How Does One Get an NP?

[OhioMary]

I'm researching the process for becoming a nurse practitioner. I'm an RN with critical care and psychiatric experience. I love psych and see a lot of openings for psychiatric nurse practitioners around here. I understand that if I go psych or general practice I'm going to need a MSN either way - the thing that I can't quite iron out with my googling is if i get the MSN and then do qualifying processes for the NP or if there are NP specific MSN programs. As my screen name suggests, I'm in Ohio - I hear that location makes a difference on this stuff.

[MierKat]

Well, generally, an NP is a masters-prepared RN (meaning they have a graduate degree above a bachelor's degree) who has passed the relevant licensing exam for the area of practice. So some NP programs may be listed as MSN programs others as NP programs, it's all the same at the end. There are also MSN programs that lead to "Nurse Education" or "Nurse Management" so obviously you will be looking for one that leads to an NP designation. You can get a NP in one of several different areas and once you have the first master's level NP designation, you could add a second designation and be board certified in two or more areas.

I believe that each state BON has the ability to set licensing requirements for that state so when you are selecting a program you should make sure that it has the criteria to get you licensed in your state.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

If psych is the direction you want to go, start looking for Family Psychiatric/Mental Health NP (PMHNP) programs. Ohio has quite a few PMHNP programs. Neighboring Michigan also has quite a few. These days, NP programs are either offered as MS, MSN, or DNP. All but 3 states (Ohio not one of 3) require national certification prior to receiving a license to practice as an NP. For graduates of PMHNP programs, the national boards is offered by ANCC.