Opportunity to explore potential specialties. In eitherĬase, real-world RN experience is an essential element to a future as a nurse practitioner and provides an important Others allow students to gain RN work experience while pursuing their graduate degrees. Many graduate schools require students to gain a few years of nursing experience before being accepted into their nurse To become a nurse practitioner, candidates must earn a graduate degree. LPNs can also research various LPN-to-BSN programs. Nurses with an RN credential can opt for an RN-to-BSN "bridge" program, which could take more or less time depending on whether or not students continue working while advancing toward their degree. Work experience in the field following the achievement of an LPN diploma or associate degree in nursing. However, many nurses turn to bachelor's degree studies after first gaining Immediate post-secondary career in nursing. The undergraduate major is most often nursing, but a limited number ofįuture NPs might begin by majoring in a related field.īachelor's degree programs in nursing usually include a substantial clinical component, as well as coursesĭesigned to teach skills related to communication, supervision, management, research, community health andĮntering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program promptly after high school is the most direct route to an The usual prerequisite for graduate studies. Use the map below to compare nurse practitioner salary estimates by state.Īnother key milestone for aspiring NPs is earning a bachelor's degree, States with the highest yearly mean wages for nurse practitioners are as follows: State APRNs enjoy additional benefits such asįlexible work schedules, educational opportunities and even child care services. $97,990 in May 2014, with those who work in hospitals earning the most. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the mean annual wage for nurse practitioners was With Lantern’s Career Quiz, you can be matched to career options that align with your personal characteristics.
Medicine, more states are passing legislation that allows nurse practitioners to practice independently without As the United States faces a growing shortage of physicians specializing in primary care and internal However, the prescribing ofĬontrolled substances may be tightly regulated or prohibited in some states.ĭepending on the jurisdiction, nurse practitioners may or may not be required to work under the supervision of a Nurse practitioners can also prescribe medications within limits. Physical assessments, diagnosing illnesses, ordering and analyzing diagnostic tests and procedures, and managing The rules governing nurse practitioners vary from state to state, but typically include such tasks as performing