This article provides an overview of nurse practitioner schools in the U.S. Survey shows that the demand for nurse practitioners increased due to the increasing demand for medical care caused by the declined number of primary care physicians in the country. These schools offer a wide range of nursing degrees, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
Nurse practitioner schools offer a wide range of nursing programs and degrees. Among these nursing programs include Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP, Adult Nurse Practitioner or ANP, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or, Gerontological Nurse Practitioner or GNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or PNP, Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner or ACPNP, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or NNP, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or PMHNP.
Obtaining any of the above-mentioned degrees or becoming a registered nurse (RN) requires students to take the National Council Licensure Examination. This state is a must in 50 states of the country. Meanwhile, 23 states take part in the Nurse Licensure Compact Agreement, enabling nurses to move to the member states with no recertification. Another qualification for these degrees is for students to have earned a master’s degree in nursing, notwithstanding the specialization that they pursue. It is pointed out that all of these specialties passing score in a comprehensive exam. The American Nurse’s Association and/or the American Medical Association also require students to acquire a certification. Some nurse practitioners (NPs) already have experience as RN or have previous or existing career as an assistant of a physician, while some NPs may easily find job. Bear in mind that all states in the country set renewal requirements for nursing licenses, which may also call for a continuing education in certain cases.
Like any other schools in the country, there are also things to be considered in selecting online nurse practitioner schools. Students are advised to visit the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission to choose the best nursing school and find nurse degree that exactly fits their knowledge and skills. Such school may be a great source of the best nursing degree. In fact, nurses who are certified by the board offering licenses or certification may have an edge in the labor market.
Among the nursing schools offering nurse practitioner degrees include the University of Phoenix with its Master of Science in Nursing for Nurse Practitioners, the University of Cincinnati with its Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Program and Doctoral Program, and the Western Governors University with its Master’s Degree Programs.
The survey conducted by Salary.com reveals that 50 percent of nurse practitioners earn an average of $82,590 annually. This basic salary can be in the range of $75,000 along with the top paying jobs in the range of $90,000. It points out that the salaries for specialty nurse practitioners may also vary based on their specification. For instance, family practice makes a median salary of $74,054.
So, are you interested now to be an NP? Why not enroll in one of the best nurse practitioner schools in the country and get your own certificate or license.