March 10, 2025
09:11
Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a
NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses
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Table of Contents
What are the best degrees for nurse practitioners?
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The BSN is a foundational educational requirement for nurse practitioners.
This degree prepares you for becoming a registered nurse (RN), which is the essential first step toward advancing into the nurse practitioner role.
The subjects covered during this degree are critical for nurse practitioners, including nursing theory, health assessment, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and patient care practices.
They help you develop the necessary knowledge and skills that will form the basis of your practice as a NP.
2. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
After earning your BSN, the next step is to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
This is the most common graduate degree for nurse practitioners. Upon completing an MSN, nurses can choose a specialty, which helps them focus their education and training in a particular field of practice.
Common MSN specialties for nurse practitioners include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - most common and in demand np specialty
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) - most difficult nurse practitioner specialty
- Aesthetic nurse practitioners (ANP) - highest paid nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
These specialties provide advanced knowledge and important skills for nurse practitioners, including diagnosing and treating illness, performing exams, and helping manage a patient's overall health.
Additionally, these nursing professionals receive advanced training in pharmacology, physical assessment, and diagnosis.
3. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
For those interested in the highest level of nurse practitioners, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the next step.
The DNP focuses on advanced clinical practice and leadership within the nursing field, equipping nurse practitioners with the skills to take on roles in nursing leadership, healthcare policy, and patient care improvement.
This degree is ideal for those wishing to lead in nursing practice and contribute to shaping healthcare policy and systems.
Conclusion
Advancing as a nurse practitioner starts with the right education.
A BSN lays the foundation, an MSN allows specialization, and a DNP offers the highest level of clinical expertise and leadership opportunities.
To succeed in this field, it’s essential to continuously build your knowledge—enrolling in a nurse practitioner review course can help you stay prepared for certification and practice.
At the same time, understanding the challenges of being a nurse practitioner ensures you’re ready to navigate the complexities of this demanding yet rewarding career.
Where is nurse practitioner the most in demand?
Tennessee has the highest demand for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the U.S., with 4.36 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)