If you’re thinking about becoming an NP (nurse practitioner), but think that your bachelor’s degree doesn’t qualify you, then think again. With the right education and training, it is possible to become an NP with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
You might be surprised to learn that the top employers of NPs are not hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices. Some of them include retail companies like Walmart and Target; insurance providers like Aetna and Cigna; as well as various government agencies including the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security.
What is an NP?
An NP (nurse practitioner) is a registered nurse who has earned a master’s degree in nursing and is qualified to deliver primary care services. Nurse practitioners provide the same services that physician assistants and medical doctors do, but without the same level of education and training. Although it varies from state to state, NPs are licensed as either independent practitioners or under the supervision of a medical doctor. Np Couse is available at the online Course Selling Platform.
What types of services can an NP provide?
NPs may provide the same types of services that physicians, physician assistants, and registered nurses provide. Nurse practitioners may deliver routine care like giving shots, prescribing medications and performing physicals. Some NPs also perform more complex procedures like suturing wounds and treating infections. In addition to primary care, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications for patients, perform minor surgeries and even prescribe medication for psychiatric conditions in some states.
What is a master’s degree in nursing?
A master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is a post-graduate degree that allows nurses to specialize in a certain area of nursing. The degree is usually earned after obtaining a bachelor’s degree but can also be earned concurrently with a bachelor’s degree through distance learning.
What are the requirements for becoming an NP?
There are several requirements for becoming an NP, including having a background in nursing and earning either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Licensure as an RN or APRN is typically required as well. Some employers may also require NPs to take continuing education courses to ensure they keep their skills relevant to the industry.
Do you have to be licensed or certified?
Although licensure is not always required to become an NP, it is highly recommended. Most states require NPs to be licensed as either an RN or APRN. In most states, licensure is dependent on meeting certain education and training requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree in nursing and earning a master’s degree in nursing. In order to qualify for licensure, candidates must also pass several exams that assess their skills and competencies as health professionals. Some states may also require prospective NPs to have passed the NCLEX RN exam or its equivalent.
About the NP Association of Practitioners for Advanced Practice
The NP Association of Practitioners for Advanced Practice (NAPA) is an organization of NPs who are both advancing their own careers as well as running their practices. The organization was established to create more opportunities for NPs and other advanced practice nurses to advance their education, enhance effective practices, network with each other and with experts in the field, and represent NPS at the policymaking level.
NP Continuing Education (CPREP) Program – The purpose of the NP Continuing Education Program is to ensure that all licensed NPs are available at all times to provide services while they are continuously updated on current advances in medicine, nursing and healthcare delivery. The program provides continuing education opportunities, including continuing education courses, selling course Websites, webinars, workshops and seminars for both pre-licensure and licensed NPs.
NP Advisory Council (NAPCON) – The NP Advisory Council is the governing body of the NAPA. The purpose of the council is to establish policies and procedures to support the enhancement of quality and cost-effectiveness in healthcare services while protecting NP autonomy. It also aims to promote optimum patient care through legislative advocacy.