A Nurse Practitioner's Path: Education, Certification, And Beyond
Careers in the healthcare field offer many opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment and growth. If it’s your goal to provide specialty and primary care to patients, the nurse practitioner’s role is one to consider. Here, we outline the career path, from educational and performance requirements to the role’s most frequently asked questions.
What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?
Nurse practitioners or NPs are professionals who provide one-on-one patient care, often working in medical specialties like geriatrics, obstetrics, or pediatrics. After nurse practitioner job placement, NPs may work independently or alongside physicians and other professionals in fast-paced environments, providing services such as:
· Primary care
· Physical exams
· Observing patients during treatment
· Recording patients’ medical histories and symptoms
· Performing diagnostic testing and analyzing results
· Diagnosing health conditions
· Prescribing and providing medications
· Referrals to specialists
· Educating patients and families on health conditions and treatment requirements
If you’d like to become an NP, read on to learn more.
Education
The most important step in becoming an NP is to fulfill educational requirements. Some schools offer associate degrees, while others offer BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs. During school, you’ll study human anatomy, biology, medical terminology, physiology, and other subjects.
Becoming an RN
After you’ve earned an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, you can take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses). As an RN, you’ll receive hands-on training in preparation for a role as a nurse practitioner. Most facilities prefer NP candidates who have previously worked in RN positions.
Postsecondary Education
All NPs must have master’s degrees in nursing (MSN). After earning a bachelor's degree, you can complete graduate studies and receive an MSN, which takes two to four years. Depending on the area in which you plan to work, you may wish to further your education after completing a master’s degree program.
Licensing
All states require nurse practitioners to have licenses, though rules vary by location. Licensure requirements may include:
· MSN degrees
· A valid state nursing license
· Completion of clinical hours
· Passing the national examination
Refer to your state’s requirements when applying for NP positions.
Certification
National certifications for NPs are available from several professional organizations, depending on your chosen specialty. Whether you go through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, or another entity, these certifications document your medical knowledge and abilities.
The Work Environment
Nurse practitioners work in various settings, including assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices, hospitals, private practices, and outpatient clinics. Most NPs work standard shifts Mondays through Fridays, but some positions require them to work weekends, holidays, nights, and on-call shifts. Before applying for a position, think of the environment in which you’d like to work.
Looking for Work
Once you’ve fulfilled all educational, experiential, and certification requirements, you can look for work as a nurse practitioner. Job placement services can help you apply based on each position’s requirements and qualifications.
Enjoy a Rewarding, Fulfilling Career as a Nurse Practitioner
After earning degrees, certifications, and professional licenses, you can become a nurse practitioner and help patients live healthier, longer lives. With help from our career placement service, you can find a position that aligns with your needs and goals. Learn more about our services online or call to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
