How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a Nursing Degree

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an APRN who has completed advanced schooling and training beyond an RN. Such specialists provide various healthcare services, including diagnosing and managing various ailments. They are key in administering care and often collaborate with physicians and other medical professionals. While most such specialists typically hold a nurse practitioner degree, there are ways individuals who aim to switch professions or advance their career in nursing can become NPs without one. Let’s find out how.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Nurse Practitioner?

The path to becoming an NP typically starts with acquiring a nursing diploma. So, what degree does a nurse practitioner need? NPs are APRNs with a master’s or a doctoral certification in nursing. They have also accomplished the required hours of clinical involvement and accreditation in their chosen specialty.

Still, you’re able to become an NP without a BSN. It’s made possible by Direct-Entry MSN programs, which are specifically for persons who lack a nursing background but want to join the field. So, what degree do you need to be a nurse practitioner? You just require a bachelor’s or Master’s in a different subject.

What Is the Easiest NP Program to Get Into?

If you want to undertake an accelerated degree for nurse practitioner, there exist several programs to consider, but our pick would be that offered at the University of Rochester, New York. This program grants you admission into two separate courses for becoming a nurse; an Accelerated BSN and an MSN course in your selected specialty.

The good news is that continuing learning is encouraged in the nurse profession, so if you want to know how to get a degree in nursing later, you can easily do it anytime.

How Long Are Most NP Programs?

NP courses can take anywhere between 1-7 years, depending on an individual’s educational level. But most NP courses take 2-4 years after acquiring a BSN. However, if your focus is how to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree, you can complete Accelerated MSN courses in 18 months.