How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Published on: March 1, 2022

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is a meaningful way to take your nursing career to the next level — offering greater autonomy, expanded clinical responsibilities and the ability to diagnose, treat and manage patient care. Nurse practitioners contribute significantly to filling healthcare shortages and enhancing patient care results across specializations such as family medicine, pediatrics and mental health.

The following guide outlines the steps needed to become a nurse practitioner, from education and licensing to certification and specialization, while also exploring the various NP roles available so you can find the path that best fits your interests and goals.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

So, what is a nurse practitioner, or NP? Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary, specialty or acute care to patients across the lifespan. They are trained to:

• Assess patients.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Prescribe medications.
• Develop treatment plans.

NPs often work independently or in collaboration with physicians, depending on state regulations. Nurse practitioners are known for their patient-centered approach, often spending more time on education and preventive care.

Types of Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners can specialize in a variety of patient populations or healthcare needs, which empowers them to focus their expertise and deliver more tailored care. The type of NP you choose to become often depends on your interests, prior experience and long-term career goals.

• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): FNPs provide comprehensive care to individuals and families across all ages, from infants to older adults. They often work in primary care settings, managing everything from routine checkups to chronic conditions.
• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): ACNPs specialize in treating adults with complex, often urgent or critical health conditions. They typically work in hospitals, intensive care units (ICUs) or emergency departments.
• Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP): These NPs focus on long-term care for adults (especially older adults), managing chronic conditions and promoting wellness in outpatient or community health settings.
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP): NNPs care for newborns who are premature, critically ill or have complex health issues. They often work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) alongside neonatologists and other specialists.
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose and treat mental health conditions. They may provide therapy, prescribe medication and support patients dealing with anxiety, depression, substance use or other psychiatric disorders.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): PNPs provide care for infants, children and adolescents, offering everything from well-child visits to managing acute and chronic illnesses. They frequently work in pediatric clinics, hospitals or schools.
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): WHNPs focus on reproductive and gynecologic health — including prenatal care, fertility, menopause and routine screenings. They typically work in OB/GYN offices, clinics or community health settings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an NP

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires a combination of education, hands-on experience and certification. Below is a breakdown of each step involved in the process, from what degree you need to be a nurse practitioner to meeting ongoing licensure requirements.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The first step is earning a BSN from an accredited nursing program. This degree provides the foundational knowledge and clinical training needed to become a registered nurse (RN) as well as prepares you for advanced practice and studies.

Gain Clinical Experience as a Nurse

After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and becoming licensed, you’ll need to gain real-world experience. Most graduate NP programs require at least one to two years of work as a registered nurse before applying.

Enroll in a Graduate NP Program

Next, you should complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and/or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a nurse practitioner track. These programs include both advanced coursework and clinical training specific to your chosen specialty.

Complete Supervised Clinical Hours

Graduate programs include a required number of supervised clinical hours, which provide hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients. The exact number varies by program and specialty.

Pass a National Certification Exam

After graduating, you need to pass a certification exam in your NP specialty through a recognized body like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Apply for State Licensure

With certification in hand, you can apply for licensure as a nurse practitioner through your state’s board of nursing. Requirements vary by state, so be sure to check for any additional steps.

Start Practicing as an NP

Once licensed, you’re eligible to begin practicing as a nurse practitioner. Depending on your state laws, you may work independently or under a collaborative agreement with a physician.

Keep Up With Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your certification and licensure, you must complete continuing education regularly. This ensures you stay current with medical knowledge, best practices and any changes in state or national regulations. Requirements vary by state and licensing body.

Skills and Traits of a Successful Nurse Practitioner

Besides formal education and training, nurse practitioners need a solid set of personal and professional skills to succeed in their roles. These qualities help them deliver high-quality care, build trust with patients and work effectively as part of a healthcare team.

• Clinical decision-making: NPs regularly assess complex medical situations and must make accurate, timely decisions about diagnoses, treatments and follow-up care. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Strong communication: Clear and compassionate communication is key when explaining diagnoses, treatment plans and medications to patients and their families. NPs also need to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
• Compassion and patient advocacy: Nurse practitioners are often on the front lines of patient care and play a pivotal part in advocating for their patients’ needs. A deep sense of empathy and commitment to patient well-being is crucial.
• Leadership and collaboration: Whether leading a team or working alongside physicians, nurses and specialists, NPs must be able to foster collaboration while taking initiative in clinical settings.
• Ability to work independently: In many states and settings, NPs have full practice authority — meaning they can diagnose, treat and prescribe without physician oversight. This requires confidence, self-direction and a firm grasp of clinical protocols.

FAQs About Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

Wondering how to become a nurse practitioner and the timeline? On average, it takes six to eight years to become a nurse practitioner. This includes time spent earning a BSN, gaining RN experience and completing a graduate-level NP program.

Do I need a doctorate to be an NP?

What degree do you need to be a nurse practitioner? You do not need a doctorate-level education to become an NP. While some choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced roles, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is the minimum requirement to practice.

Can I become an NP without being an RN first?

Most NP programs require you to be a licensed RN before applying. However, there are accelerated or direct-entry programs for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to transition into nursing and advance to NP roles.

What is the cost to become a nurse practitioner?

The total cost of a nurse practitioner degree varies depending on your educational path and the institution through which you attend school. The most expensive route is to start with a bachelor’s degree, then earn a master’s degree followed by a doctoral degree. If you take a BSN first and earn an MSN, you will need the fewest number of credit hours to start practicing.

Plan to pay up to $800 per credit hour, depending on the program you choose, while accounting for any fees, books and licensure costs. Keep in mind that online programs may be more affordable than on-campus programs; for instance, Husson University offers an online MSN program at a rate of $682 per credit hour.

For those who are passionate about providing advanced patient care and ready to grow their nursing career, becoming a nurse practitioner can lead to new opportunities, increased responsibility and meaningful impact. From choosing your NP specialty to completing the required education and licensure, the journey is demanding — but deeply rewarding.

At Husson University, our online Master of Science in Nursing degree programs offer several specialization options to align with your career aspirations. Prepare to pass your NP certification exams while gaining the competencies you need to succeed as a medical provider. Request more information to embark on your path toward NP status.

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