Become a Nurse Practitioner: How to Go From RN to NP
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Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: FatCamera / E+ / Getty ImagesAre you interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) but unsure where to start? Are you worried about the additional schooling and costs? Rest assured, you can do it without breaking the bank (or spending a decade in school!) We’ll explain exactly how you can go from RN to NP, including everything from your school options to costs.
A nurse practitioner is part of a category of nurses called advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), who have completed additional schooling and licensure. Unlike an RN, an NP can have similar prescriptive authority as a physician, meaning they can order tests and medications and make diagnoses.
Becoming an NP can lead to higher compensation, greater autonomy, and increased leadership opportunities. As amazing as that sounds, the move from RN to NP is a significant investment and commitment. Discover the path to advancing your nursing career.
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What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
An NP is a nurse who has completed additional training and education beyond registered nurses. They have passed a national exam to receive their NP license.
Typical NP duties include:
- Perform head-to-toe physical assessment
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests (such as blood work, X-ray, MRI, etc.)
- Prescribe medications
- Diagnose illnesses and conditions
Different educational paths are available depending on your desired setting and specialty. Most NP programs prepare you for a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree. NP programs typically require or strongly prefer candidates with RN experience.
Common NP specialties include:
- Family practice
- Women’s health
- Psychiatric mental health
- Pediatrics
- Adult gerontology
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Nurse Practitioner?
Going from an RN to an NP is a significant investment in time and money, including at least two years of graduate school. The RN-to-NP career path offers significant rewards, and most people who have made the transition find the change enriching and worthwhile.
Career Growth and Opportunities
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that APRN jobs, including NPs, will grow 38% from 2022 to 2032 — far faster than the national average. The aging U.S. population, greater recognition of NPs’ effectiveness, and the need for healthcare practitioners all contribute to this growth.
More Flexibility and Autonomy
Many nurses make the move from RN to nurse practitioner to experience more professional autonomy. Nurse practitioners can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and act as primary care providers.
In some states, NPs must work under the supervision of a physician, which means they report to a physician or can consult with a physician as needed. NPs do not have direct physician supervision in their daily responsibilities.
Increased Salary
The transition from nurse to nurse practitioner can be financially rewarding. A nurse practitioner’s average salary is $126,260 annually, compared to $86,070 for RNs — a difference of nearly $40,000 per year — according to the BLS.
An NP’s higher average salary can help offset education expenses. There are many opportunities to help you finance your MSN degree through nursing scholarships, grants, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement.
How RNs Can Become NPs
Your first step in becoming a nurse practitioner is to become an RN, which requires a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). The ADN is a good option for daily nursing duties, but many employers prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses.
After completing nursing school, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX. This is a national exam that tests your nursing knowledge and ensures you’re capable of safely practicing as an RN. Upon passing this test, you can obtain your RN license.
Next, you’ll need to gain clinical nursing experience. Although not all NP programs require it, many prefer at least two years of experience as a registered nurse. This step will help you identify the specialty you want to work in as an NP before making the commitment.
Although pathways can vary, perhaps the most common next step is to apply to graduate school and earn an MSN degree from an accredited NP program. In general, MSN program prerequisites include:
- A current and active RN license
- A BSN or ADN degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Two years of clinical nursing experience
- Specific coursework (e.g. statistics, microbiology, and nutrition)
Most MSN programs take about two years to complete. If you have a BSN, you can enroll in a traditional on-campus or online NP program. If you are a nurse with an ADN, you can enter a bridge RN-to-MSN program.
After you graduate, you’ll have to pass the board certification examination in a particular specialty, such as family practice, women’s health, geriatrics, psychiatric mental health, or pediatrics. You also need to apply for state licensure. If you’re uncertain about your qualifications, check your state board of nursing.
RN-to-NP Bridge Programs
RN-to-NP bridge programs, also known as ADN-to-MSN programs, are designed for nurses who want to become NPs. Through these programs, nurses with an associate degree can pursue an MSN without first earning a bachelor’s degree.
You can complete the RN-to-NP program full-time, part-time, or online. If you attend full-time, it takes about three years to complete. When you graduate, you’ll receive both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
RN-to-NP: Frequently Asked Questions
For nurses with a BSN, an RN-to-NP program requires at least two years of full-time study. Part-time programs take longer. Many RN-to-NP programs also require or strongly prefer at least two years of RN experience. If you have an ADN, the path from RN to NP may take an additional 1-2 years.
Page last reviewed on May 1, 2024
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