2 answers
Kennedy
Student
Belmont, North Carolina
4
Questions
Asked
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What is the application process like for a nurse-practicioner?
I am interested in NP school, but I have no idea where to start. Other than the online application process, I wonder what else is involved.
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2 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Securing your bachelor's degree is the first step, and from there, you can explore "bridge" programs that allow you to transition into nursing, especially if you have a background in science. These programs can take you from college to your doctorate. It's essential to find schools that align with your goals and determine whether a partially online or traditional classroom setting suits you best. There's a wealth of programs available!
Allow me to share my journey of becoming a nurse practitioner for inspiration. My initial qualifications were advanced degrees in health care administration, and I held numerous roles in various facets of the field, including home care. However, I realized that the direct business aspect wasn't my cup of tea, so I applied to a Master's level "bridge" program. Here, I delved into advanced courses, studying intricate anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physical examination, and more. Naturally, there were many clinical sessions involved.
After a decade in nursing, I found my home setting work, including evaluations, fascinating. However, I yearned for the ability to follow through on my patient care plans. This led me to a post-master's nurse practitioner program to finish my family nurse practitioner training. I explored one formal program but wasn't satisfied due to the limited clinical experiences they offered. Instead, I opted for distance learning for the coursework and arranged my clinical experiences. I spent a year in a bustling ED under a physician's supervision, focusing more on family practice than trauma. I gained skills in suturing, assisting with fractures, conducting gyn exams, and more. I also learned how to prescribe and order appropriate tests. This experience was incredibly enriching, and despite my school's concerns about the extensive clinical hours (which affected their student to faculty ratio), I seized every opportunity for exposure. I have zero regrets about this journey.
Allow me to share my journey of becoming a nurse practitioner for inspiration. My initial qualifications were advanced degrees in health care administration, and I held numerous roles in various facets of the field, including home care. However, I realized that the direct business aspect wasn't my cup of tea, so I applied to a Master's level "bridge" program. Here, I delved into advanced courses, studying intricate anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physical examination, and more. Naturally, there were many clinical sessions involved.
After a decade in nursing, I found my home setting work, including evaluations, fascinating. However, I yearned for the ability to follow through on my patient care plans. This led me to a post-master's nurse practitioner program to finish my family nurse practitioner training. I explored one formal program but wasn't satisfied due to the limited clinical experiences they offered. Instead, I opted for distance learning for the coursework and arranged my clinical experiences. I spent a year in a bustling ED under a physician's supervision, focusing more on family practice than trauma. I gained skills in suturing, assisting with fractures, conducting gyn exams, and more. I also learned how to prescribe and order appropriate tests. This experience was incredibly enriching, and despite my school's concerns about the extensive clinical hours (which affected their student to faculty ratio), I seized every opportunity for exposure. I have zero regrets about this journey.
Megan Jackson BSN, RN
Registered Nurse
62
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
You would start with getting your Bachelors Degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX exam to become an RN. I would recommend working for a few years then apply to a nurse practitioner program of your choice.