how long did it take from graduation to a job

Trauma Columnist · May 9, 2008

First off congrats! Second: the time varies. You can't get the DEA number until you have your collaborative agreement because the DEA number is not yours per se, but rather a part of your practice or hospital. I should preface this that I live in IL and that is how it is here. You can't get credentialled at any hospital until you have employment because it is your employer that determines what procedures you will be allowed to do.

So...get your job and then go from there. In my practice, we have a credentialling clerk that does nothing except get our DEA #, do credentialling, etc. All I do is sign every year.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 9, 2008

I would start sending out applications now and try to get interviews. Depending on the number of NP applicants and the number of available jobs, the time frame of success in finding a job can take a shorter or a longer period. Being non-certified may also affect your chances in getting a job. Some employers may want someone who is already certified so that they can start the credentialling process as soon as possible. Like traumaRUs said, unless you get hired, you really can't start applying for a DEA number if a collaborative agreement is required in your state. Another number you would need to apply for is an NPI number. That process can not start unless you have a practice site and again, you need to be employed first to have that.

core0 · May 9, 2008

I would start sending out applications now and try to get interviews. Depending on the number of NP applicants and the number of available jobs, the time frame of success in finding a job can take a shorter or a longer period. Being non-certified may also affect your chances in getting a job. Some employers may want someone who is already certified so that they can start the credentialling process as soon as possible. Like traumaRUs said, unless you get hired, you really can't start applying for a DEA number if a collaborative agreement is required in your state. Another number you would need to apply for is an NPI number. That process can not start unless you have a practice site and again, you need to be employed first to have that.

NPI numbers and DEA numbers belong (or are assigned) to the provider. Looking at the application process they do not require employment. However, both of these require a state license. If you need a collaborating physician for your state license or you need a collaborating physician to prescribe schedule drugs in your state then you would need employment first.

You can apply for a NPI as soon as you have your state license. In most cases this requires you receive your certification first.

Good luck

David Carpenter, PA-C

DaisyRN, ACNP · May 9, 2008

i finished december 7th, started work on december 10th in an observational/rn role until i got provisional authorization from the state bon to practice as an np. my employer was aware of my "newbie" status and knew it was going to be a process. they were just training me in the beginning anyway, so i wasn't holding them back from anything. and fyi: texas allows you to work as an np, with md supervision and no prescriptive authority before you test. i sent my paperwork to the bon and ancc on december 14th (that was the "official" end of the semester date). i received my letter to test on january 26th and tested february 7th. i received immediate "unofficial results." here's some more info... below is an email i sent to my classmates regarding my progress in getting approval and all since i was the first to accomplish everything... i know its based on texas rules, but it might be helpful.

hey guys,

i was talking to a couple people and thought it might be helpful for me to just send an email to everybody about the sequence of events and "shortcuts" i have discovered along the way to getting all of my numbers/paperwork. i didn't realize a couple things before i started this process, so i thought it'd be helpful to share what i have learned. this sequence starts as you take the test...

1. take the test and receive immediate unofficial notification of passing. this simply eases your mind, but doesn't count for anything.

2. receive an official letter of certification (no need to request one online at ancc for $40). i tested on wed and received my letter on monday.

3. fax a copy to the bon - attn: sarah. they do not need an original. you can find the direct line/fax to the apn office under "contact us, then phone and fax directory" on the bon site. the bon will send you a certificate, like you received for becoming an rn. i received mine in about a week.

for prescriptive authority:

1. first, you must have received a number from the bon... this is the number you receive with provisional authorization.

2. you can contact the texas dps office and they will email you the application you need. you must apply with the dps office and receive a certificate from them first before you can apply for your dea number.

3. you can get a $25 money order for the texas dps office, overnight the application and fee to the office, and enclose a pre-paid fedex/ups packet and they will send the certificate to you within two days. otherwise, it takes two weeks to process. the secret to expediting it? send the application directly to: 5805 n. lamar, austin, tx. 78752 instead of the po box number.

4. after receiving your dps certificate, you can apply to the dea office online at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov

5. once you have applied to the dea office, it takes 4-6 weeks to get your number (and there is nothing you can do to expedite this).

6. then send that number or just call the dps office to notify them so they can update your dps file.

for billing:

1. you need to get an npi number and can obtain this at https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/nppes/staticforward.do?forward=static.npistart - but my credentialing person did this for me. she filled this out last wed and we got it a couple days ago.

2. the upin number is not relevant anymore. if you have a upin already, you continue using it as previously directed, but if you do not have one yet, you will not receive one. the npi number is the only one you need.

good luck and keep me posted!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 10, 2008

NPI numbers and DEA numbers belong (or are assigned) to the provider. Looking at the application process they do not require employment. However, both of these require a state license. If you need a collaborating physician for your state license or you need a collaborating physician to prescribe schedule drugs in your state then you would need employment first.
You can apply for a NPI as soon as you have your state license. In most cases this requires you receive your certification first.
Good luck
David Carpenter, PA-C

Thanks for the info on the NPI. But in states where a collaborative agreement is required, a copy of the collaborative agreement document is part of the requirements for getting the DEA number in addition to your state or national certification. This is the case in my state and that's where I am going by. In our state, the NPI number needs a practice site. We do not use our home address as our practice site.