2 answers
Jenna
Student
Frederick, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
I am a highschool junior and will be a medical assistant by the end of this year.
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2 answers
Christina Birch
Nurse Practitioner
24
Answers
Berkeley, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hello Jenna,
Ghasem's answer above is very thorough, and an excellent guide for you to follow. The one thing I would want you to be aware of is that there are some BS to MS programs which get you the Master's degree in a shorter period of time but without the hands on experience. I would NOT recommend them. When I was practicing as an NP, I had many students work with me for their clinical experience. The ones who had not worked as an RN before going back for their MSN/NP did not have the skills, experience, or judgement to be good providers.
I would also recommend you choose a Nursing program that gives you a BS when you graduate. Don't go for an AA degree first. It ends up taking about the same as a BS because of all the pre-req's. You then still have to get the BS degree later to advance in your career and many good jobs require a BS in nursing.
Practical experience is critical in the health field! You need to learn how to recognize when someone is really sick and how to respond. Taking time to work between getting your BSN and going back for your Master's not only gives you this experience but also helps you to identify what field of medicine you will enjoy. Good for you for already becoming a medical assistant. While you are doing it, try to learn/understand why the providers is making the decisions they are to treat each patient's problems.
6-8 years sounds like a long time but is similar to any other profession that requires a MS or Doctorate to work. The time goes by quickly by because you are learning in a field that is fascinating and rewarding.
Good luck and enjoy!
Ghasem's answer above is very thorough, and an excellent guide for you to follow. The one thing I would want you to be aware of is that there are some BS to MS programs which get you the Master's degree in a shorter period of time but without the hands on experience. I would NOT recommend them. When I was practicing as an NP, I had many students work with me for their clinical experience. The ones who had not worked as an RN before going back for their MSN/NP did not have the skills, experience, or judgement to be good providers.
I would also recommend you choose a Nursing program that gives you a BS when you graduate. Don't go for an AA degree first. It ends up taking about the same as a BS because of all the pre-req's. You then still have to get the BS degree later to advance in your career and many good jobs require a BS in nursing.
Practical experience is critical in the health field! You need to learn how to recognize when someone is really sick and how to respond. Taking time to work between getting your BSN and going back for your Master's not only gives you this experience but also helps you to identify what field of medicine you will enjoy. Good for you for already becoming a medical assistant. While you are doing it, try to learn/understand why the providers is making the decisions they are to treat each patient's problems.
6-8 years sounds like a long time but is similar to any other profession that requires a MS or Doctorate to work. The time goes by quickly by because you are learning in a field that is fascinating and rewarding.
Good luck and enjoy!
Ghasem Dolatkhah
general practitioner, emergency physician
6
Answers
Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran
Updated
Ghasem’s Answer
Becoming a nurse practitioner in the United States is a rewarding career path that requires several years of education, clinical experience, and dedication. Here's a more detailed overview of the steps involved in this process:
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Generally, a BSN program takes about four years to complete. During your undergraduate studies, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills in nursing that encompasses both theoretical and practical components. Core subjects often include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nursing practice, and nursing ethics.
2. Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license: After successfully completing your BSN, you are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam allows you to become a licensed RN, enabling you to practice as a registered nurse in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Gain clinical experience as an RN: Working in the field as an RN is crucial to acquire hands-on experience and develop practical nursing skills. The amount of clinical experience needed can vary depending on individual goals, specific requirements of graduate programs, and state regulations.
4. Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): To become a nurse practitioner, you'll need to pursue an advanced nursing degree, typically an MSN or a DNP. MSN programs usually take 2-3 years to complete, while DNP programs take around 3-4 years. These degrees focus on advanced nursing practice and include both coursework and clinical training. Some universities offer direct-entry or bridge programs for individuals with non-nursing degrees or Associate degrees in nursing.
5. Specialize as a Nurse Practitioner: As part of your MSN or DNP program, you will choose a specialization within advanced practice nursing, such as family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, or women's health. This specialization allows you to hone your knowledge and skills in a specific field, preparing you to provide advanced, patient-centered care.
6. Obtain a Nurse Practitioner (NP) license/certification: Upon completing your advanced nursing degree, you must obtain a nurse practitioner license or certification specific to your chosen specialization. Requirements for licensure and certification vary by state, and may include passing a specialty-specific exam, completing a certain number of clinical hours, and meeting other criteria. It is crucial to research the regulations in the state where you plan to practice.
In summary, the process of becoming a nurse practitioner usually takes about 6-8 years, consisting of undergraduate and graduate education, clinical experience, and obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications. Your pursuit of a medical assistant certification in high school is an excellent starting point, as it provides foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the medical field. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask!
1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Generally, a BSN program takes about four years to complete. During your undergraduate studies, you will gain foundational knowledge and skills in nursing that encompasses both theoretical and practical components. Core subjects often include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, nursing practice, and nursing ethics.
2. Obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) license: After successfully completing your BSN, you are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Passing this exam allows you to become a licensed RN, enabling you to practice as a registered nurse in a variety of healthcare settings.
3. Gain clinical experience as an RN: Working in the field as an RN is crucial to acquire hands-on experience and develop practical nursing skills. The amount of clinical experience needed can vary depending on individual goals, specific requirements of graduate programs, and state regulations.
4. Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): To become a nurse practitioner, you'll need to pursue an advanced nursing degree, typically an MSN or a DNP. MSN programs usually take 2-3 years to complete, while DNP programs take around 3-4 years. These degrees focus on advanced nursing practice and include both coursework and clinical training. Some universities offer direct-entry or bridge programs for individuals with non-nursing degrees or Associate degrees in nursing.
5. Specialize as a Nurse Practitioner: As part of your MSN or DNP program, you will choose a specialization within advanced practice nursing, such as family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, psychiatric-mental health, or women's health. This specialization allows you to hone your knowledge and skills in a specific field, preparing you to provide advanced, patient-centered care.
6. Obtain a Nurse Practitioner (NP) license/certification: Upon completing your advanced nursing degree, you must obtain a nurse practitioner license or certification specific to your chosen specialization. Requirements for licensure and certification vary by state, and may include passing a specialty-specific exam, completing a certain number of clinical hours, and meeting other criteria. It is crucial to research the regulations in the state where you plan to practice.
In summary, the process of becoming a nurse practitioner usually takes about 6-8 years, consisting of undergraduate and graduate education, clinical experience, and obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications. Your pursuit of a medical assistant certification in high school is an excellent starting point, as it provides foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in the medical field. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask!