Medically reviewed by:Thinking about exploring a career as a nurse practitioner? Learn how to become a nurse practitioner, what they do, how much you can make, and more.
Part One What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced education and training beyond that required of a registered nurse (RN). Nurse practitioners are trained to provide a wide range of healthcare services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing overall patient care.
The main difference between being an RN and an NP is that nurse practitioners have more authority and have similar responsibilities to those of a doctor. They can serve as primary care or specialty care providers and typically focus their care on a specific population, such as families, children, or the elderly. As clinicians, they focus on health promotion and disease prevention in their patients.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
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, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
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
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.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As Virginia’s largest public research university, we set the standard for a bold, progressive education that serves our students and communities.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: VA
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Degree Requirements
MSN or DNP Degree
How Long to Become
6-7 years
Part Two How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
To become a nurse practitioner, you'll need to complete the following steps:
1. Become a Registered Nurse
The first step to becoming a nurse practitioner is becoming a registered nurse. You'll do this by enrolling in either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) program.
2. Get Your Bachelor's Degree
If you don’t already hold a BSN, you may want to enroll in and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Nurses who have their ADN can enroll in accelerated RN-BSN programs, many of which can be completed online. However, it is possible to go straight from your ADN to an MSN degree if you want to skip the step of earning your Bachelor's degree. (More on that in step four.)
3. Gain Nursing Experience
Most NP programs require that students gain bedside experience before enrolling in an accredited program. Interestingly, some programs do not require experience and you can go immediately from a BSN program into an NP program.
Before applying to an NP program, speak to an admissions counselor to ensure you meet the requirements needed to apply to the program.
4. Enroll in a Nurse Practitioner Program
Choosing an accredited NP program is the first step to enrolling in an NP program. Determine if you are interested in an MSN or DNP program. A DNP is considered a terminal degree. These programs take longer to complete because they require more credits to graduate, and ultimately cost more.
Currently, an MSN is the minimum degree requirement for becoming an NP but the AACN has proposed that NPs should be required to hold a DNP degree by 2025. As a result, more and more programs are shifting their programs to DNP degrees.
Entry requirements for MSN and DNP programs are roughly the same. All programs will require the following,
- RN license
- BSN from an accredited program
- CV/Resume
- Personal Statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous coursework
There are a lot of different options for nurse practitioner programs depending on where you are starting out and what your requirements are.
5. Earn Your Advanced Practice Nursing Licensure
The specifics for NP licensure are set by the individual states, which means that you will have to search the requirements to become an NP in the state that you plan to work in. There is also talk of a national model for NP licensure, but currently, it does vary from state to state.
After graduating from an accredited NP program and meeting the minimum clinical hours required, you will need to apply to take the NP certification exam. This will vary depending on your specialty. For example, if you have completed an FNP program, you are eligible to take the ANCC FNP Certification exam. However, you are not eligible for the ANCC PMHNP exam. You are only eligible for the board certification in the specialty you took in school.
6. Get Your First Nurse Practitioner Job
Congratulations! You've made it, and now you're ready to find your first job as a nurse practitioner. Finding an NP job might be more daunting than finding an RN position. There are several ways to find a position. You might want to consider working with a nurse recruiter to find a position, or simply checking hospital job boards. NP positions can be niche, depending on your specialty, so networking can be helpful as well.
After applying for positions, you will go through a series of interviews. These will include hospital administrators and other healthcare professionals, including NPs and MDs. The interview process is intense for NPs.
Part Three Nurse Practitioner Specialties
In addition to being general nurse practitioners, NPs can also specialize in a specific population. They often attend a nursing program that allows them to specialize in this area and obtain clinical competency. If they choose a specialization, they'll also need to become certified in the specific specialty area.
Here are some of the popular nurse practitioner specialties, but you can check out our article on nurse practitioner specialties for more details.
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
- Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners or Family Practice Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide primary health care services for individuals and families throughout their lifespans. They often act as a primary care provider for their patients, and this can be especially rewarding for those who enjoy developing long-term relationships and getting to know people over time.
>> Related: Top Online RN to FNP Programs
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide care to patients in acute care and/or hospital settings. They see patients when they are sick, admitted to the hospital, or after a surgical procedure and/or trauma. Their focus is solely on caring for the adult population with complex diseases.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Aesthetic nurse practitioners specialize in cosmetic medical procedures that improve their patient's appearance. They examine and evaluate patients, counsel them on a variety of procedures, perform those procedures, and care for them as they recover.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses whose sole focus is treating children from infancy through their adulthood. They see patients on a one-on-one basis, offering care ranging from well check-ups and immunizations to diagnosing illnesses and treating chronic and acute conditions.
Emergency Nurse Practitioner
Emergency nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, and manage injuries and illnesses that need urgent care. They can work with or without supervision, determining which patients need the most immediate care, making decisions about treatment, monitoring patient conditions, and providing education and consultation.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners specialize in the care of adults from adolescence all the way up to geriatric care. They work with patients and their caregivers to manage chronic conditions, diseases, and other health conditions.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric nurse practitioners or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) specialize in the mental health needs of adults, children, families, groups, and/or communities. They help individuals cope with different psychiatric disorders and illnesses and can also help people with substance abuse disorders.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal nurse practitioners care for premature and sick newborns, including diagnosing them, providing treatment plans, and prescribing medication. They can also assist in delivering patients in certain settings.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Women’s health nurse practitioners (WHNP) specialize in the comprehensive care of women throughout their lives. They focus on reproductive, obstetric, and gynecological health and usually work in a primary care office setting rather than a hospital or delivery room.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Orthopedic nurse practitioners focus on the care and treatment of patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems. These can include disease and/or injuries of the bones, muscles, joints, and supporting connective tissue.
Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Oncology nurse practitioners provide comprehensive care to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. They collaborate with other healthcare providers, including physicians, to develop treatment plans for cancer patients.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
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, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
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
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school - without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue 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
As Virginia’s largest public research university, we set the standard for a bold, progressive education that serves our students and communities.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: VA
Part Four Nurse Practitioner Salary
Nurse practitioners earn a median annual salary of $126,260 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average nurse practitioner salary will vary based on many factors, including location, experience, and specialty.
Certain specializations earn more than others, so be sure to check our article on the highest-paying nurse practitioner specialties to find the ones with the highest earning potential.
Nurse Practitioner Salaries by Specialty
 |
General Nurse Practitioner | $129,650 |
 |
Family Nurse Practitioner | $158,093 |
 |
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $106,826 |
 |
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | $134,003 |
 |
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $119,000 |
 |
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | $117,423 |
 |
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner | $124,362 |
 |
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner | $125,900 |
 |
Emergency Nurse Practitioner | $134,121 |
 |
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner | $136,649 |
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
There's a lot of variation in nurse practitioner salaries by state. The highest-paying states are California, Nevada, Washington, New Jersey, and Oregon.
Nurse Practitioner Salary by State
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
| Alabama | $106,610 |
| Alaska | $116,390 |
| Arizona | $121,410 |
| Arkansas | $107,110 |
| California | $158,130 |
| Colorado | $116,440 |
| Connecticut | $131,490 |
| Delaware | $120,570 |
| District of Columbia | $131,270 |
| Florida | $110,310 |
| Georgia | $115,440 |
| Hawaii | $128,310 |
| Idaho | $117,720 |
| Illinois | $122,310 |
| Indiana | $121,730 |
| Iowa | $128,180 |
| Kansas | $111,670 |
| Kentucky | $109,290 |
| Louisiana | $118,210 |
| Maine | $118,300 |
| Maryland | $119,650 |
| Massachusetts | $138,700 |
| Michigan | $113,780 |
| Minnesota | $128,160 |
| Mississippi | $117,260 |
| Missouri | $113,180 |
| Montana | $119,960 |
| Nebraska | $118,970 |
| Nevada | $136,230 |
| New Hampshire | $125,780 |
| New Jersey | $143,250 |
| New Mexico | $129,560 |
| New York | - |
| North Carolina | $114,450 |
| North Dakota | $113,940 |
| Ohio | $117,440 |
| Oklahoma | $121,740 |
| Oregon | $136,250 |
| Pennsylvania | $120,550 |
| Rhode Island | $125,250 |
| South Carolina | $109,130 |
| South Dakota | $115,610 |
| Tennessee | $99,330 |
| Texas | $124,660 |
| Utah | $115,610 |
| Vermont | $116,610 |
| Virginia | $116,980 |
| Washington | $135,590 |
| West Virginia | $106,790 |
| Wisconsin | $121,210 |
| Wyoming | $123,560 |
Source: BLS, Data extracted July 26, 2024
>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Part Five Nurse Practitioner Schooling
As we mentioned, there's not just one way to become an NP. Nurse practitioners have several different schooling options depending on where they're starting out and what degree they want to obtain.
Nurse Practitioner Degrees
In order to become a nurse practitioner, you need to complete at least one of these 2 degree options:
Deciding between an MSN vs DNP? MSNs might be better for nurses who are looking to specialize clinically, while a DNP may be the better choice if you're looking to get into a leadership position. Those are not hard and fast rules, however; ultimately, the decision depends on the type of education you want.
|
MSN |
DNP |
|
|
Tuition |
$20,000 - $120,000 |
$50,000- $200,000 |
|
Program Length |
1 to 2 years |
4 to 6 years |
|
Admission Requirements |
|
|
|
Curriculum |
MSN programs focus on clinical skills and patient care. Courses include,
|
DNP courses are essentially the same as in MSN programs, except for an increased focus on leadership, administration, and research.
|
|
Skills Learned |
|
|
>> Related: Easiest Nurse Practitioner Programs to Get Into
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs
- RN to NP Programs - Designed for students who have an Associate’s degree (ADN). Students take classes to earn their BSN while also earning their MSN. Some programs will award students a BSN while others don’t.
- BSN to NP Programs - The most common type of NP program. This is ideal for students who hold a BSN and are interested in becoming an NP.
- Direct Entry NP Programs - This program is for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Students can save time and money if they are interested in becoming an NP.
- MSN to DNP Programs - Students already have an MSN and are interested in a terminal degree (DNP). All NP programs are transitioning to DNP so this is for already practicing NPs interested in advancing their practice.
- BSN to DNP Programs - Students who already hold a BSN and are interested in earning a DNP should consider these programs. Students will take MSN classes but also those needed for a DNP degree.
- Direct Entry DNP Programs - If you hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but are interested in becoming an NP then this would be a great fit. Students earn a terminal degree and not only learn how to become a successful NP but will also learn administrative aspects of care.
Part Six Nurse Practitioner Duties
Before becoming one, you should understand what nurse practitioners do on an average day. NPs are healthcare providers who can prescribe medication, examine patients, order diagnostic tests, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much like physicians do.
Their experience as working nurses gives them a unique approach to patient care, while their advanced studies qualify them to take on additional duties that are usually left to physicians.
In fact, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), it’s estimated that NPs can provide 80-90 percent of the care that primary care physicians offer.
Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice
NP scope of practice has three levels: full, reduced, and restricted practice authority. Nurse practitioners have full practice authority in 25 states, meaning that they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor.
In the remaining states, NPs still have more authority than RNs, but they need a medical doctor to sign off on certain patient care decisions.
Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice by State
Part Seven Nurse Practitioner Career Outlook
Nursing is already a stable, in-demand career. But becoming a nurse practitioner can give you even more job security.
The BLS predicts that nurse practitioner jobs will increase by 38% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than most other careers.
The need for primary care is also expected to rise over the next five years because of the aging population. NPs will help meet this increasing demand, especially in underserved areas.
Popular Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
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, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
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
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.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: Nationwide
As Virginia’s largest public research university, we set the standard for a bold, progressive education that serves our students and communities.
CCNE
Online
RN Required
Enrollment: VA
Part Nine Nurse Practitioner FAQs
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