How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner?
Written by:
Wilson College
• Jul 17, 2025
Many nursing careers offer strong demand and above-average salaries. Registered nurses (RNs) considering the next step in their education can increase their earning potential and clinical responsibilities by earning a graduate degree in as little as two years.
With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, RNs can move into leadership, educational, and advanced practice roles. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are among the highest paid and fastest growing nursing careers. However, how long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?
NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary and specialty care. They conduct patient assessments, order laboratory tests, and diagnose medical conditions. NPs can also prescribe medication and perform medical procedures.
Common NP specialties include the following:
-
Family medicine
-
Primary care
-
Pediatrics
-
Women’s health
-
Psychiatric-mental health
-
Adult-gerontology
A majority of NPs work in doctors’ offices and medical practices. Other common work settings include hospitals and outpatient care centers. Depending on the state, NPs may practice with licensed physicians. Other states grant full practice authority to NPs.
How Long Is the Nurse Practitioner Career Path?
Current RNs can become NPs in as little as two years. However, those without a nursing background typically require six to 10 years to become NPs.
The section below outlines the steps required to become an NP.
Step 1: Earn a BSN and RN License
Before enrolling in an MSN program, candidates need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which can take around four years, and an active RN license.
Prospective NPs can enroll in a BSN program to become RNs. Current RNs can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to complete their bachelor’s degree in one to two years. Second degree BSN programs, designed for those without a nursing background who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing, generally take 12-18 months.
After completing an accredited nursing program, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and apply for an RN license with their state board of nursing.
Step 2: Enroll in an NP Program
NPs need at least an MSN degree to meet professional certification and licensure requirements. NPs can also hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
MSN programs for NPs typically require two years for full-time students, while DNP programs take around four years. Graduate students who choose a part-time enrollment option will require additional time.
During an NP program, nursing students develop clinical knowledge and skills, with a focus on their specialty area. Core courses include pharmacology, physical assessment, and pathology. Coursework and clinical requirements emphasize the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
Step 3: Complete Clinical Training
NP students complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours as part of their graduate nursing degree. Many programs require 600 to 1,000 supervised hours of clinical training.
Clinical education places students in diverse healthcare settings in which they gain supervised experience treating patients in their specialty area. For example, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) complete clinical placements in primary care settings.
Step 4: Earn Board Certification
After earning an MSN degree, graduates must earn national board certification in their specialty area. Several organizations offering NP certifications include the following:
-
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
-
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
-
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
Certification exams test candidates on their advanced practice knowledge and clinical skills. Board certification prepares NPs for state licensure and NP jobs. Certified NPs complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credential.
Nurse Practitioner Salary and Job Growth
The salary and job outlook for NPs remains strong. NPs earned a median annual salary of $126,650 as of May 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). NPs in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and home health report higher average salaries.
NPs are among the fastest growing occupations. From 2023 to 2033, the BLS projects NP jobs to grow by 46%; this represents significantly higher demand than other healthcare careers. For example, nurse anesthetists will see 10% growth over the same period, while midwives will experience 7% growth. RNs will experience 6% job growth.
Demand for primary care, including preventive care, will benefit NPs. As APRNs, NPs often act autonomously to provide similar services as physicians.
Advance Your Nursing Education at Wilson College Online
Working nurses benefit from the flexibility of an online nursing program. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing education, consider the MSN program at Wilson College Online. The 36-credit program offers tracks in education or leadership and management.
Graduate students in nursing learn how to manage quality improvement programs, educate nurses, and implement evidence-based nursing practices during the online program. Designed for working nurses, the flexible format provides an accelerated and affordable pathway to advanced nursing careers.
Recommended Readings
What to Expect from an RN to BSN Curriculum?
Why Earn an Advanced Degree in Nursing?
Sources:
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Practice Information by State
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, The Path to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
American Nurses Association, What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest Growing Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
