RN to Nurse Practitioner (NP): Career Path + Programs (2024)

FAQs

RN to Nurse Practitioner (NP): Career Path + Programs? ›

For nurses with a BSN, an RN-to-NP program requires at least two years of full-time study. Part-time programs take longer. Many RN-to-NP programs also require or strongly prefer at least two years of RN experience. If you have an ADN, the path from RN to NP may take an additional 1-2 years.

A post-master's graduate certificate program for NPs is a non-degree program that provides MSN-trained nurses with only the coursework and clinical training necessary to qualify for certification and licensure in an NP specialization. These programs can typically be completed in roughly one to two years.

How long does it take to go from RN to MSN? Completing an ADN-to-MSN bridge program can take 24-36 months of full-time study. However, graduation timelines may vary according to your enrollment status and the program's structure.

Is a nurse practitioner higher than a registered nurse? A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse. The scope and authority granted to a nurse practitioner is greater than that of a registered nurse. This is why nurse practitioners get paid more than registered nurses.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) have proposed that all new nurse practitioners (NPs) must hold a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree by 2025. There are indications, however, that this may require more time to implement.

Nurse practitioners are required to have either a master's or a doctoral degree in nursing. As a result, it usually takes six to eight years of schooling to become a nurse practitioner.

Pros and Cons of RN-to-MSN vs Direct Entry

Allows nurses with associate degrees or diplomas to pursue an MSN without earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) first. Accelerated programs are available, saving time and money compared to earning a BSN and then an MSN separately.

The average annual salary of an RN with an MSN is $92,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because of their ability to specialize in a practice area, many RNs with an MSN make over $100,000 annually. One example are nurse administrators who have an average annual salary of $130,000.

MSN degree holders are not necessarily NPs. Many MSN graduates may wish to sit for a certified nurse practitioner exam. However, other MSN earners may wish to pursue the administrative angle of a nursing career.

Is RN to NP worth it? ›

Salary: NPs earn higher salaries because of their advanced degrees and levels of professional autonomy. Professional Autonomy: Some states allow the NP to practice independently. Relationship Building: NPs can form long-standing relationships with patients and their families in the primary care setting.

It's important to note that both PAs and NPs are mid-level medical professionals. They're basically at the same level. However, NPs can work independently in many states that PAs can't. So, it places nurse practitioners above physical assistants in terms of practice independence.

So, the answer to the big question—yes, you can become a nurse practitioner with an MSN degree. In fact, since NPs are part of APRNs (advanced practice registered nurses), an MSN is the minimum educational requirement. Some nurses choose to pursue doctoral programs, such as a DNP (doctor of nursing practice).

Some may think earning an MSN automatically makes a nurse an FNP, but in reality, it doesn't. While these credentials can be interrelated, they serve different purposes.

Nurses who've earned their MSN can take an even more direct route to their DNP degree, which is called a Post-MS to DNP track. This more direct pathway to a DNP degree takes only two years to complete for multiple reasons. For one, nurses at the master's-level typically have years of experience in the field.

For most nurse practitioner graduates, the best time to take the certification exam is within one or two months of graduation. This ensures you can apply for your NP license, which you will need to start working, as well as keeps the knowledge you need for the exam fresh.