How to Become a Nurse Practitioner With a Degree Other Than Nursing

A nurse practitioner (NP) is, by definition, a registered nurse (RN) with either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). There is a growing national movement to require all NPs to earn the latter, which requires 3 to 4 years of graduate study beyond the requirements to become an RN. If you have a degree in a non-nursing field, you will need to earn a second degree in nursing. There are education programs available to help you do that. The amount of time it will take to complete a nursing program will depend on your desired course of action. Here are the basic steps you will need to take, including some available options.

Instructions

• 1

  Earn a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), or a diploma from an approved nursing program. BSN programs take the longest time to complete (usually 4 years for someone who does not already hold a bachelor's degree in another field), but are the most comprehensive and offer more promising job advancement opportunities in today's competitive market than do ASN or diploma programs. Also, many graduate-level degree programs in nursing require that you obtain a BSN prior to admission. If you already have a degree in a field other than nursing, you may enroll in either a second degree BSN program or an accelerated BSN program. Accelerated BSN programs last 12 to 18 months and provide the fastest route to earning a BSN for individuals who already hold a degree.

• 2

  Pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN, in order to obtain a nursing license. Other licensing requirements may apply, depending on the laws and regulations of the state in which you wish to practice. Contact your state's board of nursing for details. With this license, you will be eligible to apply for an entry-level position in nursing.

• 3

  Work as a licensed RN. Work experience will help you choose an area of specialization and is often required for admission to a graduate degree program in nursing (required to become an NP).

• 4

  Earn a graduate degree in nursing -- either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Most, but not all, states explicitly require a graduate degree to become an NP. All states, however, require national board certification before NPs are permitted to practice, and the two biggest certifying bodies, the American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, require applicants to hold either an MSN or a DNP. Accelerated master's programs, which result in the award of both the BSN and the MSN, are available for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These generally take only 2 years to complete, as compared with 4 years for someone who does not already hold a degree.

• 5

  Get national board certification in a specialized area like pediatrics, women's health, gerontology, psychiatry and mental health, emergency medicine, etc. Additional training and other licensing requirements may apply depending on the specialty, and the laws and regulations of the state in which you wish to practice. Contact your state's board of nursing for details.