How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner works on a computer
Earning an MSN degree provides pathways into specialized care.

From diagnosing conditions to managing long-term treatment, nurse practitioners (NPs) play an important role in healthcare delivery across a range of settings. Employment is projected to grow 40% from 2024 to 2034, reflecting continued demand for NPs.¹ As the field expands, more attention is focused on how to become a nurse practitioner and what this role involves.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed graduate-level education and clinical training.

In practice, NPs assess patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications where state law allows. An NP’s scope of practice is regulated at the state level.²

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

The path to becoming a nurse practitioner typically includes the following steps:

  1. Start by becoming a registered nurse (RN)
    You’ll need to complete an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Some nurses start with an associate degree and later go back to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
  2. Get hands-on experience
    Most graduate nursing programs expect you to have real-world experience caring for patients. This is where you build confidence and clinical judgment.  
  3. Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree
    An MSN program builds on what you already know, with more advanced coursework and training in assessment, diagnosis, and managing patient care. You’ll also choose a nurse practitioner specialty for focused study and training.
  4. Complete your clinical hours
    As part of your MSN program, you’ll complete supervised clinical hours in healthcare settings, working directly with patients in your chosen specialty.
  5. Pass a national certification exam.
    After you graduate, you’ll take a certification exam in your specialty. Most nurses take this exam through organizations such as American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
  6. Apply for state licensure as a nurse practitioner.
    Once you’re certified, you can apply for licensure in your state. Your state board of nursing sets the requirements and defines your scope of practice, including prescriptive authority.²

Types of Nurse Practitioners and Specialties

Nurse practitioner MSN programs are built around the types of patients you want to work with and the settings where you’ll provide care.

Walden University’s CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program offers specializations aligned with these practice areas:

The specialty you choose will shape your clinical training and the certification you pursue.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

There’s no one set timeline for becoming an NP. How long it takes depends on your education, experience, and how your program is structured. 

For registered nurses, earning an MSN usually includes advanced coursework along with supervised clinical training. Program design can make a difference, too. Some online MSN programs offer flexible options for working nurses, while others follow a more traditional academic schedule.

Because timelines vary, it’s important to take a close look at how each program is set up before choosing a program.

Nurse Practitioner Career Paths

Nurse practitioners work in a variety of healthcare settings, from primary care clinics and hospitals to specialty practices and behavioral health environments.

Your day-to-day work will depend on your specialty. For example, family nurse practitioners often provide ongoing primary care, while psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners focus on diagnosing and managing mental health conditions.³

What to Consider

Choosing a nurse practitioner career is both a professional and personal decision. If you’re working while going back to school, you may want to consider:

  • How flexible the program is
  • How clinical placements are handled
  • Whether the program aligns with licensure requirements in your state 

Considering Walden’s MSN Program

Walden University's CCNE-accredited, online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program offers specialty practice options alongside its nurse practitioner tracks. All coursework is completed online, with clinical experiences completed in person.

Walden’s MSN program offers a range of student support for working nurses. You’ll have access to expert faculty, academic advising, and tools like a virtual skills lab. Some NP specializations include no-cost test prep help you prepare for certification exams after graduation.

Visit Walden University online to request information about MSN admission requirements, NP specializations, financial assistance, and other topics.

Now that you know how to become a nurse practitioner, you can explore programs that support your goals in advanced practice nursing.

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program online. Earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm
2Source: www.ncsbn.org/nursing-regulation/practice/aprn.page
3Source: www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Walden University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed to provide the academic degree required to apply for national certifications. Because no graduate program can guarantee that graduates will achieve national certification, we encourage students to consult the appropriate credentialing center for the specific requirements. It is an individual’s responsibility to understand, evaluate, and comply with all requirements relating to national certification as requirements vary widely. Walden makes no representations or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain national certification. For more information about certification programs, students should contact the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursingworld.org/ancc, or other certification websites.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Whether looking for information on programs, admissions, or financial aid, we're here to help.

Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.

Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.

  • Step 1: Contact Information
  • Step 2: Academic Interests

Are you or your spouse an active or retired U.S. military service member?*

By submitting this form, you consent to Walden University's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. You also agree we may contact you at the contact information provided regarding our educational programs and services, including for marketing purposes. WU may use automated systems or generative artificial intelligence to reach out via phone, pre-recorded messages, email and/or text. See our Terms of Service for additional details.