How to Become a Nurse Practitioner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction to nurse practitioners

Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is an exciting opportunity for healthcare professionals to expand their clinical expertise and impact patient care. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized training that allows them to:

• Assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of health conditions
• Provide mental health services, particularly in psychiatric nursing
• Work independently or as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals
• Offer primary care, mental health care, and specialized treatments
• Help improve patient outcomes by applying evidence-based practices

NPs play an essential role in addressing mental health conditions and providing psychiatric evaluations for patients with mental illness and substance abuse issues. They:

• Prescribe medications and create treatment plans for patients
• Conduct mental health assessments and provide care for those in need
• Work in primary care settings, private practice, and emergency departments
• Use clinical knowledge and advanced nursing roles to improve mental health outcomes
• Pursue certification through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

This role is essential in meeting the mental health needs of patients, especially in health professional shortage areas where there is high demand for skilled mental health professionals.

How to become a nurse practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner is a fulfilling career choice for healthcare professionals looking to expand their practice and expertise. Below are the steps to becoming an NP, as outlined by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP, 2020):

Earn a nursing degree

The first step to becoming a nurse practitioner is to earn nursing degree programs, typically a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This degree provides foundational knowledge and prepares individuals for the next step in their career: becoming a registered nurse.

Gain experience as a registered nurse

After earning a nursing program or BSN degree, one must become a registered nurse by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to gain RN licensure. As an RN, individuals will gain clinical experience working with patients, which will help them develop the skills necessary for the advanced role of a nurse practitioner.

This experience is crucial in specialties such as psychiatric nursing and general nursing practice, especially when addressing mental health conditions.

Complete a nurse practitioner program

Next, one must enroll in a nurse practitioner program at an accredited university. This advanced education program will allow them to specialize in areas like psychiatric mental health, primary care, or other specialties. During the program, they will take core courses in advanced health assessment, clinical practice, and psychiatric evaluations and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.

Obtain national board certification and state licensure

After completing the nurse practitioner program, they must pass a certification exam to become a board-certified nurse practitioner. Organizations like the ANCC offer national certifications in various specialties, including psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Once certified, they can apply for state licensure, which allows them to practice in their chosen field. Some states offer full practice authority, allowing NPs to independently prescribe medications and treat mental health conditions.

Start a career

As a licensed nurse practitioner, an individual can work in various healthcare settings, from mental health services to primary care, private practice, and beyond. They will play a vital role in health promotion,  improving mental health outcomes, providing valid and reliable assessments, offering mental health assessments, and managing patient outcomes across diverse populations.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse practitioner and the path to becoming a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

What do nurse practitioners do?

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who diagnose and treat health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide patient care across various specialties, including mental health and psychiatric care. They can work independently or in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

The process of becoming a nurse practitioner typically takes 6-8 years. This includes earning a nursing degree, gaining experience as a registered nurse, completing a graduate-level nurse practitioner program, and obtaining national board certification and state licensure.

How can I specialize in mental health or psychiatry as a nurse practitioner?

To become a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, individuals need to complete a specialized nurse practitioner program focused on psychiatric mental health. This program includes clinical training in mental health assessments, treating mental health conditions, and providing services.

Afterward, they must pass the certification exam and obtain state licensure to practice in this specialty.

Key factors in becoming a nurse practitioner

Becoming a nurse practitioner is a fulfilling and impactful career choice that opens up numerous opportunities in healthcare. Whether they are interested in mental health care or other specialties, they will work alongside medical doctors and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care and improve patient outcomes. Here are some key factors:

Educational path and minimum requirements

Becoming a nurse practitioner involves several key steps, including earning a nursing degree, gaining experience as a registered nurse, and completing a nurse practitioner program. Upon certification, they will be prepared to take on advanced nursing roles and make a significant difference in healthcare.

Specializing in mental health care

For those interested in mental health care, the path to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner involves specialized training in psychiatric mental health. In this role, they will work as a psychiatric mental health nurse, gaining expertise in mental health challenges and assessments, treating mental health conditions, and providing psychiatric evaluations. Their work will focus on helping patients with various mental health conditions through comprehensive, compassionate care.

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, they will become a crucial part of the team of psychiatric primary care providers, addressing patients' mental health needs in various settings.

Certification and licensure

Once they've completed the nurse practitioner program, obtaining national board certification and state licensure is critical. This ensures that nurse practitioners can prescribe medications, create treatment plans, and provide effective care in mental health and primary care settings.

Making a difference in healthcare

Nurse practitioners play a vital role in improving patient outcomes, addressing mental health needs, and providing compassionate care in primary care settings, private practice, and areas with health professional shortages. Their work will have a lasting impact on patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

Reference

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020, November 10). The path to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/explore-the-variety-of-career-paths-for-nurse-practitioners