4 Comments so far

1. kridgewa on November 19, 2009 4:06 pm

   To add to Jill’s correct answer, you study to become an NP in a Master’s Program. Once you have completed the Master’s degree, you are eligible to sit for the NP exam. Once you have passed that, THEN you are an NP.
   It is best to have some years of experience as a nurse before you go on to become an NP.
   In the first year of the Master’s program, you’ll take courses on Nursing Theory, Research, the role of the Advanced Practice nurse, Physical Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, and perhaps Systems Management, etc. There will be some introductory clinical exposure.
   The second year will focus even more on your desired practice area — the choices would include such areas as Adult Health, MedSurg, Women’s health, pediatrics, etc.
   Typically, you will write a major paper on some clinical issue, to be completed by the end of the Master’s program. This will involve some level of research on the background and current practice of this issue.
   Good luck! The world of nursing needs more advanced practice nurses!

2. ms.marie on November 19, 2009 4:47 pm

   Nurse Practioner- ( Degree type Master degree) They can run a practice, prescribe meds. They can not make a diagnosis on a patient. They make around $70,000 yr. So you would have to get a Master Degree for this.

3. Jill on November 19, 2009 5:27 pm

   No, you earn your master’s degree and that is what makes you eligible to be a Nurse Practitioner. NP programs are master’s level programs.

4. JL on November 19, 2009 5:27 pm

   It depends on the school. Some have DNP programs that allow you to enter with just a BSN; the MSN is included within the DNP program.