Nurse practitioner programs are graduate-level programs that prepare students to become advanced practice nurses. While many nurse practitioner programs are available, the most common is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees give individuals the knowledge and skills needed to function as nurse practitioners.
Nurse practitioner programs consist of classroom and clinical components. Students learn about common conditions and diseases, pharmacology, diagnostic testing, physical assessment techniques for patients of all ages, and the practical aspects of providing care. Graduates are prepared with a solid theoretical foundation in addition to clinical practice. The coursework, combined with the clinical experiences, produces experts who can diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of common and complex conditions.
Registered nurses who want to strengthen their skills and advance in their careers can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial to making the right choice about your education.
A Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal nursing degree. A terminal degree is the highest academic degree awarded in nursing. Nurses with either a BSN or MSN may enter a DNP program, which takes as few as two years of full-time study to complete. Working nurses who attend courses part-time will typically take 3-4 years to earn their degree.
DNP-prepared nurses are prepared for leadership and management positions at the top of the nursing field. The scope of practice for a DNP-prepared nurse encompasses every aspect of nursing, including clinical, administrative, education, quality improvement, policy development, and research. For example, a nurse practitioner with an MSN degree may deliver bedside care in a hospital setting, while a DNP serving as a nurse practitioner may provide bedside care and lead a team of nurses in an expanded role.
Online NP programs are a modern, flexible approach to obtaining an advanced nursing degree. These programs allow RNs to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees primarily online. This means you can pursue your education from the comfort of your home or any location with an internet connection, without the need to attend traditional, on-campus classes.
One crucial aspect of becoming an NP, whether through online or traditional programs, is clinical training. Online NP programs are no exception. To ensure you gain the hands-on experience necessary for NP practice, online programs include clinical requirements.
Typically, you’ll need to identify a local preceptor or healthcare provider who will serve as your mentor during clinical rotations. You’ll also be responsible for finding suitable clinical sites aligned with your chosen NP specialization. These rotations come with specific objectives and competencies to help you achieve a well-rounded NP education. Some programs may also require proctored exams to assess your clinical knowledge and skills.
Additional Resources
The answer to this question depends on your starting point. Nurse practitioner programs can accommodate various points of academic entry depending on the education and experience of the applicant.
Suppose you are in high school, and your goal is to become an NP as quickly as possible. In that case, the fastest and most direct path involves earning your four-year BSN degree and then immediately applying to graduate school to earn a Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Unfortunately, nursing schools do not provide the option to complete a Master’s degree alongside your BSN.