Experience Needed to be NP

[ash122]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site so I hope this is an appropriate place to put this post, if not I apologize. I actually came across this site a short while back and everyone on here seemed to be extremely helpful, so I'm very glad I joined. Right now I am a freshman at my college. I was accepted to the nursing program, although for the next two years I am just doing general education classes and the pre-req science classes for it...pre-nursing studies I guess it's called. Anyway, my true goal is to get a BSN and then go on to get my MSN to become a nurse practitioner. I'm a little confused as to how the whole thing works, but I do remember reading that experience as an RN is required to become a nurse practitioner. Which is completely understandable, but here's my question: Is this experience required to get into the MSN program or is it required before you start practicing as a nurse practitioner? For example, could I pursue my MSN and work as an RN for that duration?

Thank you so much for all your help!!

[guiltysins]

It depends on what school you go to. If it's not a BSN/MSN most require that you have a year or two of experience as a nurse in the specialty you are interested in before you start your master's degree. You can still work as an RN during the program as well but most would like you to have a little experience as a nurse.

[CuriousMe]

It depends on the MSN program (not even the school, different programs in the same school have different requirements). Some require 1-2 years of experience as an RN before entering the program, others will accept you straight from your BSN.