Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN?
Becoming a nurse practitioner requires, at minimum, a Master of Science in Nursing degree. While earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the most common way to become an NP, it is not required.
But how can you become a nurse practitioner without a BSN? This essential guide outlines the top ways to skip the BSN and earn an NP certification. Continue reading to learn more!
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a BSN?
Yes! There are three main pathways to become a nurse practitioner without a BSN degree.
3 Ways to Become an NP Without a BSN
- Registered nurse (RN) to MSN
- Direct entry MSN
- RN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Each option has unique benefits and drawbacks that may affect which one is a good fit for you academically and economically.
While these paths seem to "skip" the BSN, you cannot pass over the vital education necessary to fill the gap between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or non-nursing degree and nurse practitioner certification. Each program will incorporate BSN-level coursework into its curriculum, and some even award a formal BSN.
For example, a direct-entry MSN program may offer a BSN degree after students complete a specific set of courses. Then, students continue in the program to earn an MSN or DNP.
How to Become an NP Without a BSN
You can become a nurse practitioner without a BSN through three main routes. Two require a nursing degree, an RN license, and prior work experience. The third direct entry pathway is for aspiring nurse practitioners who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
1. RN to MSN
RN to MSN programs are designed explicitly for ADN-educated registered nurses. In addition to the ADN degree, these programs require students to have a minimum GPA and relevant work experience in the NP specialty.
Also known as ADN to MSN programs, those attending one typically earn a BSN as well, which can be important for some students and employers. The BSN may also open the door to job opportunities while you complete the rest of the program.
2. RN to DNP
Also known as ADN to DNP, RN to DNP programs are the most intense, time-consuming, and costly way to become an NP without a BSN. The DNP is a terminal nursing degree and is ideal for students interested in leadership, research, or academic roles.
Interested students must have an ADN degree and specific, relevant work experience. Throughout the RN to DNP program, students will learn the skills needed to become a successful NP. The classes are rigorous and focused on leadership and research.
3. Direct Entry MSN
Direct-entry MSN programs are for aspiring nurse practitioners with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Before attending clinicals, students in these programs have no bedside nursing experience, which employers may view as a drawback.
Students graduate with an MSN and sit for national certification to earn their NP license. Some schools also award a BSN, allowing students to obtain an RN license while continuing their studies. RN licensure may enable students to work at the bedside, gaining experience and money during the program.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Pros and Cons of Skipping Getting Your BSN
Skipping a BSN degree and earning an NP certification has several pros and cons:
Pros:
- Faster
- More cost-efficient
- Increased job opportunities
- Increased salary potential
- Earn an advanced degree in one program
- Leadership opportunities
Cons:
- Intense and time-consuming
- Poor work-life balance
- May be unable to work as a nurse during the program
- Lack of bedside experience
- Employers may want nurses to hold a BSN degree
Choosing the Right NP Program For You
Choosing a nurse practitioner program that suits you can be overwhelming. With numerous program options available, including both online and in-person options, selecting a school can be a challenging task.
Start your search by finding programs and schools that offer your desired nurse practitioner specialty. Once you have that list, consider some of the following factors.
Program Considerations
- Online vs. in-person
- Cost (in-state vs. out-of-state)
- Attrition rate
- National certification pass rate
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Assistance in finding a clinical placement
- Degree progression plan
- Prerequisites
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Chamberlain University is the #1 largest school of nursing with a community of more than 177,000 students, faculty, and alumni. Chamberlain offers BSN, MSN, and DNP programs online and has a long history of successfully delivering top quality education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, and the School of Nursing has been delivering graduate nursing programs in a distance-learning environment since 2011. Georgetown's online programs allow students to learn from wherever they are while they pursue an accredited, mission-driven nursing education that will allow them to deliver high-quality care.
CCNE
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.
Resources
Are you ready to become a nurse practitioner without a BSN degree? Check out our program guides to find the pathway that suits you:
