Nurse practitioners (NPs) occupy a dynamic role in healthcare. One significant benefit lies in the autonomy many NPs enjoy, particularly in the 26 states where they can practice independently. This autonomy fosters a sense of professional agency and the ability to directly impact patient care. Additionally, the field of nursing provides diverse specializations, allowing NPs to choose areas such as family care, women’s health, or pediatrics, providing a breadth of opportunities. 

Nurse Practitioners are Registered Nurses (RNs) with advanced education. Therefore, students should pursue their RN degree/certification before applying to a Nurse Practitioner program.

Prerequisites for nursing programs

Many nurse practitioner programs require applicants to take standardized tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other designated assessments. 

Nurse Practitioner programs require that applicants have a bachelor's degree in nursing before applying. They also typically require significant clinical experience, which might include nursing practice or other roles that demonstrate a commitment to patient care. For some programs, participation in research may also be beneficial.

The application timeline can vary slightly among programs, but generally, prospective students should start the process well in advance of their intended start date. It's common for applications to be submitted a year before the desired program begins. Before initiating the application process, individuals should thoroughly research nurse practitioner programs to identify those that align with their career goals, specialization preferences, and geographical considerations. When you are ready to apply, you may be able to use the common application service known as NursingCAS (Nursing Centralized Application Service) if the programs to which you plan to apply utilize this service.