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What path to take to become a Nurse Practitioner?
Do it all at once or take steps slow and go back to college to do NP later?
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Mary Katherine’s Answer
Many times nurse practitioner programs encourage or require a minimum of one year of work experience before starting. Even if not required many times it is going to be in the best interest of nurse to get some more hands on experience before taking on even more. NP school is a great goal but it builds on both the academics and the practical experience of being a nurse so while you may have great academics you may struggle if you have not had enough hands on.
Mike Severo
I am a physical therapist (30+ years) currently consulting and coaching within healthcare
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Mike’s Answer
Hi Addison, I worked with a team of nurse practitioners at a large medical center in Boston. Your question is important, and there's no single answer. Some NPs succeed by continuing their education right away, while others benefit from gaining work experience first. It depends on your situation. In specialized fields, employers often prefer nurses with experience before hiring them as NPs. Think about whether you need a break from school or if you need to earn money before taking on more student loans. Consider what experience is needed for different specialties. Some large organizations may even help pay for NP schooling. Also, try using LinkedIn to connect with NPs in various fields. I hope this helps. Best wishes.