Is it Difficult to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have obtained advanced education and licensure. Learn more about what nurse practitioners do and the steps to become one.
Nurse practitioners are nurses who have many of the same responsibilities as doctors. As a result, they require several years of education.
Keep reading to learn more about nurse practitioners and what you'll need to accomplish to become one.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner, also called an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a registered nurse with advanced training and licensure beyond that of a standard registered nurse.
As a result, nurse practitioners have an advanced scope of practice.
Job duties vary depending on the specialty and state, but often include:
- acting as a primary care provider
- diagnosing patients
- examining patients
- managing long-term or chronic conditions
- ordering tests
- performing some diagnostic tests
- performing some treatments, like stitches or setting broken bones
- prescribing medication
It's important to note that the scope of practice for nurse practitioners can vary significantly by state. In some states, nurse practitioners can do all of the above, while in others, their practice is very limited.
Their scope of practice will also depend on the specialty they choose.
Common specialties for nurse practitioners include:
- adult/gerontology acute and primary care
- emergency care
- family primary care
- neonatal care
- pediatric acute and primary care
- women's health/gender affirming care
Most nurse practitioners work in physicians' offices, but they can also work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and other healthcare settings.
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How Difficult Is It to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, and as a result, some people may find it more difficult than others to become a nurse practitioner.
Nurse practitioners need to go through several years of schooling. Depending on the path they take, they may spend anywhere from five to ten years in higher education.
They'll also be required to study hard and pass at least two national certification exams to earn their licenses.
Nurse practitioners need to master several skills to be successful.
These include:
- attention to detail
- communication
- compassion
- critical thinking
- problem solving
As a result of all of these different requirements, some people may have an easier time becoming a nurse practitioner while others will find it harder.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
As mentioned above, to become a nurse practitioner, you'll need several years of education. You'll also need to pass certification exams and earn your licenses.
We've broken down all the steps below.
Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
All nurse practitioners start as registered nurses, which means they need to earn an undergraduate degree in nursing.
These degrees are available as associate degrees and as Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees.
Associate degrees take two years to complete and are the minimum required to obtain an RN license. Bachelor's degrees take about four years.
Most nurse practitioner programs require students to hold a bachelor's degree, but some bridge programs for associate degree holders are available.
Because an associate degree is the minimum required, some students get their associate degree, obtain their license and begin work, then complete an RN to BSN program.
Undergraduate degrees in nursing usually include a mix of coursework, lab experiences, and clinical practice.
You can find lists of accredited nursing programs through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX and Obtain Your Registered Nursing License
All states require registered nurses to obtain a license before they can practice.
Licensing requirements vary by state but usually include:
- graduating from an accredited nursing program
- passing a background check
- passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
The National Council Licensure Examination is a national exam that all registered nurses must take. It's offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
The NCLEX is a computer-based test.
It covers the following categories:
- safe and effective care environment, which includes two subcategories: management of care and safety and infection control
- health promotion and maintenance
- psychosocial integrity
- physiological integrity, which includes four subcategories: basic care and comfort, pharmacological and parenteral therapies, reduction of risk potential, and physiological adaptation
Check with your state's nursing board to learn more about the requirements for licensure.
Step 3: Complete a Graduate Program in Nursing Practice
Once you've obtained your registered nurse license, you can pursue your graduate degree in nursing practice.
Nurse practitioner degrees are available as Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degrees and as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
Earning a master's degree is the fastest pathway to becoming a nurse practitioner, as it only takes about two or three years.
However, some states require nurse practitioners to hold DNP degrees. A doctorate in nursing practice usually takes five or six years to obtain.
While in your program, you'll receive advanced general nursing education as well as education that focuses on your chosen specialty.
Like with registered nursing programs, nursing practice programs are usually a blend of classroom learning, lab work, and clinical practice.
Some programs may offer the classroom portion of the degree online, so you can continue your work as an RN while studying to become a nurse practitioner.
Note that some schools or specialties may require you to have a certain amount of experience working as a registered nurse before you can begin the nurse practitioner program.
You can find accredited nurse practitioner programs through the ACEN and the CCNE.
Step 4: Obtain a Nurse Practitioner License
To practice as a nurse practitioner, you'll need to obtain a license from your state.
Though licensing requirements vary, they usually include:
- a valid, unencumbered registered nurse license
- graduating from an accredited nurse practitioner program
- national certification in your chosen specialty
National certification is available through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board .
Each offers certifications in specific nurse practitioner specialties. You'll need to pass the relevant exam in order to receive certification.
You may also be required to renew your certification or licensure every so often.
Become a Nurse Practitioner
To become a nurse practitioner, you'll first need to become a registered nurse, then complete a nurse practitioner graduate program and earn a license.
With the information above, you can determine if a career as a nurse practitioner is the right choice for you.
