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Career Guide
Nurse practitioner
Do you want to make a difference by impacting patients’ health outcomes through advanced assessment, diagnostic interpretation, treatment planning and research application? You may be fit for a career as a nurse practitioner.
Alumna Carmen Bravo
MSN
Do you want to make a difference by impacting patients’ health outcomes through advanced assessment, diagnostic interpretation, treatment planning and research application? You may be fit for a career as a nurse practitioner.
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are healthcare providers who perform a range of advanced clinical services while managing day-to-day primary and preventive medical care for patients. This may include prescribing medication, physical exams, screenings, requesting lab work or medical tests and diagnosing health conditions.
Nurse practitioners can also work within a specialty, such as geriatric, pediatric or psychiatric health. Also called advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), this category of healthcare professionals includes nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives. Nurse practitioner duties can vary by state; while some may work independently and have their own nursing practice, others may work in collaboration with other medical professionals.
To become a nurse practitioner, you must be a registered nurse (RN) with a graduate degree in nursing, active licensure, and advanced clinical training.
Take your next step
How to become a nurse practitioner
It’s not unusual for ambitious, self-directed individuals to explore new professional challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, nurse practitioner jobs are projected to increase 45% between 2022 and 2032. With a faster growing rate than average, it may be a fruitful career choice to join this growing healthcare field.
To progress in your career and become a nurse practitioner, obtaining a master's in nursing — along with advanced clinical experience beyond your initial RN training — is required. While a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for enrolling in a master's program, it's important to note that your bachelor's degree typically doesn't need to be in this area of study to pursue a graduate nursing program.
There are three pathways of nursing education that RNs can take to become nurse practitioners:
- If you are an RN with an associate degree, your first step to becoming a nurse practitioner is earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A BSN strengthens skills relevant to your current role and continues your nursing education progress towards a graduate-level program.
At University of Phoenix, our RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed so that you do not repeat the same coursework and information you likely covered in your previous RN program. Instead, you’ll build on what you already know as you focus on more advanced practices in nursing. - If you have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, a nurse bridge program may be your best pathway to a master’s degree.
- If you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you can apply to a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner degree or Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Let's get started by exploring the path from RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing. There are many advantages to progressing from an associate’s degree in nursing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN curricula often include courses in communication, leadership and critical thinking, which are important skills for an RN – or any professional — to have.
This bachelor's program provides an opportunity to enhance your clinical competency and broaden your perspective. It also can present you with more career options. Nurses with a BSN may have more opportunities in public health, patient education, home health services, health maintenance organization, case management and leadership roles that may not be available to nurses with an associate degree.
To earn this degree, you will need to complete 120 credits through general education, lower division nursing, and core courses in nursing. The length of this program is 150 weeks.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-based)
Like our traditional RN to BSN degree program, this self-paced Bachelor of Science in Nursing Competency-based program prepares you to take on graduate school and pursue the nurse practitioner designation while providing greater flexibility in how you can practice as a care provider.
It is important to note that competency-based programs are not the right fit for every student. If you learn well in a structured learning environment with regular instruction, the traditional BSN may be a better option for you. The BSN competency-based program is best for students who prefer to work independently, set their own pace, and manage their time effectively —while saving time and money on their degree. Learn more about our competency-based programs.
To qualify for the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Competency-based) program, you must have an associate degree in nursing, active RN licensure and at least one year of experience working as a nurse. If you meet these requirements, you may be able to complete your BSN in about half the time (as little as 12 months) and for approximately half of the cost of a traditional BSN degree program. To earn this degree, you will need to complete 33 credits through 11 core courses. Reach out to an enrollment representative for more on whether a competency-based program is right for you.
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner
This FNP master’s degree program is designed to teach students concrete skills that will help them provide care to patients in the family nurse practitioner role. By enrolling in this program, you will be qualified to take a more hands-on role in diagnosing and treating patients, while managing holistic healthcare for individuals and diverse population across the life span.
Through this program, develop or advance skills in:
- Advocacy
- Nursing practice
- Planning
- Problem solving
- Research application
This program requires you to complete 48 credits through 11 courses in core, program-specific topics and a five-day in-person residency. The length of this program is 30 months.
Master of Science in Nursing / Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Prepare for a role as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) specializing in neuropsychiatric care and treatment with a Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree.
Through this program, develop or advance skills in:
- Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Treatment of neuropsychiatric/mental disorders
- Psychotherapy
This program requires you to complete 52 credits through 12 courses in core, program-specific topics and a five-day in-person residency. The length of this program is 30 months.
Nurse Bridge Program
If you have active RN licensure and a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field, our Nursing Bridge Program helps experienced nurses like you earn your MSN degree — saving you time and money. You’ll start with three BSN courses and then move into the program specialty that fits your career goals. This program requires you to complete 45 credits and is 87 weeks in length (including the bridge courses).
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Phoenix are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Day in the life of a nurse practitioner
Learn more about the role of a nurse practitioner in this CareerOneStop video.
Day in the life video: Nurse Practitioner
Living her life with purpose
Carmen Bravo rose from the streets of the Imperial Valley to earn her bachelor’s degree, her master’s degree, and a longtime job in nursing. Her degree didn’t just impact her family, it helped her make a difference.
How can University of Phoenix support me in becoming a nurse practitioner?
Once you become a Phoenix, we’ll be by your side throughout your entire career journey. From resumé building and interview preparation to networking and mentorship, University of Phoenix offers lifetime career support to all students and graduates. Find out more about our career services and how we can help you reach your goals.