Nurse Practitioners Programs

Nurse practitioners are the advanced practice nurses. They are the registered nurses who had completed additional training and education in the form of a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing and passed the state board certification in a field of specialization. Different area of specialization in the scope of nurse practitioners includes family health, oncology, pediatrics, acute care, women’s health, gerontology and psychiatry and mental health etc. The certification is accredited by national level bodies – American Nurses Credentialing Centre (ANCC) and American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

The regulations for nurse practitioners are controlled by states which vary from state to state. Nursing practitioners may be allowed to work independently or in collaboration of a physician depending on the state regulations.

Different Nurse Practitioners Programs-

There are a variety of nurse practitioner programs which can be adopted by candidates of different profiles and academic background. These programs are conducted by universities and colleges spread in all states of the USA in several fields of specialization. These courses may be held on campus and/or communicated online. Different programs can be classified in the following common categories:

1. AND-to-MSN bridge programs- These programs are for those who are already working as a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). These programs are dual degree nature combining bachelors and the master degree and often shorten by one year in contrast to traditional bachelor then masters programs.
2. RN-to MSN bridge programs- these programs are aimed at the practicing registered nurses who hold an associate or diploma in nursing. These courses are often flexible in terms of their schedule and attendance.
3. BSN-to-MSN bridge programs- These programs are for the registered nurses who have completed their bachelor of science in nursing. These programs are similar to traditional masters programs lasting for two years. These courses are really useful for practicing registered nurses who want to specialize in a particular health care domain beside traditional RN job.
4. Direct MSN programs- These programs are designed keeping in view those candidates who do not have a prior graduation in nursing field. Those candidates who had their graduation from different arts other than nursing and desire to switch for nursing career can opt for these courses. The length of these courses is a bit longer than other masters in nursing programs.
5. Doctor in nursing program- The candidates having post graduate in nursing can further adopt a DNP.  By 2015, it is possible that doctorate in nursing may become the minimum eligibility for the NP certifications in all states.

Beside this generalized classification, nursing practitioner programs vastly vary in their nature. They may be available on campus, online or both. The program may include preparation and help for the state board certification or not. Financial aids for a NP program may be offered by many universities and colleges.

Nurse practitioner is great career advancement in the nursing field. The NPs work in hospitals, health care facilities or practice independently. They do have equal scope in nursing education and medical research activities.