“NPs provide holistic care that is evidence-based based meaning it’s based on scientific research. They focus on caring for the whole person, not just the disease, and provide care to individuals and families.”
Mary Jane Miskovsky, DNP, Associate Professor in the Passan School of Nursing (PSON) at Wilkes University
The current increase in demand for healthcare practitioners has put nurse practitioners in high demand. Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have an advanced degree and advanced certification. They typically work with a specific population (the elderly, children, or adults), and they can work in specialized care, such as acute medicine, family practice, or mental health.
Between 2024 and 2034, there is expected to be an astounding 35 percent increase in jobs for nurse practitioners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2025). This makes it the second-fastest-growing occupation by percentage in the United States. This is largely due to the increasing demands for preventative care as well as an overall aging population.
Some states allow nurse practitioners to work independently without having to be under the supervision of a physician. In those states, they have full practice privileges, which include diagnosing and managing illnesses, along with the ability to prescribe medications. Other states require nurse practitioners to be supervised by a licensed physician.
Nurse practitioners have completed at least a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a master’s of science in nursing (MSN). A more advanced degree option is a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), which typically takes four years of study and prepares nurses for the challenges of working independently in the field.
Continue reading to learn more about the career of a nurse practitioner. Below are profiles on top programs, a list of job duties, and an overview of licensing options and requirements.
Meet the Expert: Mary Jane Miskovsky, DNP
Dr. Mary Jane Miskovsky is an associate professor in the Passan School of Nursing (PSON) at Wilkes University and the DNP program coordinator. She has over 25 years of experience working as an adult nurse practitioner (ANP) and has practiced in internal medicine, college health settings, and a free clinic.
Dr. Miskovsky has over 30 years of teaching experience in both undergraduate and graduate nursing. Her areas of research include nutrition among college students, virtual patient simulation in an online NP program, the use of standardized patients in an online NP program, determining success in NP education, and evaluating a program of care at a cancer wellness center.
Dr. Miskovsky teaches in the DNP program at Wilkes and has served as a DNP project chair to several of the current and past DNP students. She is published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at many state and national conferences. She is a member of various committees in the PSON and is a primary member of Wikes University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Dr. Miskovsky received her DNP degree from Carlow University, and her master’s in nursing and her adult NP post-graduate certificate from Syracuse University.
HealthcareDegree.com: What do you wish the people understood about nurse practitioners?
Dr. Miskovsky: Many people are unclear about the scope of the nurse practitioner (NP) and their role in healthcare. NPs are not extensions of physicians but are independent providers and advanced practice registered nurses educated at the graduate level. They are registered nurses (RNs) who completed either a master’s degree or doctoral degree in nursing and have years of experience as an RN before becoming an NP.
NPs provide holistic care that is evidence-based, meaning it’s based on scientific research. They focus on caring for the whole person, not just the disease, and provide care to individuals and families. NPs are educated to assess, diagnose, interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and treatments, and manage both chronic and acute illnesses in the primary care setting and the hospital.
NPs as primary care providers combine their clinical experiences and medical knowledge to improve patient outcomes. Research reveals that NPs improve patient outcomes and improve access to high-quality care while improving mortality rates, disease progression, treatment adherence, treatment success, and patient satisfaction compared to physicians (Weissinger et al., 2024; McMenamin et al., 2023; Carranza et al., 2021).
HealthcareDegree.com: What advice would you give the aspiring NP?
Dr. Miskovsky: For those considering a profession as a nurse practitioner, I would tell them that although the profession is rewarding, it is very challenging, and the education is rigorous and ongoing (does not stop after you graduate). You must commit to lifelong learning since the role of the NP is based on evidence-based practice, and advances in healthcare are constantly evolving.
To keep up with the changes, one must seek out new knowledge and engage in ongoing professional development, then apply this new knowledge in practice to provide the highest quality of care. Providing high-quality care is an essential responsibility of the NP and is dependent on staying current with research, best practices, and advances in technology in the constantly changing healthcare environment.
HealthcareDegree.com: What is your favorite thing about being an NP?
Dr. Miskovsky: What I love most about being an NP is that I have had the opportunity to develop long-term meaningful relationships with patients and families while practicing with a high level of professional autonomy. Providing high-quality, evidence-based care and improving patient outcomes are what I value in my practice as an NP.
Also appealing is career flexibility since it’s a very versatile profession, meaning there are many specialty opportunities across both primary care and acute care settings and in academia. Also, there are options for part-time, full-time or per diem employment and, in some cases, self-scheduled hours, along with opportunities as clinical instructors and/or faculty.
NPs have the opportunity to work with various age groups and backgrounds. They play a critical role in addressing the national primary care shortage, expanding access to care, and improving the health of the communities we serve, locally and nationally.
If NPs choose a career in academia, they have the opportunity to educate and mentor future advanced practice nurses. Based on these various opportunities available to the NP and the advanced graduate education required for practice, the nurse practitioner role should be recognized as a profession that is essential to the healthcare system.
Nurse Practitioner Specializations & Degree Types
Advanced degrees are required to become a nurse practitioner. While licensing requirements vary by state, at least a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) is required although a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is quickly becoming the preferred standard by employers. With either the MSN or DNP degree, there are numerous specializations students can pursue, including:
- Gerontology
- Acute Care
- Pediatric
- Emergency
- Family medicine
- Neonatal
- Psychiatric
- Women’s health and gender-related
Admissions Requirements for Nurse Practitioner Programs
Aspiring MSN or DNP students are required to already be registered nurses (RN), and proof of licensure is required for admission. While there are programs that will accept applicants who have only completed an associate’s degree, most incoming students have already completed their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Programs may also require extensive application materials including resumes, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and more.
Nurse Practitioner Program Accreditation
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) are the main national accrediting bodies for nursing programs. They oversee all bachelor’s and graduate nursing programs, including MSN and DNP programs. They are recognized by the US Department of Education.
On-Campus Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
Vanderbilt University – School of Nursing
Ranked number five in the nation by US News & World Report (2020), Vanderbilt’s outstanding program offers an MSN degree for nurses who hold a BSN, as well as a DNP degree for nurses with an MSN. Students pursuing an MSN can make a seamless transition to the DNP program if they wish to pursue that degree. Vanderbilt also offers an executive leadership DNP for nurses who hold a BSN and a non-nursing, health-related master’s degree. For the past three years, the program has had a 100 percent employment rate for its graduates.
Vanderbilt’s program is centered on evidence-based methodology and provides students with hands-on practice throughout their studies. Graduates not only know how to apply the knowledge they have gleaned but they are also critical thinkers who can work through complex health issues. Admission requirements include an interview and the submission of official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a nursing license, a resume, and a statement of purpose.
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Columbia University – School of Nursing
Students enrolled in the DNP program at the Columbia University School of Nursing will learn how to administer comprehensive care to both healthy patients and those with complex or chronic health issues. This three-year program comprises coursework and a clinical residency.
Specializations in this program include gerontology, family practice, nurse-midwifery, pediatrics, and psychiatric-mental health. Additionally, students can choose from three subspecialties: palliative care, oncology, and women’s health. Registered nurses with either a BSN or MSN can apply for admission to this program. Prospective students must already be licensed RNs (or be eligible to be licensed) in the state of New York. Prerequisite courses in statistics and health assessment are also required for admission.
- Location: New York, NY
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Washington – School of Nursing
Aspiring family nurse practitioners can complete the doctor of nursing practice degree at the University of Washington School of Nursing. This three-year program trains graduates to care for a wide variety of clients, including children and the elderly. This program is offered exclusively to full-time students and emphasizes patient- and family-centered care.
Graduates of this program who are interested in additional education can complete the post-DNP residency in veteran’s health through the VA Puget Sound Center of Education for Interprofessional Collaboration. This 12-month program trains nurse practitioners in leadership and scholarship within the Veterans Administration.
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Catholic University of America – Conway School of Nursing
With full-time and part-time options, the on-campus family nurse practitioner program at The Catholic University of America, Conway School of Nursing has options to fit any schedule. This program can be completed as a part of a master’s of nursing degree or as a certificate for nursing for those already holding an MSN. Graduates of this program work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and managed care organizations.
Required coursework includes classes such as the well-child, pathophysiology, women’s health, and healthcare policy. The required 700 hours of clinical practice ensure that students have the necessary skills to find entry-level work as FNPs as well as meet the requirements for national certification.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Rivier University offers an outstanding on-campus master’s of nursing for family nurse practitioners. This program can take between three and five years to complete, depending on the number of courses a student takes at a time. Graduates are prepared to provide high-quality primary care services to patients of all ages.
During their studies at Rivier, MSN students will take classes in nursing theory, pathophysiology, quality healthcare improvements, health assessment, research design, and health policy. In total, students must complete at least 43 credit hours to graduate from the program.
- Location: Nashua, NH
- Duration: Three to five years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Online or Hybrid Nurse Practitioner Degree Programs
Duke University – School of Nursing
Developing leadership skills in outstanding nurses is at the core of the DNP program at the Duke University School of Nursing. Nurses in this program develop the skills necessary to analyze published data to advise on clinical practice and make decisions on how to revise care to improve patient outcomes. This outstanding program is ranked number two in the nation by US News & World Report (2020).
Classes in this program are offered online, with four required on-campus sessions per year. In addition to traditional nursing courses, students take courses in leadership, health systems transformation, and scholarly writing. Students also complete a minimum of 400 clinical hours prior to graduation, depending on a student’s previous experience. These hours can be completed at a student’s place of employment.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Duration: Two years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Ohio State University – College of Nursing
The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers a DNP family nurse practitioner (FNP) program for students who have already earned a BSN. This fully online program allows students to further their education without having to quit their jobs or move. Courses are taught by top-tier faculty who are nurse practitioners themselves.
As part of the program, students complete clinical experiences. These immersions take place during the final year of the program all across the country. Frequently, students complete the hours necessary to obtain licensure as a nurse practitioner while still in the program.
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Wilkes University – Passan School of Nursing
The Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University offers a wealth of online NP programs, including a BSN-to-MSN, post-graduate certificates, a DNP program, and a PhD in nursing. There are also several specializations available at the master’s degree and certificate levels: family, psychiatric-mental health, and adult-gerontology care.
- Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Duration: Two years or more
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Georgetown University – School of Nursing and Health Studies
The online master’s of science in nursing at Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies consists of asynchronous coursework, live classes, and clinical intensives. There is a strong emphasis in this program on caring for the whole person, rather than just the symptoms or disease. Graduates of this program will have holistic care skills that address physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health needs.
This program can be completed in as little as 19 months of full-time study. Part-time study options are also available. All students must complete 44-semester credits of coursework in order to earn their degree. In addition, students must complete 650 hours of clinical experience.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Duration: 19 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Texas A&M University – College of Nursing
Nurses who want to work as primary care providers can complete the online master’s of science in nursing at Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing. While most coursework can be completed online, there are some on-campus clinical experiences that require students to travel to campus. Students can arrange to complete the rest of their clinical practices at a facility near their home.
The curriculum for this program meets the requirements for licensing as a nurse practitioner in all 50 states. In total, students must complete 48 credit hours in courses such as primary care for families, advanced pharmacology, and leadership and policy.
- Location: Bryan, TX
- Duration: Six semesters
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
University of Southern California – Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Students in the online master’s of science in nursing at the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work will receive an education grounded in biomedical science and an understanding of societal influences on health. Graduates will be able to deliver primary healthcare services to adults, children, infants, and adolescents.
Most coursework for this program is offered online. However, students will be required to travel to campus for two on-campus intensives, where they will participate in skill assessments and exams.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Duration: 21 months
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Including high school, it generally takes 11 years to become a nurse practitioner with the minimum work experience and education. However, if a nurse pursues a DNP degree, it can take 13 or more years to complete the necessary work experience and education.
How To Become a Nurse Practitioner – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)
Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED is the first step towards becoming a nurse practitioner. Students who wish to pursue this career should take courses in science, math, and health to prepare them for further studies. Advanced placement courses and tests are also helpful as they allow students to complete college credit while in high school.
Step 2: Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Four Years)
A BSN is necessary to become a nurse practitioner. This four-year degree can be completed in four years or as a degree-completion program for those who already have an associate degree in nursing. As part of their studies, students gain hands-on nursing experience as well as meet the educational requirements to become an RN.
Step 3: Become a Registered Nurse (Timelines Vary)
MSN and DNP programs typically require students to be registered nurses (RNs) already. Requirements vary by state but generally include an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited program and a background check. Prospective RNs also sit for a test: the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Step 4: Gain Work Experience (One Year Minimum)
Prior to enrolling in a graduate nursing program, students are advised to complete at least one year of work as registered nurses. This work experience is often required by graduate programs—especially those in acute care—and gives applicants a good feel for what working as a nurse is really like.
Step 5: Complete a Graduate Degree in Nursing (Two to Four Years)
An advanced degree is required to become a nurse practitioner. Aspiring professionals may choose to complete a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Either degree prepares them for work in the field, but a DNP is slowly becoming the industry standard, providing the necessary education and skills to work more independently than an MSN.
Step 6: Obtain National Certification for Specializations (Timelines Vary)
Professionals may then choose to pursue certifications in nurse practitioner specialties such as:
- Pediatrics (acute or primary care)
- Neonatal health
- Adult-gerontology (acute or primary care)
- Family health
- Women’s health and gender-related care
- Nurse-midwifery
- Psychiatric-mental health
To qualify for certification, candidates must submit proof of qualifying education and clinical hours, and pass a comprehensive exam. Please see the certification section below for a complete list of national certification boards for nurse practitioners.
Step 7: Obtain State Licensure (Timelines Vary)
Requirements for licensure vary by state, as do the scope of practice laws. Requirements for licensure include proof of completing the required graduate courses, a valid RN license, and passing a national certification exam.
Step 8: Maintain All Certifications and Local Licensure (Every One to Five Years).
The maintenance requirements vary by credential but licensed NPs generally need to complete a renewal application and show proof of continuing education requirements.
What Do Nurse Practitioners Do?
Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients. The scope of practice varies from state to state, but can include:
- Obtaining patient medical histories
- Ordering diagnostic tests
- Performing patient exams
- Diagnosing patients
- Compiling treatment plans
- Coordinating with other care providers
- Interpreting medical results to inform treatment plans
- Providing follow-up care
- Prescribing medications (not all states)
- Conducting research
- Providing patient education on health, nutrition, and medications
Nurse Practitioner Certifications & Licensure
As part of the licensing requirements for nurse practitioners, states require national certifications, such as those issued by the following certification boards:
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
- Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB)
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC)
- Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB)
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
Although the requirements vary by organization, each specialty NP certification is valid from one to five years and requires candidates to apply, proof of qualifying graduate education (MSN or DNP), proof of an RN license, and a passing score on a comprehensive exam.
In addition to national certification, nurse practitioners must be licensed to practice by their local state nursing board. Requirements vary by state but include passing a national exam, holding a current RN license, meeting education standards, and passing a background check. For example, in California, the requirements are:
- Hold a current California RN license
- Complete an approved nurse practitioner program
- Hold a national nurse practitioner certification
- Submit verification of clinical competency completed by a supervising nurse practitioner
- Pay the application fee
How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024), there were 307,390 nurse practitioners in the United States, who earned $132,000 per year on average. Here are the latest salary percentiles available as of December 2025:
- 10th percentile: $97,960
- 25th percentile: $109,940
- 50th percentile (median): $129,210
- 75th percentile: $149,570
- 90th percentile: $169,950
Nurse Practitioner Career Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to a career as a nurse practitioner.
Become an Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists use everyday activities to help treat a patient’s musculoskeletal issues from illness, disease, or injury. The primary focus of treatments is to help patients resume their everyday activities. Professionals in this field have earned a master’s degree in occupational therapy.
- Typical Education: Master’s of occupational therapy
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)
Become an EMT or Paramedic
EMTs and paramedics are first responders who provide medical care. EMTs provide first aid and can assist with breathing treatments, while paramedics can provide more advanced care such as administering medications, opening airways, and delivering babies.
- Typical Education: Associate degree or higher
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)
Become a Physical Therapist Assistant or PT Aide
While physical therapists can diagnose and treat patients, often, these treatments are carried out by physical therapist assistants or aides. Once a plan of care has been put in place, physical therapy assistants or aides can follow the treatment protocol, assisting patients in completing exercises and documenting progress.
- Typical Education: Associate degree
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.