Programs often ask for personal essays and letters of recommendation. Admission Requirements: Common admission requirements include a high school diploma, transcripts, a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores, and a resume.However, most NP schools offering MSN or DNP programs require BSNs for entry. BSN Degreeīoth ADN- and BSN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain RN licensure. The section below summarizes BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees' typical length, requirements, and content. The amount of time a candidate spends becoming a nurse practitioner depends on many factors, including nursing education background, work experience, specialization, type of graduate degree pursued, and career goals. The links below detail the various educational paths a student can follow to earn the educational credentials needed for NP licensure. Meanwhile, experienced RNs seeking quick advancement may find more value in accelerated MSN programs. These programs generally demand a greater time commitment, but they also maximize students’ career potential since they culminate in the highest degree designation. Notably, multiple nursing schools offer BSN-to-DNP programs that allow students entering with a bachelor’s degree to graduate with terminal credentials.
Therefore, prospective NPs may avoid the need to upgrade their credentials in the future by opting for a DNP instead of an MSN. However, organizations like the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) advocate for the DNP designation to become the new standard for APRNs. Secondly, candidates must complete a general or specialized master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree.Īn MSN is the minimum education needed to qualify for NP licensure. A candidate must hold at least a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to enter graduate-level NP school. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) cites two key schooling requirements for NPs. Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a nurse practitioner in six steps.
See a full list of our Review Network contributors. Our reviewers are members of the Red Ventures Education Freelance Review Network and are paid for their contributions. Reviewers typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal as a side project. Identify critical information that writers may have missed.Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
With their first-hand industry experience, our reviewers provide an extra step in our editing process.
We have built a network of industry professionals across healthcare and education to review our content and ensure we are providing the best information to our readers. NurseJournal is committed to delivering content that is objective and accurate.