Steps to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

In addition to generalized PNP programs, there are two specializations: PNP-AC programs have classes such as chronic, acute, and complex illnesses among children. Please note that PNPs may also consider a subspecialty in pediatric oncology or orthopedics profiled below. Maintain certification every 1 — 5 years, depending on credential. The recertification tracking cycle lasts for seven years, although a renewal application must be submitted annually. PMHNP programs offer courses such as statistical analysis in evidence-based practice, principles of epidemiology, and adult psychiatric mental health.

Please note that this specialty was historically referred to as a family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner ANCC. In order to maintain the five-year ANCC credentials, candidates must complete 75 hours of PMHNP continuing education CE —including 25 hours in pharmacotherapeutics—as well as fulfilling one or more of the renewal categories e. WHNP programs provide courses such as reproductive healthcare of women, care of the family, and lifespan care through menopause.

In addition to the main nurse practitioner specialties above, there is a variety of credentialed subspecialties available.

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Here are a few of the credentialed subspecialties to consider. To qualify, candidates must have unencumbered RN licensure; active specialty certification e. One option is to have completed of 1, total practice hours treating acutely ill cardiac patients over two years.


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The other option is to have completed 1, of 2, total practice hours treating acutely ill cardiac patients over five years. Candidates are also expected to shadow a professional in this area of expertise and pass an exam. In order to maintain these three-year credentials, candidates must submit at least 25 continuing education recognition points CERPs or pass an exam. Please contact the DNCB for details. Prerequisites include having an active RN license in good standing, as well as a valid FNP credential. Please note that current emergency nurse practitioners who are credentialed through the American Nurses Credentialing Center ANCC , may renew their five-year credential, but the organization no longer provides new emergency NP credentials.

In order to maintain the five-year ANCC emergency NP credential, candidates must complete 75 hours of relevant continuing education CE —including 25 hours in pharmacotherapeutics—as well as fulfilling one or more of the other renewal categories e.

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In order to recertify every five years, candidates must either pass an exam or have completed hours of qualifying CE, of which must be in nephrology. ABOHN provides two national certifications: The COHN credential is open to RNs with at least 3, practice hours in occupational health nursing or the completion of a qualifying certificate program.

All applicants must pass a certification exam, and the credentials are valid for five years. To maintain active certification, candidates must complete between hours of CE. These five-year certifications can be renewed by either passing an examination or showing proof of at least 1, practice hours and contact hours of education at least 70 in clinical orthopaedics.

How to change your career and become a nurse

This certification is open to candidates with unencumbered RN licensure; at least 1, clinical hours in pediatric hematology oncology nursing practice; 10 hours of relevant CE; and a passing score on an exam. For candidates with graduate degrees without an oncology specialty, they may qualify for this certification with 1, hours of clinical practice instead of All ONCC certifications are valid for four years, and can be renewed following one of three options: To qualify, candidates must have at least two years of RN experience in a medical-surgical setting; a minimum of 2, hours of practice; and a passing score on an exam.

To maintain this certification, candidates must show proof of active RN licensure; have at least 1, practice hours in a medical-surgical setting; and complete at least 90 hours of CE. Additional NP Subspecialties These final three NP subspecialties do not yet have specific national certifications, although that may change in coming years. The regulations for the provision of aesthetic procedures vary widely among US states, but there is advanced training available at places including the Aesthetic Enhancement Institute , Esthetic Skin Institute , or Aesthetic Medical Educators Training.

Not surprisingly, the US Airforce is a major employer in this field, and flight NPs provide people with lifesaving treatments and stabilization services. Please note that NPs in this field are typically trained in adult-gerontology, acute care, or emergency care. These healthcare professionals take their services on the road to provide treatment to a range of patients, depending on local needs.

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As a shortage of primary care providers looms on our collective horizon, lack of access to primary care has the potential to get much worse. And, unfortunately, the South is going to be the most heavily impacted. ACEN Completing specific coursework e. Showing proof of at least faculty-supervised clinical hours Passing a comprehensive exam Paying an application or examination fee. Select your current degree: The Looming Primary Care Provider Shortage in the South 25 October As a shortage of primary care providers looms on our collective horizon, lack of access to primary care has the potential to get much worse.

The fastest growth will be in the employment of nurse practitioners; more than , additional nurse practitioners are expected to be hired before Employment of LPNs is expected to grow by 25 percent, and employment of RNs is expected to grow by 19 percent over the next several years. The exceptional growth in the field of advanced nursing practice is attributed to caring for an aging population and increased access to health insurance and health care.


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Many health care providers are looking to cut costs by employing APRNs like nurse practitioners to provide primary care. Nurses who start out as LPNs and RNs have many opportunities for career advancement ahead of them if they are willing to pursue additional education. RNs can advance into senior and supervisory positions and with graduate education, advance into management or advanced practice. APRNs are gaining more authority and autonomy in the treatment of patients, and they are increasingly providing primary care services. Nurses who earn doctoral degrees may pursue careers in research, higher education, and health care administration.

Once you have a license, you can start applying for nursing jobs. Hospitals are a natural setting for nurses, but also consider health care settings like outpatient care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and psychiatric facilities. Even if you do not start out working in your ideal environment, gaining experience as a nurse should help you become a more attractive candidate in the future. Nursing students spend time in various health care facilities gaining clinical experience. Use those experiences and later working experiences to build a network of professional contacts that you can consult when searching for a job.

You may also learn more through the website of a professional nursing association like the American Nurses Association or the National Student Nurses Association. Find a Nursing School. Looking for an Online Nursing Degree? Search Over 12, Online Programs:. What kind of training is required to become a nurse? Are there any certification or licensure requirements?

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What does a nurse earn? What are the job prospects?