What is required to become a nurse practitioner?
Asked by In love with life
I am thinking about being a nurse pratitioner as a career but I have a few questions about the career itself: How long do you stay in school when trying to persue this career? Do you have to go to a nurse institution to become a nurse practitioner or can you attend a university? Do you have to get your masters degree in science or can it be acquired in any field? Any information will be helpful. Thanks. Also can a nurse practitioner work with minors only?

Best Answer:
To be a nurse practitioner in the US you must attend a university for a master of science in nursing program or a program which is accreditied by a university to confer the degree. Prior to attending the MSN program you need a prerequisite BSN degree. However, some programs have an ADN to MSN program in which the student recieves the BSN enroute to the MSN. Most NP programs also require or prefer that all applicants have 1 or more years of experience in nursing. There are serveral types of nurse practitioner. The Neonatal NP works with newborn infants and also help in some antenatal education. The Pediatric NP works with children from birth through 16-18 depending on the NP. The Adult NP works with adult patients from 18 through the end of life. The Geriatric NP works with senior adults the beginning age varies but mostly begins around 60 though the end of life. Womens Health NPs work with Female patients on all health issues but primarily those related to reproductive health. Psychiatric/Mental Health NPs work with patients with emotional and psychiatric health issues The Family NP works with patients from the well baby examinations through the end of life, including senior adults, basic psychiatric issues and reproductive issues in females. Additionally, some of these NPs will later further specialize in other areas through experience and additional education. Similar areas are Clinical Nurse Specialist (who work in a role similar to an NP, but are generally involved in inpatient care of hospitalized patients) and Midwifes (who work with ante-natal, delivery and post-natal care) A new development which may change the educational process for NPs in the next few years is the development of the DNP program at many universities. The Doctor of Nurse Practice will be a professional degree program similar to medical, dental, and podiatry schools. After completing a BSN program the student will proceed to the DNP program, and will no longer require the MSN. The DNP will be longer. Current DNP programs are being tested using NPs who have graduated from MSN programs. Prior to this NPs who advanced their educations received a Ph.D or DNS degree.
RN, Ph.D., CFNP
Answered by US_DR_JD

Requirements actually vary by state. Yes, you will have to go to a university. You need to hold a BSN or ADN. If you hold an ADN, then you will need to find a bridging program. Yes, you may specialize in pediatrics. I would check out the university that you would be interested in going to and see what their requirements are.
Answered by Laura in North Carolina

Well you have to spend 4 years in a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and then spend another 2-4 years working on your Masters of Science in Nursing. Then you can get into a nurse practitioners course and get licensed. You can choose to go into a variety of fields - Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Neonatology, Midwifery, Geriatrics, General Practice - and the ideas are endless. This way you choose the type of clientele you want to work with.
Answered by Mischele, RN