If you’re considering how to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree, you may be a career changer interested in a fast-track option. An ABSN program confers a nursing degree in as few as 16 months. Then, you’ll need a nursing license, experience, graduate-level education, and advanced practice certification.
If you hold a degree in a subject other than nursing, you might wonder whether you can become a nurse practitioner (NP) without a nursing degree. You’ll first need to become a registered nurse (RN) by earning a nursing degree and obtaining RN licensure. Then, gain clinical experience and pursue the advanced education required of NPs.
Madonna University can help you discover how to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree. A BSN is the first step toward becoming an NP. You can take the first step on this pathway by enrolling in Madonna’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which confers a BSN degree in as few as 16 months.
Before getting started, you may wish to take a closer look at what NPs are and what they do. Then, explore the steps in this career pathway, from earning a BSN to obtaining advanced practice licensure.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
Before learning how to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree, you should understand what to expect in this career. A nurse practitioner is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). All APRNs are highly experienced, well-trained clinicians. NPs can treat complex, high-acuity patients, serve as leaders in the field, and provide mentorship to less experienced nurses.
NPs can:
- Conduct diagnostic tests
- Evaluate patients and symptoms
- Prescribe medications
- Promote disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices
- Serve as a primary care provider
NPs may specialize in a particular patient population, such as adult-gerontology or pediatrics. Alternatively, they may work with patients across the lifespan as a family health provider.
Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a Nursing Degree?
If you don’t currently have a nursing degree, you can become a nurse practitioner by starting on a nursing pathway. Before becoming any type of APRN, you must first gain clinical experience as an RN. RNs need a nursing degree and RN licensure.
After becoming an RN and gaining clinical experience, you can work toward becoming a nurse practitioner by earning a graduate-level nursing degree, obtaining board certification in your specialty, and obtaining an APRN license.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a Nursing Degree
The journey to becoming an NP is lengthy, but with the Madonna University ABSN program, changing direction doesn’t mean you have to start over. Our accelerated program empowers you to leverage your prior degree to earn a bachelor’s in nursing in as few as 16 months, compared with the four years it typically takes for a traditional BSN program.
Follow these steps to discover how to become a nurse practitioner without a nursing degree.
1. Meet the ABSN Program Requirements
Prospective applicants to Madonna University’s ABSN program are encouraged to contact an admissions representative. Your admissions rep will review your background to determine your eligibility for the program.
Admissions requirements for our ABSN program include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA from all undergraduate coursework, or a minimum of 60 credits with a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate coursework
- A letter of intent submitted to the College of Nursing and Health
- Completion of a criminal background check
- Completion of all prerequisites, as well as any needed signature and nursing support courses
- Completion of your application and submission of official transcripts
Learn more about the prerequisites required for nursing school.
2. Earn Your BSN
During Madonna University’s ABSN program, you will complete 53 credit hours. Those credit hours are broken down into four full-time semesters that include a combination of three curriculum components:
3. Pass the NCLEX-RN
Once you successfully earn your BSN degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which can be taken any time after graduation. It is up to you to decide how soon to take it, but it’s often advisable to schedule it soon after graduation so the course material is still fresh in your mind. After passing the exam, you can obtain your RN license.
Madonna University’s ABSN program includes practice exams to thoroughly prepare our students to take the NCLEX-RN.
4. Gain Clinical Experience
Before pursuing graduate-level nursing education, you will need clinical experience as an RN. You can start applying to nursing jobs in your chosen specialty area after you’ve passed the licensure exam.
You should plan on gaining at least a couple of years of clinical experience before moving on to the next step. During this time, focus on learning as much as you can and sharpening your clinical skills, improving your bedside manner, and patient interactions.
5. Earn a Graduate Degree in Nursing
When you’re ready to take the next step, apply to a graduate degree program. Aspiring NPs may choose to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Whichever degree you choose, look for a concentration in your preferred NP specialty area. Expect your degree program to include a blend of didactic coursework and field/practicum experiences.
Madonna University offers multiple graduate nursing programs, including MSN and DNP degrees, as well as certifications for various advanced roles. Students who graduate from Madonna’s ABSN program also enjoy a tuition discount on their graduate education.
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6. Obtain Board Certification
Future nurse practitioners must pass a rigorous board certification exam in their specialty before obtaining APRN licensure. There are numerous accredited certifying bodies, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program, and the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Look for a certifying body that offers a board certification exam aligned with your chosen specialty area. For example, if you’d like to become a women’s health nurse practitioner, you might take the NCC’s exam for the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (WHNP-BC) credential.
7. Secure APRN Licensure
After passing the board certification exam, you can apply for APRN licensure to your state board of nursing (BON). Expect to submit proof of your board certification and official transcripts. There may be additional requirements in some states. Once you are officially licensed as an APRN, you can begin working as an NP.
Get Started on Your Accelerated Nursing Education Today
Madonna University can help you take the first step toward becoming a nurse practitioner. Here, you can earn a BSN with a nursing curriculum that is fully integrated with our Franciscan values. Benefit from small class sizes and comprehensive support, including Academic Success Coaches. There is no waitlist, and you can choose from three start dates per year.
Request information to get started today. Your admissions rep will help you begin the application process for our ABSN program in Metro Detroit.