Registered nurses who want to expand their clinical responsibilities may consider becoming nurse practitioners. Understanding how to go from RN to nurse practitioner—including education pathways, certification requirements, and specialization options—can help nurses plan their next career step.
Why Registered Nurses Become Nurse Practitioners
Many registered nurses choose to pursue a nurse practitioner role as a way to expand their clinical responsibilities and deepen their impact on patient care. Nurse practitioners are trained to assess patients, diagnose health conditions, develop treatment plans, and provide ongoing care management. For nurses who enjoy building strong relationships with patients and contributing to long-term health outcomes, this advanced practice role can offer an opportunity to take on a broader scope of clinical decision-making. Some nurses are also drawn to the ability to specialize in a particular patient population, such as families, adults, or individuals experiencing mental health challenges, allowing them to focus their expertise in an area that aligns with their interests and professional goals.
Key Takeaways
- Registered nurses can become nurse practitioners by completing a graduate nurse practitioner program, gaining advanced clinical training, and obtaining national certification in a specialty area.
- The time it takes to go from RN to nurse practitioner often depends on your current education level, but many BSN-prepared nurses can complete an MSN nurse practitioner program in about two to three years.
- The key difference between a registered nurse and a nurse practitioner is scope of practice: nurse practitioners are trained to assess patients, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans as advanced practice providers.
- Nurse practitioner programs allow registered nurses to specialize in patient populations such as family practice, psychiatric mental health, or adult-gerontology primary care.
- After completing a graduate nurse practitioner program, nurses typically pursue national certification and state licensure to practice as nurse practitioners in their chosen specialty.
Steps to Go From RN to Nurse Practitioner
- Complete the Education & Testing Required to Become a Registered Nurse
- Gain Clinical Nursing Experience
- Enroll in a Graduate Nurse Practitioner Program
- Complete Advanced Coursework and Clinical Training
- Obtain National Certification and State Licensure
Education Pathways for RN to NP
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses, meaning they must have a graduate degree in order to practice. Understanding the educational pathways to becoming a nurse practitioner may help you decide on which degree program is best for you.
Starting With Undergraduate Nursing Education
Before you begin practicing as a nurse practitioner, you first need to work as a registered nurse. An undergraduate degree in nursing could provide you with the foundation you need to develop the skills to work as a registered nurse. Whether you choose an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you have the opportunity to develop an advanced understanding of the current healthcare landscape as well as become proficient in the clinical skills required to work directly with patients.
Advancing Through Graduate Programs and Specializations
Once you have earned your undergraduate degree and obtained licensure as a registered nurse, the next step is to pursue a nurse practitioner program tailored to advanced clinical practice. Depending on your background and career goals, you can choose from a master’s degree, a graduate certificate, or a doctoral program designed specifically for nurse practitioner preparation. Selecting the program that best aligns with your desired specialization will help ensure that your education supports your long-term career objectives.
Achieving Certification and Licensure as an NP
After completing your specialized nurse practitioner program, you must obtain national certification and state licensure to practice. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurse practitioners are required to earn certification in their chosen specialty through an accredited body. This certification verifies that you meet the necessary standards for advanced clinical practice and patient care.
Preparing for National Certification Examinations for Your NP Specialty
The final step in becoming a nurse practitioner is passing your national certification exam. Nurse practitioners typically take the certification exam offered by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) to become certified in their specialty area. Because the specific exam you take depends on your NP specialty, it is essential to understand the requirements and content of your chosen exam. These rigorous exams serve as the final step in the certification process for nurse practitioners. You can best prepare by:
- Choosing a certification exam that is best for your nurse practitioner career path.
- Using the study materials that are provided by that certifying body.
- Creating a study plan in advance that allows you to study regularly in the weeks leading up to your exam. Avoid cramming for this comprehensive exam.
- Work with your classmates to study together. Study groups allow you to collaborate and develop a better understanding of the exam materials.
- Use practice tests to become more comfortable and familiar with the exam format.
Understanding State-Specific Licensure Requirements
The licensure requirements to practice as a nurse practitioner may vary from state to state, so it is essential to review the requirements in the state in which you intend to practice.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
For registered nurses who are interested in advancing their careers, the time it takes to become a nurse practitioner can vary depending on several factors, including your current education level and the type of graduate degree you pursue. Most nurse practitioners complete a graduate-level nursing program that provides advanced training in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
For many registered nurses who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) nurse practitioner program may take approximately two to three years, depending on whether the program is completed full time or part time. Some nurses may choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree instead, which may require additional time to complete.
Registered nurses who do not yet hold a BSN may choose to follow an extended educational pathway before enrolling in a nurse practitioner program. One common option is an RN-to-BSN-to-MSN pathway, which allows nurses to first complete a bachelor’s degree and then continue directly into a graduate nursing program that includes a nurse practitioner specialization. These programs are designed to build upon existing nursing experience while preparing students for advanced practice education and clinical training. Because program structures vary by institution, prospective students may benefit from reviewing program requirements and timelines to determine which pathway aligns best with their professional goals and schedule.
Regardless of the specific pathway chosen, nurse practitioner programs typically include both advanced coursework and supervised clinical training designed to prepare nurses for national certification and advanced practice roles.
Choosing a Nurse Practitioner Specialization
While all nurse practitioners can provide comprehensive healthcare services for patients, most choose to specialize in areas that allow them to work with specific patient populations. Knowing the specialty areas that are available to you may help you select a graduate degree program that best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
A family nurse practitioner, or FNP, is a nurse practitioner who works with patients throughout their entire lives. According to Johnson & Johnson Nursing, family nurse practitioners are able to work with patients across a wide variety of ages, giving them the ability to provide their patients with personalized and effective care. Family nurse practitioners often emphasize the importance of preventative healthcare and work to provide their patients with attentive and intuitive care. To become a family nurse practitioner, choose a graduate degree program that offers this specialization and pursue certification as a family nurse practitioner.
Psychiatric Mental Health as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
According to the Cleveland Clinic, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners work directly with patients who have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, are experiencing a mental health crisis, or are struggling with a substance abuse disorder. In addition to diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, PMHNPs also provide their patients with counseling and therapy services. To pursue this nurse practitioner career, opt for a graduate degree program that offers a specialization in this area as well as pursue certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Lifespan Care as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners, or AGPCNPs, focus on providing healthcare services for adolescents, adults, and older adults. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), professionals in this role are trained to promote health, manage chronic conditions, and provide preventative care for patients across the adult lifespan. Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioners often work in settings such as primary care clinics, outpatient practices, and community health centers, where they build ongoing relationships with patients while supporting long-term wellness and disease management. To pursue this career path, choose a graduate degree program that offers an adult-gerontology primary care specialization and pursue certification as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
RN vs Nurse Practitioner: Key Differences
The table below highlights several key differences between registered nurses and nurse practitioners, including education requirements, scope of practice, and clinical responsibilities.
| Category | Registered Nurse (RN) | Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Typically requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Requires a graduate degree such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
| Role in Patient Care | Provides direct patient care, administers medications, monitors patient conditions, and supports treatment plans | Assesses patients, diagnoses health conditions, develops treatment plans, and manages patient care |
| Scope of Practice | Works as part of a healthcare team under the direction of physicians or advanced practice providers | Provides advanced clinical care and may practice independently or collaboratively depending on state regulations |
| Specialization | May work in areas such as pediatrics, emergency care, or surgical nursing | Often specializes in a patient population, such as family practice, psychiatric mental health, or adult-gerontology |
| Clinical Responsibilities | Focuses on implementing patient care plans and monitoring patient progress | Focuses on diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments, and managing overall patient care |
| Certification | Must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain licensure | Must complete a graduate NP program and obtain national certification in a specialty area |
The Expanding Impact of Nurse Practitioners on Patient Care
Nurse practitioners are bridging a critical gap in the healthcare system, filling the void that exists between registered nurses providing bedside care and physicians creating treatment plans. According to an article published by CBS News, nurse practitioners have played a vital role in reducing the healthcare shortage in primary care. However, many nurse practitioners are increasingly looking into specialty areas for their careers.
Take the Next Step From RN to Nurse Practitioner
For registered nurses who are exploring how to transition into advanced practice roles, choosing the right graduate program is an important step in the journey. Post University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with nurse practitioner specializations designed to help nurses build the advanced clinical knowledge and patient care skills needed for these roles. Students may pursue specializations including Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. By selecting a specialization that aligns with their interests and professional goals, nurses can prepare for the next phase of their nursing career while continuing to focus on delivering high-quality patient care.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.