How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) requires a significant investment in graduate-level education, but it also opens up opportunities to take on greater responsibility and earn higher pay. NPs can work autonomously or in collaboration with physicians across a variety healthcare settings. They perform assessments, order tests, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and more.

The journey to becoming an NP begins with earning either a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then completing an accredited graduate level NP program and national certification exam. The full timeline varies based on your starting point and other factors.

This peer-reviewed article provides a step-by-step overview of the NP path, so you can determine if it’s the right move for your nursing career and how long the journey will take.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services similar in scope to physicians. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), key aspects of the NP role include:

• Performing comprehensive health assessments and physical exams
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Making diagnoses
• Prescribing medication and treatments
• Managing patients’ overall care

There are several different NP specialization areas:

• Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) – Provide care across the lifespan.
• Adult-gerontology primary care NPs (AGPCNPs) – Treat adult and elderly patients.
• Pediatric primary care NPs (PPCNPs) – Treat children from birth through young adulthood.
• Acute care NPs (ACNPs) – Treat patients with complex, acute, critical, and chronic health conditions.

Compared to registered nurses, NPs can practice more independently in most states and have an expanded scope of practice including diagnosing, treating, and managing both acute and chronic illnesses.

Educational Requirements to Become an NP

Earning an advanced nursing degree is essential for becoming an NP. Here is an overview:

• BSN degree – This four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing provides the foundation needed to become an NP.
• RN license – Typically you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and be licensed as an RN before applying to an NP program. One to two years of RN experience is often recommended or required.
• MSN degree – A two to three-year master’s of science in nursing program with a focus on your chosen NP population is required to qualify as an NP. It covers advanced clinical training and nursing theory.
• Post-master’s certificates – If you already have a nursing master’s degree, you can often transition into an NP role through a 12-18 month post-master’s certificate program.
• DNP degree – A doctor of nursing practice program takes three to four years to complete after a bachelor’s degree. It is gaining favor as the entry-level preparation for nurse practitioners.
• NP certification – You must pass a national certification exam through an accredited organization like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) to demonstrate competency in your specialty.

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming an NP

Though there are a few different educational paths, this is the general process for becoming a nurse practitioner:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (4 years) – A BSN from an accredited nursing school is the foundation for becoming an RN and then continuing to a graduate NP program. Some accelerate BSN programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree take 12-18 months.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain RN licensure (6 months to 1 year) – All RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Your state board of nursing issues an RN license upon passing this comprehensive test demonstrating competency.
3. Get RN experience (1 to 2+ years) – Most NP graduate programs want candidates to have experience working as an RN, which also helps you determine if advanced practice nursing is a good career fit. This RN foundation strengthens your clinical skills. Critical care and emergency nursing experience especially helps in fields like acute care.
4. Earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN) (2 to 3 years) – A master’s degree from an accredited NP program approved by your state board of nursing is mandatory for NP practice. MSN programs focus on advanced clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and disease management. Specialty areas are available.
5. Obtain NP certification in your specialty (up to 6 months study time) – National certification demonstrates clinical competence in your NP specialty and is required for advanced practice authority and often for state licensure. Some common exams are:
   • ANCC – Family, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Pediatrics Primary Care
   • AACN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care programs
   • NCC – Neonatal Nursing
6. Apply for APRN licensure in your state (time varies) – After completing NP education and certification, you must obtain an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in your state to start practicing. Requirements vary widely.

Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me

We identified the top nurse practitioner programs for you through rigorous research. These premier schools have a record of graduating career-ready nurses who positively impact lives. Starting with the program best fit for you puts purposeful, meaningful work within reach. Let us guide your first steps towards a future of healing hope.

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) Methodology

Total Time Commitment

The total time it takes to become an NP depends most significantly on your starting point:

If starting after earning an ADN nursing degree or diploma (6 to 7+ years)

• ~2 years – ADN program
• ~1 year – Obtain RN license
• ~2 years – Complete BSN bridge program
• ~2-3 years – Earn MSN degree
• ~6 months – Pass certification exam

If starting with a BSN (5 to 7 years):

• 4 years – Earn BSN
• 1-2+ years – RN experience
• 2-3 years – Complete MSN
• 6 months – Obtain certification

If pursuing a DNP instead (6 to 8+ years):

• ~4 years – BSN degree
• ~1 year – RN experience
• ~3-4 years – Earn Doctor of Nursing Practice

So in summary, it takes between 5 years if entering with an existing BSN up to 8 years if completing a BSN to DNP route. But the rewards of greater responsibility, higher salaries, and opportunities are well worth it for many.

Job Outlook and Salaries for Nurse Practitioners

Pursuing an NP role is appealing to nurses because of excellent job prospects and pay:

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 45% NP job growth between 2020 and 2030, over 4x the average rate, driven by healthcare provider shortages and expanded demand for primary care.
• The average nurse practitioner salary in 2021 was $123,780 per year according to BLS data, providing wages over $30,000 higher than the average RN. Those with specialized certifications and working in hospital settings can earn over $150,000 annually.
• NPs often have flexible schedules with options to work part time hours once established in their practice, while earning an attractive hourly rate.
• Significant earning potential – Many NPs opt to open their own primary care clinics or request a percentage of each service provided after gaining experience. Private practice allows charging insured patients $150 or more per visit.

If you are an ambitious RN looking to expand your practice, the NP path offers outstanding job security and earning power. Though the journey takes 5 years at minimum, the long-term rewards for your nursing career are well worth the investment. Reach out to specific graduate NP programs to learn more about prerequisite requirements, specialized focuses available, program length, and practicing in your state.