RN to NP: What You Need to Know
Embarking on a journey to elevate your nursing profession is thrilling! There are many paths to shift your nursing focus. If you want to boost your leadership roles and build stronger patient connections, moving from a registered nurse to a nurse practitioner may be the right choice. Explore the various nursing career paths available. We are here to assist you on this path! Let's start by outlining key steps to advance from RN to NP.
What drives someone to become an NP? How do responsibilities differ? What are the steps to becoming an NP? What expenses come with NP programs?
As you ponder these questions, explore local job opportunities and find answers to all your nursing career questions.
Why become an NP? Various nursing certifications are available. Becoming a nurse practitioner opens new career paths, allowing you to prescribe medications and order tests. Shifting to an NP role brings significant changes in duties, salary, and job prospects. Engage with other nurses to understand their NP journey and related topics on our Questions & Advice page.
Career Outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 6% growth in the RN field from 2021 to 2031, with over 190,000 annual openings. The demand for NPs is expected to rise by 40% during the same period, with over 121,400 annual openings for various nursing specialties.
Salary: BLS reports that RNs earn about $82,750 annually, with California RNs earning around $124,000 annually. Family nurse practitioners are among the highest earners, with an average salary of $118,040, and California NPs earning about $151,830 yearly.
How do responsibilities vary? RN and NP duties can differ significantly based on specialty and workplace. NPs perform many tasks similar to doctors but must complete more clinical hours to maintain high patient care standards. RNs carry out treatment plans set by NPs or doctors, administer medications, and provide essential services like blood transfusions. In contrast, NPs can diagnose illnesses, create treatment plans, prescribe medications, and order tests.
What steps are needed to become an NP? With growing demand for NPs, understanding the steps to obtaining NP credentials is crucial.
Educational Requirements: To become an NP, you must first be an RN with an Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing. Then, you need a Master's or Doctorate in Nursing. Bridge programs like RN to MSN, BSN to MSN, and direct-entry programs help you transition into an NP role.
Applying to NP Programs: Competing for NP programs can be challenging, but it's worthwhile. General requirements include having an RN license, 1+ years of nursing experience, maintaining a strong academic record, a good standing nursing license, recommendation letters, completed applications, and a career goals letter. You may also need to pass prerequisite courses and interview with the school.
Cost of NP Programs: Around 400 U.S. institutions offer NP programs, with costs varying widely. Transitioning from BSN to MSN ranges from $18,810 to $185,280. Funding options include monthly payment plans, student loans, scholarships, checking for employer tuition reimbursement, or applying for Public Service Loan Repayment.
Next Steps: After graduating and choosing a specialty, you'll need to pass a state exam to obtain your license before starting your NP career. Committing to this path requires significant time, energy, and resources. Regardless of your current nursing stage, you can find resources for job search tips and resume building.
FAQs: Is an RN license required to become an NP? Yes, and it must be unencumbered. How long does it take to move from RN to NP? Full-time study can shorten this to 15 months, while it may take up to 4 years. What's the salary difference between an NP and an RN? An NP earns $118,040 on average, while an RN earns $82,750. Are there online RN to NP programs? Yes, many excellent options are available!
