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- MSN Degree
- RN to MSN Degree
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A Nurse Practitioner can essentially treat and diagnose patients similar to the duties of a physician. Some states allow Nurse Practitioners to work independently while others require them to work in supervised settings with licensed physicians. Licensed Nurse Practitioners, must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited school.
The first step to preparing to pursue a Nurse Practitioner career is getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. This is a four-year degree, depending on your course load and whether you attend school full time or part time. Some people may consider earning an Associate’s Degree in Nursing at a community college before getting accepted into a nursing program at a university.
After you have earned your Bachelor's Degree, you can apply to obtain your license to practice as a registered nurse. Nursing specialties include pediatric, neonatal, family, acute care, gerontology, women’s health care, etc.
Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Nursing could take an additional 2 years, depending on program type and course load. After completion, you are required to take a national certification exam in your chosen specialized area of care. If you pass this exam, you'll be licensed and prepared to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner.