Becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) requires becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). RNs must also be certified in a nursing specialty and pass a national certification exam. ARNPs can specialize in areas such as family practice, pediatrics, gerontology, and mental health, and can serve as primary care providers for patients.
The path to becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) varies from state to state in the US and also in other countries. First on the list of steps to becoming an ARNP is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), which typically takes two to three years. In addition, a minimum of one year of professional clinical nursing practice is generally required. The typical educational path is two to three years of additional schooling to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and after that several more years of study to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). The total time commitment in school to become an ARNP can be as little as six years and up to eight or more if it takes longer to earn your BSN degree.
Registered Nurses (NP) are also known as Advanced Registered Nurses (ARN) and Registered Nurses. The terms are interchangeable. After completing formal schooling requirements and gaining some clinical experience, RNs must be certified in a nursing specialty by a qualified national organization. Examples of this include the American Academy of Nursing Professionals (AANP) in the US and the Australian College of Nursing Professionals (ACNP) in Australia.
RNs must complete a nursing program leading to a specialization and earn a master’s degree. Everyone is required to pass a national certification exam, which is usually written. The certification license for the ARNP is valid for a period of three years, after which it must be renewed by earning continuing education credits. Areas of specialty after becoming an ARNP are quite broad in general and include categories such as family practice, pediatrics, gerontology, midwifery, mental health and so on. Certain US states restrict certification to a more precise level than just the ARNP, such as a certified anesthetist or clinical nurse.
Advanced registered nurse practitioners often serve as primary care providers for patients. They are responsible for meeting most of the patient’s medical care needs, as well as diagnosing a wide range of health conditions, just like a doctor. They also provide preventative care and some acute care. Veteran ARNPs with two to five years or more of experience are in high demand.
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