expect one to two years of clinical experience before they will admit an applicant. You can use this time as an RN to explore specialties and refine your clinical practice.
4. Enroll in a Nursing Graduate Program
Your next step is earning a graduate degree. You could earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. An MSN is the minimum educational requirement for NPs, though some nurses pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Earning an MSN can take up to two years, while a DNP can take anywhere from three to six years. Choosing which degree to earn will primarily be based on your future goals, how soon you want to practice as an NP, and changing requirements.
5. Obtain Board Certification
After graduating from your NP program, you will need to secure a passing score on a national board certification test in your specialty. These can range from critical care, family, pediatrics, and women’s health, among others. Remember, licensure requirements may vary by state, so be sure to review the requirements for your preferred location. After you have passed the board certification exam, you can obtain your advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license.
Wondering how long nursing school is? Learn more about your nursing school timeline.
6. Find a Great Fit
Next, you need to start researching job positions and locations to find the perfect fit for you and your specialty.
NPs can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Clinics
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Universities and colleges
- Urgent care
- Veterans’ Affairs clinics
While searching for a job, bear in mind that NPs can rotate among several specialties with the prospect of receiving a work offer through the many hospitals that offer paid fellowship programs. These scholarships are a fantastic way for recent graduates to enter employment as an NP.
Take the First Step Today
Pacific Lutheran University supports your journey toward a career in nursing. As a value-based school, we offer nursing education rooted in service, scholarship, equity, and inclusion. Here, you could earn a BSN in as few as 16 months.
Contact an admissions representative today to get started.