Applying to Nurse Practitioner School

[Kristilee2105]

Hello everyone,

I have a question about applying to Nurse Practitioner programs. I am currently enrolled in a second degree BSN nursing program and will be graduating in December 2015. I am planning to apply to NP school as soon as possible after graduation. My question is can you begin to apply to NP programs before you pass the state boards or do you have to pass the boards and have your licence before you apply? I will be applying to schools in PA. Thank you for your replies in advance.

[littlepeopleRNICU]

If you are wanting to start Fall 2016, I would just wait until after you have your RN license to apply. Most schools will just be opening up the applications for Fall around the time you'd be taking boards.

[smileyfacefee]

Depends on what your looking for....ex. do you mind having to visit the campus or no? Would you prefer the school to set up clinicals for you or you doing them independently?

[Rblock]

JustD16 said:

I applied to MSN programs and have been accepted while still in school (I am also in an accelerated program). My acceptance is just contingent on passing the NCLEX.

Hi JustD16, what school allowed you to apply before graduation and passing NCLEX?  I am looking to do the same thing next year.

[nem90, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I guess it depends on the school, most require you to have experience as a nurse for a minimum of a year before applying.  What I came on here to say is - even if you can start NP school before working as a nurse, I wouldn't suggest doing that. As an fairly new NP (graduated 2022) I can say you definitely use the experience you have as an RN in your NP role and having gone through RN and NP school - you can learn a ton in school but real life is SO different. The learning curve is HUGE the first year as an RN you will lay a good foundation for your career as an NP. I just think it would be a disservice to not have at least a year under your belt. It will help you in school as well bc you learn so much as an RN. It will also help you figure out what type of NP you want to be. I have many coworkers that went to FNP/outpatient which is what I thought I wanted to do, but after working I realized I loved inpatient and went the acute care route and I have never regretted it for a second!