How to become a NP (Nurse Practitioner)...

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Hello, everyone!

My ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me the route that I could take/should take to reach that goal.

I am currently enrolled in a "pre-nursing" associate's level degree that gives you two option upon completion. I have three courses left.

1. You can apply to the community college's nursing program and receive your ASN/ADN.

2. You can apply to a university's BSN program and in most cases, you bypass the first two years.

Any way, I just have some additional questions...

1. Are there accredited online programs out that there allow you to go from ASN to MSN, or do you have to get your BSN after your ASN and then apply to a master's program.

2. What route do you think would be best for me to take?

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Also, do you think that this is doable and realistic as a mother and wife, who has to work to help support her family?

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I suggest that you call some of the university programs in your area to ask them what they recommend for preparation for their PNP programs. I can tell you that a PNP program is going to include a lot of clinical time and can't be done online.

Forget the ADN and get the BSN asap for sure, and then you should get some good peds experience before you even think of applying to grad school.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I'm not sure, but I think that the NP has to obtain a doctorate now. I remember reading that those in school now could get their Master's and be fine, but from here on out they would require a doctorate. I'm pretty sure that even those with Master's and practicing as NPs will eventually have to go back to school like many of the RNs with ADNs. If you really want to be an NP, then I wouldn't bother with the ADN program.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I'm not sure but I think that the NP has to obtain a doctorate now. I remember reading that those in school now could get their Master's and be fine, but from here on out they would require a doctorate. I'm pretty sure that even those with Master's and practicing as NPs will eventually have to go back to school like many of the RNs with ADNs. If you really want to be an NP, then I wouldn't bother with the ADN program.[/quote']

^As far as NP schooling; the Doctorate has not became a requirement yet; some schools have changed their programs into DNP programs; the decision is to grandfather them in, NOT to go back to school. :no:

Research the schools that you are interested in; that will be your best course; and I agree with GrnTea; get the BSN and Peds experience, THEN go back. :yes:

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Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.

I dont mean to be that guy, but your still Pre-nursing with no experience at clinical rotations. You should take your time and be sure everything is right for you. That said, the proper route is:

ADN or BSN first, almost every MSN for PNP will require a BSN unless its an ADN-MSN program but those are few in numbers.

After getting your RN you'll need to work for a few years (usually the minimum is 2 years at bedside, but realistically the longer the ore competitive you are) Have had a good grade in BSN and/or ADN program (usually 3.0-3.5/4.0). also complete all the pre-required classes.

Then apply for NP schools, although pediatric isnt as common of a program as other ones, they are out there. I dont know the details after getting into an MSN program, maybe someone who went that process can elaborate more.

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