Nursing School Guide

We have listed all Nurse Practitioner programs and here are the steps to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). You must first become a registered nurse by completing an accredited nursing program and passing state nursing exams. As a RN trained at the associate degree or diploma level you must then obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or enter various programs offering an ADN-to-MSN or what is a "bridge program." You then must complete a state-approved advanced nursing education program that usually specializes in a field such as family health, adult health, acute care, women's health, etc. The degree can be granted by a university which grants an MSN or doctorate in nursing. To practice you must then be licensed by the state in which you plan to practice. The state boards of nursing regulate nurse practitioners and each state has its own licensing and certification criteria. In general, the criteria include completion of a master's degree in nursing and certification by an accrediting body (ANCC, AANP). The license period varies by state; some require biennial relicensing, others require triennial. Good luck and we hope to provide you with as many options of schools, programs, resources, and scholarships that will help you achieve your nursing goals.