3 answers
Jesus
Student
Madera, California
3
Questions
Asked
355 views
2. How long does it take to be a nurse practitioner?
I want to know how long it could take to be a nurse practitioner. Sometimes it could be long for others which will make take long because there is a lot of learning and exams.
Login to comment
3 answers
Kathleen Tembrock
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
6
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hey Jesus,
Happy Friday! I'm a dual certified pediatric nurse practitioner (acute and primary care) with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), who scaled the ladder of nursing educational steps. I started as an LPN in 2008, BSN in 2010, Master's in 2019, and DNP in 2020. The typical duration of becoming an NP varies, but it's usually 3-4 years for your BSN, and depending what type of degree you would like to progress towards (doctorate vs master's) while factoring in the type of program, it can be 2-6 years.
There are some programs that offer flexibility with work and school balance, but at the cost of time. It really depends which specialty of nursing you would like to target as your main focus. There are some direct entry programs (BSN to Master's or DNP) like PMHNP (psych mental health NP) and FNP (family nurse practitioner), which are accelerated, but also challenging to endure. I have colleagues who have found success going about the direct entry programs and enjoy their careers within their specialty.
In summary, about 5 to 10 years of additional school, after graduating high school or obtaining a GED. :)
Am more than happy to answer specific questions if you have them. Enjoy your weekend!
Happy Friday! I'm a dual certified pediatric nurse practitioner (acute and primary care) with a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), who scaled the ladder of nursing educational steps. I started as an LPN in 2008, BSN in 2010, Master's in 2019, and DNP in 2020. The typical duration of becoming an NP varies, but it's usually 3-4 years for your BSN, and depending what type of degree you would like to progress towards (doctorate vs master's) while factoring in the type of program, it can be 2-6 years.
There are some programs that offer flexibility with work and school balance, but at the cost of time. It really depends which specialty of nursing you would like to target as your main focus. There are some direct entry programs (BSN to Master's or DNP) like PMHNP (psych mental health NP) and FNP (family nurse practitioner), which are accelerated, but also challenging to endure. I have colleagues who have found success going about the direct entry programs and enjoy their careers within their specialty.
In summary, about 5 to 10 years of additional school, after graduating high school or obtaining a GED. :)
Am more than happy to answer specific questions if you have them. Enjoy your weekend!
Amanda Isaac
Nursing Home Administrator, MHA, CPHQ, ACHE
2
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Jesus,
Completing your NP licensure time frame can range from person to person. Some individuals strictly go to college, and meet all degree requirements (BSN, RN) along with passing the licensures and at minimum 1-2 years of clinical experience, while others take a break along the way. Every path is right or wrong, depending on the individual. Unfortunately, there is no quicker/easier path, but in the long run, it is worth it!
As a healthcare administrator of 26 years, NPs are few and far between but highly needed. Like all industries, healthcare continuously evolves and adapts to the environment. As healthcare workers get paid less and less these days, NP is a trivial component of patient care and is a lucrative role.
Start slow, get your BSN, and work in the industry simultaneously and see if you feel the passion for growing to a higher level; if not, no-fault--you are still a nurse! If the desire is still there, achieve it!
Look at it this way 4-10 years will come and go regardless; the choice is yours what to do!
Good luck!
Completing your NP licensure time frame can range from person to person. Some individuals strictly go to college, and meet all degree requirements (BSN, RN) along with passing the licensures and at minimum 1-2 years of clinical experience, while others take a break along the way. Every path is right or wrong, depending on the individual. Unfortunately, there is no quicker/easier path, but in the long run, it is worth it!
As a healthcare administrator of 26 years, NPs are few and far between but highly needed. Like all industries, healthcare continuously evolves and adapts to the environment. As healthcare workers get paid less and less these days, NP is a trivial component of patient care and is a lucrative role.
Start slow, get your BSN, and work in the industry simultaneously and see if you feel the passion for growing to a higher level; if not, no-fault--you are still a nurse! If the desire is still there, achieve it!
Look at it this way 4-10 years will come and go regardless; the choice is yours what to do!
Good luck!
Sue Iffrig
Clinic setting
20
Answers
Saint Peters, Missouri
Updated
Sue’s Answer
Good morning. I would challenge you to look at learning as a life long process. I started my career as a BSN in nursing and worked in many areas for 20 years before considering NP. 4 years of school gives you many options on fields to enter and the pay is good. Some employers will even pay for you to obtain your higher education degree while working.
If your passion for service and helping the sick and needy grows, NP may be a good fit. I went with FNP as I wanted to serve a large part of the community. It took me an additional 4 years as I was doing this program part time while working. It seemed long but now I have been a NP for 23 years and love the work I do in the community. Good luck in your endeavors.
If your passion for service and helping the sick and needy grows, NP may be a good fit. I went with FNP as I wanted to serve a large part of the community. It took me an additional 4 years as I was doing this program part time while working. It seemed long but now I have been a NP for 23 years and love the work I do in the community. Good luck in your endeavors.