The verdict is in! Employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow by more than 40% this decade—much faster than the average for other professions.
The healthcare field is rapidly evolving, and at the heart of this transformation is the rise of Nurse Practitioners (NPs). These highly trained professionals are bridging the gap between traditional nursing and physician roles, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. As the demand for accessible healthcare grows, many Registered Nurses (RNs) are seizing the opportunity to expand their practice and impact by becoming Nurse Practitioners.
So, what exactly does it take to move from RN to NP? Let’s explore the role of nurse practitioners, their areas of specialty, how they differ from an RN degree, and the educational pathways to help you chart a fulfilling and impactful career.
What is a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who has completed graduate-level education. NPs are licensed healthcare providers who perform a wide range of services, including:
- Assessment and diagnosis: NPs are trained to evaluate patients, interpret diagnostic tests, and identify acute and chronic conditions.
- Treatment and management: They can prescribe medications, design treatment plans, and manage patient care across a variety of settings.
- Patient education: NPs provide health counseling, preventive care advice, and resources to support patients’ well-being.
In many states, NPs practice independently and serve as primary care providers—focusing on comprehensive, holistic, and preventive care.
Key areas of specialty
One of the unique strengths of moving from registered nurse to nurse practitioner is the ability to specialize in areas that align with your interests and passion for patient care. Common specialties include:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP): Broad scope, treating individuals across the lifespan.
- Pediatric nurse practitioner: Focused on infants, children, and adolescents.
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner: Specializing in adult and elderly care.
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): Providing mental health assessment and therapy.
- Women’s health nurse practitioner: Specializing in female reproductive and gynecological health.
- Acute care nurse practitioner: Managing complex and urgent patient needs in hospitals and critical care settings.
Each specialty opens doors to specific clinical environments and patient populations, giving you control from becoming a registered nurse to nurse practitioner.
Differences between RNs and NPs
While both registered nurses and nurse practitioners are essential to healthcare, their roles and responsibilities differ significantly.
Registered nurses
RN programs typically focus on implementing care plans, monitoring patient progress, and working under the direction of physicians and other healthcare providers. Their education usually includes an ADN program or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which prepares them to provide compassionate, hands-on care within a structured clinical team.
Nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, represent a leap in autonomy and clinical authority. They hold at least one graduate-level degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, and are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat medical conditions independently. In many states, NPs can even prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests, and manage complex treatment plans without physician oversight.
In essence, while RNs are the backbone of patient support, NPs take on a broader scope that empowers them to lead in healthcare delivery. This advancement opens up opportunities for greater responsibility and a more strategic role in improving patient outcomes.
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Different pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner
Although the most obvious way to become a nurse practitioner is through a traditional degree, there are multiple ways to reach your goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
Educational routes
Depending on your current education level and background, there are several routes from an RN degree to becoming an NP:
- BSN to MSN: If you already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an MSN program typically takes 2–3 years and includes coursework and clinical hours in your chosen specialty.
- ADN to MSN: RNs with an Associate Degree in Nursing or ADN degree/program can pursue bridge programs that allow them to earn both a BSN and MSN in a streamlined format. ADN degrees allow for easier transitions, overall.
- BSN to DNP: The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal degree offering deeper clinical knowledge and leadership training. Ideal for those aiming for top-tier roles in healthcare settings.
- Direct Entry MSN: Designed for career changers with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, these programs allow you to earn your RN license and NP credentials simultaneously.
Whichever path you choose, accreditation and reputation of the program should be top considerations to ensure a strong foundation.
Certification and licensure
After completing your graduate program, you’ll need to take the following steps to practice as an NP:
- Pass a national certification exam: Each NP specialty has its own board certification, similarly to an RN nursing program. Common certifying bodies include the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Apply for state licensure: Submit your certification and education documentation to your state’s board of nursing. Regulations vary, so be sure to verify state-specific requirements.
- Stay current with continuing education: To maintain your license and certification, you’ll need to complete continuing education courses and renew your credentials regularly.
Online vs. in-person nursing programs
Today’s aspiring RN to NPs have more options than ever before:
- Online programs: Ideal for a working RN, these flexible programs allow you to complete coursework from anywhere while continuing to gain clinical experience locally.
- Hybrid programs: A blend of online instruction and on-campus requirements, ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.
- Traditional on-campus programs: Offer hands-on labs, in-person faculty guidance, and opportunities for networking within your nursing school community.
Your choice will depend on your schedule, learning preferences, and desired level of interaction with peers and instructors.
Apply now to start your journey today
If you’re an RN yearning for more autonomy, leadership opportunities, and the ability to make an even bigger impact on your patients’ lives, the NP path from an RN nursing program may be your calling.
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner isn’t just a career advancement—it’s a transformation. It’s where your compassion meets clinical expertise, where you become the provider patients trust, and where you make a lasting difference in the future of healthcare.