How to Go from RN to NP: Career Guide
Ready to level up your nursing career and transition from RN to NP? As a registered nurse (RN), you already have a strong medical foundation and valuable clinical experience. Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) will help you expand your skills, specialize in various fields, and in some states, open your own practice. Plus, earning advanced nursing credentials can increase your earning potential and open doors to leadership roles.
Ready to transition from registered nurse to nurse practitioner? This guide will walk you through the key steps, including the education, certification, and licensure requirements, to help you successfully make the leap to this advanced nursing role.
Your Path from RN to NP: Step-by-Step Guide
Your path to becoming an NP requires advanced education, hands-on clinical experience, and passing a national certification exam. This guide will help you navigate the journey.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
If you haven’t already earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, this is the first step in your journey. Generally, NP programs require a BSN as a prerequisite for admission, so if you’re an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), consider enrolling in an RN-to-BSN bridge program, which typically takes 12 to 24 months to complete.
Tip: If you are an ADN-trained nurse and don’t want to pursue a BSN, ADN to NP bridge programs offer an alternative path, though they’re less common.
Step 2: Gain Clinical Experience
Next, get some clinical experience under your belt. Typically, NP schools require at least a year of clinical experience as a registered nurse as an admission requirement. Additionally, working in different healthcare settings — such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or specialty practices — can help you discover the NP specialty that best suits your interests.
Here are some examples of nursing specialties that can help you develop a broad range of clinical skills:
Step 3: Choose Your NP Specialty
After gaining nursing experience, consider which NP specialty best fits your interests and career goals. Unlike physician assistants (PAs), who have the flexibility to switch specialties without extra formal education, NPs complete a specialized program and pass a certification exam, making transitions later more challenging. That’s why choosing the right path from the start is so important. So, which specialty speaks to you? Here are some options to consider:
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP): Focuses on adult and elderly patient care in primary or acute care settings.
- Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (DNP): Specializes in diagnosing and treating skin conditions, often working in medical spas or private practices.
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): Provides primary care across all age groups, from infants to the elderly.
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP): Specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Treats patients with mental health disorders, providing therapy and medication management.
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP): Focuses on reproductive health, prenatal care, and overall wellness for women.
Step 4: Pick the RN-to-NP Programs You’ll Apply To
As an aspiring NP, you can pursue either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Consider whether you plan to focus solely on patient care or eventually transition into education or research — understanding the differences between MSN and DNP will help you make an informed decision. Let’s take a closer look at what each path offers:
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
|---|---|
| Focus: Advanced clinical practice with a focus on patient care
Program overview: Minimum of 36 credit hours and approximately 500–800 clinical hours Duration: Typically 2–3 years Typical roles: Patient care |
Focus: Advanced clinical practice, leadership, healthcare systems, and policy development
Program overview: About 30 to 40 credit hours and approximately 1,000 clinical hours Duration: Typically 2–4 years Typical roles: Patient care, leadership, education, healthcare administration |
After determining the type of program you’re interested in, explore your options and choose schools that align with your goals. Be sure to select accredited programs approved by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Step 5: Apply to Your Chosen Programs
Once you’re ready to apply, it’s time to gather your materials and start the application process. While specific requirements vary by school, NP programs may ask for the following:
- A strong academic record, typically a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A BSN degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from your nursing program and any other coursework
- A current RN license that has no restrictions or disciplinary actions
- Documented clinical experience, often requiring supervisor verification
- A nursing resume detailing your clinical experience, professional background, volunteer work, and any additional healthcare-related certifications
- A personal philosophy sharing career aspirations and the impact you hope to make in the healthcare field
- A motivational letter expressing your passion for the program and what drives you to pursue advanced nursing practice
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors, doctors, or nursing professors who can speak to your skills, experience, and passion for patient care
- A background check to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and patient safety standards
Once you’re officially in an RN-to-NP program, get ready for a dynamic learning experience that blends knowledge with real-world practice. Your training will be divided into two key phases:
- In the didactic phase, you’ll dive deep into advanced nursing concepts, disease processes, pharmacology, and patient assessment through lectures, case studies, and interactive discussions.
- In the clinical phase, you’ll step into healthcare settings, working alongside experienced NPs to diagnose, treat, and care for patients.
Both phases are designed to complement each other, ensuring you graduate with the expertise, critical thinking, and practical experience needed to excel in the field.
Step 6: Get Certified
Once you’ve completed your RN-to-NP program, the next step is to obtain certification in your chosen specialty. Certification validates your expertise and ensures you meet the national standards for advanced nursing practice.
Each NP specialty has a corresponding certification exam administered by national certifying bodies. Below are some of the most recognized certifying organizations and their respective exams:
| Certifying body | Specialty exams |
|---|---|
| American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) | |
| American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) |
|
| American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) | |
| National Certification Corporation (NCC) | |
| Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) |
|
| Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) |
Step 7: Apply for a State License
Once you’ve passed the certification exam, the next step is to obtain licensure in the state where you intend to practice. Each state has its own requirements, but here’s a general rundown of what you’ll need to do:
- Submit proof of your certification from a recognized certifying body.
- Complete an application for licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing.
- Pay any associated fees.
- Undergo a criminal background check.
- Maintain your RN license.
Tip: Keep in mind that some states may have additional requirements for nurse practitioners, such as obtaining prescriptive authority, registering with the state’s controlled substances board, or completing a specific number of supervised practice hours.
Step 8: Pursue Continuing Education and Recertification
To maintain your certification and licensure, NPs are required to participate in continuing education and periodic recertification. Each certifying body has its own set of rules, but generally, you’ll need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours in your specialty and keep your clinical practice hours active.
RN to NP: Salary Expectations
Wondering how much more you’ll be making as an NP? The average salary for an RN in the U.S. is $94,480 a year, but once you step into an advanced practice position, you can expect your NP salary to be about $128,490. Just remember, that figure can vary depending on factors like your education, experience, and the healthcare setting in which you work.
Want to earn a little extra? Certain states offer more generous NP salaries. Check out nurse practitioner jobs in these locations known for paying top dollar:
FAQ: RN to NP Journey
Transitioning from RN to NP: How long does it take?
The time it takes to transition from an RN to an NP can vary depending on your education path, prior experience, and the type of NP program you choose. Here’s a general breakdown:
- ADN to NP: If you’re starting your journey with an ADN degree, it’ll take you about 3 to 4 years to become an NP.
- BSN to NP: If you’re starting your journey with a BSN degree, it’ll take you about 2 years to become an NP.
Additionally, your timeline may vary depending on whether you pursue an MSN program (typically taking 2 to 3 years) or a DNP program (which usually takes 2 to 4 years).
Looking for the fastest online RN-to-NP programs? The shortest programs typically take around 10 to 18 months. While the theoretical coursework is often fully online, clinical rotations must be completed in person. The good news is that, depending on your program, you may have the flexibility to complete your clinicals at a location of your choice with a supervisor you select — provided they meet your program’s requirements.
What is the job outlook for NPs?
The demand for nurse practitioners is skyrocketing, with job growth projected at 46% over the next decade. That’s far above the national average for most careers, creating a wealth of opportunities for those looking to step into this high-demand role.
How much does an RN-to-NP program cost?
The cost of an NP program can vary widely depending on factors like the type of degree, whether you attend a public or private school, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. Additionally, the price may differ depending on whether you pursue your RN-to-NP program online or in person.
If you’re concerned about the cost, here are some ways to manage it:
- Apply for loan repayment programs.
- Research scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
- Get a part-time or full-time RN job while you study.
- Start a side hustle to boost your income.
Can NPs work independently?
It depends. In states with full practice authority, NPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications without physician oversight. In reduced or restricted practice states, they may need a collaborative agreement with a physician to provide certain services. Always check your state’s specific regulations to understand the NP scope of practice.
Can NPs prescribe medications?
NPs can prescribe medications, but their prescriptive authority varies by state. In full practice authority states, they can prescribe medications with a level of autonomy similar to physicians. In reduced authority states, they must work under joint practice agreements with physicians, with limitations on certain medications. In restricted practice authority states, they need physician supervision when prescribing controlled substances.
While NPs can prescribe controlled substances, there are exceptions in states like Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia, where NPs cannot prescribe certain Schedule II medications. However, laws change over time, so check with your state board of nursing for the most accurate information.
PA vs. NP: What’s the difference?
While both PAs and NPs are advanced healthcare providers, their training and practice differ. PAs follow a medical model, training broadly in medicine and working under physician supervision. They can switch specialties without additional schooling. NPs follow a nursing model, specializing in areas like family medicine, pediatrics, or psychiatry.
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