Introduction
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide a wide range of health care services, including diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and providing patient education and counseling. NPs have prescriptive authority in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, which allows them to diagnose and treat medical conditions independently. Becoming a nurse practitioner is an attractive career path for many people, but how long does it take?
Interview with a Nurse Practitioner
To get a better understanding of the timeline involved in becoming a nurse practitioner, we interviewed NP Jennifer Smith. Jennifer has been practicing as an NP for five years and has worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Here’s what she had to say:
“It took me about seven years to become a nurse practitioner. I started out by getting my BSN, and then I completed a Master’s degree program in Nursing with a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. After that, I obtained certification as a nurse practitioner and passed the national certification exam. Finally, I obtained licensure from my state board of nursing. The entire process took me about seven years, but it could take longer or shorter depending on the individual.”
Training Overview
The amount of time it takes to become a nurse practitioner varies depending on the individual and the path they choose. At a minimum, nurse practitioners must complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, followed by a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN). Many programs also require students to complete additional certifications and exams before they can practice as an NP.
In addition to the educational requirements, nurse practitioners must also obtain a license in their state of practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but generally include passing a state-approved exam and completing continuing education courses.
Comparing Paths
There are two main paths to becoming a nurse practitioner: traditional and accelerated. Traditional paths involve completing a BSN degree and then pursuing an MSN degree with a specialty in adult-gerontology primary care or another area. Depending on the school and program, this can take anywhere from two to six years.
Accelerated paths involve completing a BSN degree and then enrolling in an accelerated MSN program, which typically takes one to two years to complete. Accelerated programs are ideal for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and want to pursue a career in nursing.
Examining the Cost
The cost of becoming a nurse practitioner depends on the type of program and institution chosen. For traditional programs, tuition and fees can range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. Additionally, there are costs associated with taking the certification exams and obtaining licensure. Financial aid is available to help defray the costs of attending school, and many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is very positive. In 2018, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $107,030, and the projected job growth through 2028 is 28%, much faster than the average for all occupations. As healthcare needs continue to grow, the demand for nurse practitioners will only increase.
Exploring Specialties
Nurse practitioners may choose to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, women’s health, or family practice. Specialization typically requires additional training and certification, so it’s important to consider the timeline and cost associated with pursuing a specialty. Some nurse practitioners may also choose to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing, which can take three to four years to complete.
Conclusion
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires several years of education and training. There are two main paths to becoming a nurse practitioner—traditional and accelerated—and both require passing exams and obtaining licensure in the state of practice. The cost of becoming a nurse practitioner varies depending on the type of program and institution chosen, but financial aid and tuition reimbursement programs are available to help defray the costs. The job outlook for nurse practitioners is very positive, with a median annual salary of $107,030 and a projected job growth rate of 28%. Individuals interested in becoming a nurse practitioner should explore their options to find the best route for them.
For more information about becoming a nurse practitioner, visit the American Association of Nurse Practitioners website here.
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