NP with no experience?

LetsChill · Nov 6, 2011

Do you have to work as a nurse before entering a NP program?

Every program is different. Gotta check the website/call or the admin. It is recommended at the one I'm looking at but not required. Another one I've looked at will accept any hospital clinical experience, like nurse tech experience.

Either way, the more experience you have in the hospital, especially as an RN, is sure to help in NP school and thereafter.

Good luck.

NAURN · Nov 12, 2011

There are direct entry options, but most want you to have experience, and the length of experience required varies, usually 1-2 years.

allnurses Guide · Nov 20, 2011

Depends on the program, BUT... I just finished a month clinical rotation and am one semester away from graduating as ACNP.. and I could NOT do the clinicals if I didn't have my nursing experience behind me. So many things I know were learned over years of work - there's no way to teach that in 2yrs of NP school.

tsipareht · May 4, 2012

Any recommendations on schools anyone for those without any BSN-RN experience looking to begin a FNP program?

Do you have to work as a nurse before entering a NP program?

hoosier guy · May 4, 2012

my personal opinion is that if you don't have any nursing experience and aren't willing or able to gain that experience before becoming an np you are better off being a pa. on the other hand a lot of pa schools want or prefer some kind of clinical experience.

myelin · May 9, 2012

No, you don't have to work as a nurse before NP. If you already have an undergraduate degree you can apply for a direct entry program. Be warned, the programs are very competitive and you'll have to work your butt off, since they are accelerated. I think it really depends on the individual, regarding whether or not you must work as a nurse first. Most people entering in my program have done a lot of work within their field of choice, just not as an RN. There is more than one way to skin a cat.

JStrib · Jun 9, 2012

As others have stated, it depends on the school. HOWEVER, I think that on the basic premise of common sense, it would be difficult to be an advanced practice nurse without being a nurse first. Food for thought.