Thank you for becoming a preceptor for our nurse practitioner programs! We鈥檙e so grateful you鈥檙e taking the time to help mentor and educate the next generation of WCU nurse practitioners.

If you have any questions about your precepting experience, browse our FAQs below or contact us at WCUPreceptorSupport@WestCoastUniversity.edu.

Questions for New Preceptors

What is the role of a nurse practitioner preceptor?

An preceptor provides hands-on clinical instruction and supervision to nurse practitioner students, acting as a role model and mentor. They offer feedback, evaluate student performance, and ensure patient safety during student interactions.

Who can precept for the nurse practitioner programs at 国产主播?

Depending on the nurse practitioner program of study, students may precept with a nurse practitioner, physician or licensed therapy provider who meets the credentialing requirements in the state where the clinical hours will be completed. Depending on the program track, there may be additional specific criteria pertaining to the population focus.

What are the benefits of being a preceptor?

Preceptors can enhance their own clinical skills, stay updated with the latest research through students, and experience personal and professional growth. Precepting also contributes to state licensure renewal and national certification.

How will I receive credit for my precepting hours?

At the end of each term, you will receive a certificate documenting the hours you spent precepting.

What support will I receive from faculty?

Faculty collaborate throughout the term with preceptors to ensure alignment of clinical experiences with academic objectives. They provide guidance, support, and resources to assist you in your role as a preceptor.

How do I balance my responsibilities with the additional tasks of precepting?

Integrate students into your workflow by delegating appropriate tasks and allowing them to assist with patient care. Use this as an opportunity to teach and evaluate their skills.

What resources are available to help me in my precepting role?

Our nurse practitioner programs provide resources such as preceptor manuals, access to faculty for questions, and resources on effective precepting strategies.

How are students prepared before starting their clinical rotation?

Students undergo rigorous academic preparation and skill-building exercises. They also receive orientation specific to their clinical rotation to ensure they are ready to contribute effectively.

What is the duration of a typical clinical rotation?

The length of a clinical rotation spans eight weeks during which the student completes a specified number of clinical hours as defined by the program and course.

Questions for Current Preceptors

How do I document and evaluate student performance?

Use the evaluation tools and forms provided by the program. Document observations regularly and provide comprehensive evaluations at designated intervals.

How do I handle a situation where a student is not performing well?

Provide constructive feedback and document specific areas for improvement. Communicate any concerns with the assigned faculty member promptly to address the situation collaboratively.

What should I do if I need to take a leave of absence or can no longer precept?

Notify the student and the faculty member as soon as possible to allow for adjustments and ensure continuity of the student’s clinical education. Preceptors are under no obligation to precept every term. We encourage preceptors to find the balance that works for them and their practice.

Can I set specific goals and expectations for my student?

Yes, setting clear goals and expectations helps guide the student’s learning experience and ensures they meet the required competencies.

How can I provide feedback to WCU about my experience as a preceptor?

We encourage preceptors to share their feedback through surveys, direct communication with faculty, and participation in preceptor meetings or forums.

What should I do if I encounter a conflict with a student?

Address the conflict professionally and try to resolve it directly with the student. If the issue persists, involve the faculty member to mediate and find a resolution.

Can I precept more than one student at a time?

This depends on the policies of the program and your capacity to effectively supervise and teach multiple students. Accreditation guidelines require that no more than two students be precepted at the clinical site on any given clinic office day or hospital shift.

For further questions or additional information, please contact the faculty member assigned to your student or email us at WCUPreceptorSupport@WestCoastUniversity.edu.

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Thank you for your interest in precepting! As a preceptor, you鈥檒l play an essential role in preparing our nurse practitioner students for the real-life challenges of the healthcare field. You鈥檒l collaborate with faculty members and students to enhance the depth of the student鈥檚 nurse practitioner education.

Serving as a role model, you鈥檒l provide students with the opportunity to observe and experience the daily responsibilities of a seasoned clinician. You will help the student understand the practical realities of the practice environment. While topics like time management and prioritization are emphasized in the classroom, the clinical environment allows these skills to come to life.

These experiences help students develop the ability to prioritize patient and family needs while integrating caring and learning into their daily routine, making the dynamic environment more manageable. Your support and guidance are crucial for students as they prepare to be entry-level nurse practitioners.

To create a successful precepting experience, it鈥檚 important to clearly define roles for preceptors, faculty, and students. Specific responsibilities are outlined in the Preceptor Handbook, but in general these fall into the following categories:

Preceptor Roles and Responsibilities

• Clinical Teaching: Provide hands-on clinical instruction and supervision to nurse practitioner students.
• Role Modeling: Demonstrate professional behavior and clinical expertise.
• Feedback and Evaluation: Offer regular, constructive feedback and formally evaluate the student’s clinical performance.
• Learning Environment: Create a supportive and conducive learning environment.
• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with faculty to ensure the integration of theoretical knowledge with clinical practice.
• Patient Safety: Ensure patient safety and quality care during student-patient interactions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of student progress and performance. Verify student clinical hours.

Faculty Roles and Responsibilities

• Student Support: Provide academic guidance and support to students.
• Assessment: Develop and implement methods for assessing student progress and clinical competence.
• Collaboration with Preceptors: Coordinate with clinical preceptors to align clinical experiences with academic learning objectives.
• Evaluation: Conduct regular evaluations of both student performance and preceptor effectiveness.

Student Roles and Responsibilities

• Professional Behavior: Exhibit professionalism in all clinical and academic settings.
• Active Learning: Engage actively in the learning process, both in the classroom and in clinical settings.
• Preparation: Come prepared for clinical experiences and classroom activities.
• Feedback Utilization: Use feedback from preceptors and faculty to improve clinical skills and knowledge.
• Patient Safety: Prioritize patient safety and provide high-quality care under supervision.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of clinical experiences and patient care.
• Communication: Communicate effectively with patients, preceptors, faculty, and the healthcare team.
• Self-Assessment: Continuously self-assess to identify areas for improvement and seek additional learning opportunities.

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When you work in healthcare, meeting new people is a regular part of the job. This is where you create the provider-patient relationship: You want your patients to like you, and you need them to trust you.

As a healthcare provider, you have to make first impressions often鈥攕ometimes on a daily basis. The new patient introduction is more complicated than just a handshake and a hello because the person you鈥檙e meeting is in a vulnerable position. They may be stressed or even fearful鈥攁n actual diagnosis for this is 鈥�,鈥� in which the patient has developed physical symptoms like high blood pressure in a healthcare setting.

Meeting your patient for the first time is your opportunity to set the tone that will inform every interaction that follows, whether you鈥檙e a physician assistant, an occupational therapist, or a nurse practitioner. When done right, you can put your patient at ease, earn their trust, and open a healthy line of communication that is essential for adherence to treatment plans and improved patient outcomes.

Here are some best practices for a patient introduction:

1. Respect Their Time

Wait time is consistently a top concern for . Of course, you can鈥檛 always control for this, but you can make sure you actively consider your patient鈥檚 time during your interaction with them.

This means efficiency during the actual consultation, examination, or treatment of your patient, so your patient isn鈥檛 there any longer than necessary and others do not have to wait longer than needed. This also means allowing ample time to explain treatments, hear concerns, and answer questions, so your patient feels they have your full and unrushed attention.

If your clinic, hospital, or office is busy and a longer patient wait time is inevitable, do what you can to manage expectations. One easy way to do this is at check-in鈥攕ee if the receptionist is able to give patients an approximation of how long until they鈥檒l be seen. You can also make quick contact with the patient yourself to show that you know they鈥檙e waiting and you鈥檒l be with them as soon as you can.

2. Be Intentional in the Meet and Greet

Once you鈥檙e able to meet your patient, be methodical in your introduction. Make sure you鈥檙e the one who initiates the introduction, and do it as soon as you walk in the room. Take charge of the interaction immediately, and personalize yourself with your name and your role.

In introducing yourself, it鈥檚 important to know your social signals: eye contact, facial expression, speech, and space. Let鈥檚 go through these one by one:

• Eye Contact: Meet your patient鈥檚 eyes right away. Direct eye contact demonstrates that you鈥檙e confident and you鈥檙e paying attention to your patient. It shows your patient that you see them, and that鈥檚 what they鈥檙e there for.

• Facial Expression: Don鈥檛 hesitate to smile at your patient. Patients, particularly those who have a concerning condition, are trying to read you for worrisome cues. Keep your expression warm, calm, sincere, and reassuring.

• Speech: How you speak to a patient says as much about you as what you say. Speak politely, clearly, and with empathy. Use Mr., Mrs., Ms., or if you aren鈥檛 sure of someone鈥檚 pronouns, you can use a first name. This bit of provider-patient etiquette might seem formal, but a small sign of respect can be meaningful to a patient who feels vulnerable.

• Space: Even though providing healthcare often requires you to get up close and personal with your patient鈥檚 body, during your introduction, give them some room. Personal space has been studied鈥攊t鈥檚 called 鈥攁nd it varies culturally, but a good rule of thumb is to give your patient at least an arm鈥檚 length of personal space while you鈥檙e getting acquainted.

Making sure you are mindful of your social signals during an introduction will go a long way toward creating and maintaining the right impression with your patient. Over time, it will become second nature鈥攑art of your muscle memory.

3. Come Prepared to Care

Check the chart or file before you walk in the room. A patient will trust you more if they believe you鈥檝e already been briefed on their needs. Show the patient that you know why they鈥檙e there, and explain to them what they can expect. Knowing information and giving the patient some agency over what happens next will help them feel secure and empowered.

Make sure you have everything you need with you, and as you come to the end of the appointment, explain what will happen next. Invite the patient to ask questions鈥攎ake it a two-way conversation鈥攁nd ask them if there鈥檚 anything they need.

Remember: Your departure is almost as important as your introduction. Don鈥檛 rush your exit. Before you leave the room and complete your first interaction, thank the patient by name. If you鈥檒l be seeing this patient again in the future, you have laid a solid foundation for trust and comfort. And if another healthcare provider will be taking it from here, you鈥檙e leaving your patient with a solid plan for ongoing continuity of care.

4. Make a Follow-up Call

One gesture that can help you stand out from other providers is a personal follow-up to your patient鈥檚 first appointment. A call, email, or message via your patient portal or clinical management system will show the patient that your concern for their health extends beyond the confines of your office or clinic.

You can do this even if there鈥檚 no new information to relay. Your follow-up communication can be as simple as an invitation to stay in touch with questions, or an inquiry about progress.

Another benefit of the follow-up is that it creates continuity between visits. This has dual benefits: It encourages patient compliance with instructions for better patient outcomes鈥攁nd for private practice or healthcare business owners, it reinforces your value as a business and may differentiate you from other providers.

Since a follow-up call is low- or no-cost, it鈥檚 both a smart and considerate improvement you can make to your patient鈥檚 experience.

In summary: You want to create a first patient experience that is respectful, open, and professional. Adhere to these guidelines during your introduction to a patient and you鈥檒l not only make a positive and professional impression, you鈥檒l also lay the groundwork for a healthy provider-patient relationship going forward.

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All About FNPs, What They Do, Where They Practice, and How to Become One

A family nurse practitioner is exactly what it sounds like: an NP trained to practice family nursing. They provide comprehensive care across the spectrum of patient populations in a wide range of conditions, from preventative to chronic. FNPs assess, diagnose, and treat with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, chronic disease management, urgent-emergency care, mental health care, long-term, hospice, and palliative care. The role of the FNP also extends into non-clinical settings such as administration, research, and teaching.

FNPs are also classified as advanced practice nurse practitioners (APNPs) and must be certified as such. There are two recognized certification exams. One is administered by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and certifies you as an FNP-C for clinical practice. The second is administered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is concentrated on research and academia, for an FNP-BC.¹

What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?

As an FNP, you鈥檙e responsible for delivering primary care across a range of age populations, providing preventative care and education, as well as assessing and treating acute and chronic conditions that fall within the purview of primary care. Many families opt for an FNP as their PCP, instead of an MD, since FNPs can perform the same primary care treatments.

Depending on your placement, can include:

• Routine physical examinations
• Assessing illness or injury, both chronic and acute
• Ordering and performing diagnostics
• Developing treatment plans
• Prescribing medications, including controlled substances
• Maintaining patient records
• Collaborating in care with specialists
• Patient education and wellness promotion

Where Do Family Nurse Practitioners Work?

FNPs practice in many types of different healthcare facilities, from large healthcare systems to their own private practice offices (in the nurse practitioners to have independent practices). These , but are not limited to:

• Family practices
• Internal medicine clinics
• Pediatric offices
• Specialty clinics
• Public health offices
• Emergency rooms
• Urgent care centers
• Home care
• Rehabilitation centers
• Long-term care centers
• Palliative and hospice care facilities
• Universities and colleges

Studying to Become an FNP Nurse

Becoming a family nurse practitioner requires an advanced degree that builds on an RN or BSN nursing degree. An accredited nursing school or university MSN-FNP program will offer a rigorous healthcare-focused curriculum of MSN core coursework and family nursing studies that may include such as:

• Policy, Organization and Finance
• Ethics in Healthcare
• Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Adult and Geriatric Primary Care
• Women鈥檚 Health Primary Care
• Pediatric Primary Care
• Care Coordination
• Advanced Physical Assessment and Lab
• Advanced Pharmacology
• Research Utilization
• Advanced Healthcare Residency

Once you complete a Master of Science in Nursing to practice as a family nurse, you鈥檒l need to pass two nursing licensure exams:

• The NCLEX-RN Exam
• An APNP Certification Exam ()

As an FNP, you also have the option to pursue certifications in subspecialties such as cardiology, dermatology, or oncology² to further advance your bona fides and focus your practice.

Because many MSN (or beyond) candidates are already working nurses, many institutions are offering online study and flexible scheduling to allow for degree advancement while the student is practicing. It鈥檚 also possible for nurses to pursue an FNP education through an online Post-Master鈥檚 Certificate program.

For more helpful articles about the field of nursing, keep following our blog.

Citations:

¹ https://nurse.org/education/fnpc-vs-fnpbc/

² https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/certifications-guide/

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Exploring the Differences Between an NP and a PA

Of all the degrees in nursing and medicine, Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA) are the two most commonly compared by aspiring healthcare students. From a patient perspective, there may be little or no apparent difference; patients are simply seeing a provider for care.

Both NPs and PAs have advanced education. NPs earn their degrees in nursing and must achieve a minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited school to become licensed within a state. PAs need a minimum of a master鈥檚-level degree from a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

Both are certified to prescribe medications鈥揘Ps in most states and PAs in all states, including controlled substances when appropriate. Both can order and interpret diagnostic testing (e.g., laboratory and imaging tests), and both can perform office-based and hospital-based procedures. Additionally, both NPs and PAs can manage patients with acute, subacute, and chronic conditions and preventive care. At first glance, the careers have some commonalties, but the training is much different.

At second glance, you鈥檒l find the distinction between an NP and a PA meaningful, and it significantly affects how each studies and approaches patient care.

Approach to Learning

Let鈥檚 start with PAs. Physician assistants are instructed and practice in the 鈥渕edical model,鈥� following a training very similar to that of medical school. This training is most commonly following an allopathic model focusing on diagnosis, testing, and treatment of medical disorders through a patient-centric approach.

Similar to medical school, all PA programs train in a generalist approach, allowing graduates who subsequently pass their national boards to pursue practice in any medical specialty and any practice setting, including outpatient, inpatient, emergency room, and surgery. Unlike physicians, PAs generally do not need to complete post-master鈥檚 internships and residencies, although many are open to pursue such training upon graduation.

By contrast, advanced practice registered nurse practitioners (APRNs) build medical expertise upon previous registered nurse knowledge and experience. Nurse practitioners are educated in a holistic model combining both nursing and medical science. Nurse practitioners specialize by patient population: family, pediatric, women, geriatric, and more. And within those populations they may specialize further: neonatal, acute care, etc. NPs train to focus on the patient and how they are affected by a disorder. A Nurse Practitioner course of study is highly patient-centric.

Approach to Practice

This major distinction in educational approach presents a philosophically different, if equally important, approach to practicing medicine. In oversimplified terms, the NP focuses on the individual while the PA focuses on holistic patient care, which includes the patient, the family, the environment, and the underlying medical condition. PA training has considerable foundation in medical sciences and NP training has considerable foundation in nursing sciences.

In many circumstances, the patient鈥檚 primary point of contact throughout diagnosis, treatment, and management can be an NP or a PA, with both serving as primary care providers and PAs also serving as specialty care providers. Research has shown that both NPs and PAs can improve access to high-quality and excellent care.

Autonomy

Depending on the practice specialty, years of experience, and state, both NPs and PAs can be autonomous outpatient providers with the ability to practice on their own licenses. NPs are generally licensed by state nursing boards. Meanwhile, PAs are generally licensed by state medical boards with some states having separate PA boards functioning within or under the medical board. Both NPs and Pas can choose to be a partner in a group clinical practice, choose a private practice, or work in a hospital-based practice.

In deciding which of these professional paths to pursue, consider the requirements of the relevant degree programs, the approach that each profession takes to patient care, and the opportunities of autonomy that both paths provide. Whichever path you choose, and wherever you opt to practice, you鈥檒l be an indispensable authority on medicine and care.

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You鈥檝e got the itch. You鈥檙e eager to dive into the challenges and rewards of owning your own private practice. Maybe you want to operate a family practice, or a nursing home, or a women鈥檚 health clinic. No matter which, once you feel ready to take on an exciting new challenge, it鈥檚 time to wrap your head around the realities and necessities of preparing to go private. We鈥檝e outlined the broad strokes of some of the big ones below, so you can get started.

The first thing to embrace is that now you鈥檙e not just an NP, you鈥檙e an entrepreneur. Patients are increasingly aware that they can see a Nurse Practitioner instead of the doctor, either as their PCP or for their primary treatment in many facilities. From the receiving end, NP care may feel almost identical to that you would receive from a physician. As an NP you are rigorously trained and tested to perform the tasks and responsibilities associated with MD care. You can write prescriptions, you perform diagnoses and develop treatment plans. Now that you鈥檙e thinking of your own spin off, it鈥檚 time to self-educate (with some help) on how to perform like a business owner.

Need to Knows鈥�

Familiarize Yourself with State-by-State Restrictions

While all Nurse Practitioners are certified nationally when they pass the National NP Certifcation Board Exam, each state has jurisdiction over whether NPs have the legal autonomy to open and operate a private practice. Make sure your aren鈥檛 prohibitive in any way. Check into any other restrictions that might apply to you, your staff, or your facility. Do this first, before committing to any location or property. This knowledge will help drive many of the decisions you鈥檒l make.

File an LLC and a NPI

Time for the paperwork. The fun part of is the satisfaction of seeing your name, or the chosen name of your practice, in ink. You鈥檒l also need to file Without both of these things you will be unable to accept insurance. There are tax and liability considerations as well. Getting your LLC and NPI approved and active can take some time, so plan ahead and start early.

If you plan to prescribe and/or dispense medications, you鈥檒l also need to be registered with your state鈥檚 DEA. If you don鈥檛 already have as an NP, make sure you do this as well.

Analyze Costs to Open and Maintain a Practice

Owning and operating a private practice is expensive. As you might expect, this will vary by each state鈥檚 individual economy and infrastructure, and vary further according to whether you鈥檙e practicing in an urban or rural area, for example. Expect overhead and plan to manage your budget with a fine-toothed comb. Startup costs can include:

Office Space: You鈥檒l need to secure a location, make sure it is zoned and permitted accordingly, and furnish it appropriately. While you may be able to find a turnkey location, you鈥檒l still need a stable reservoir of funds for rent while you ramp up your practice.

Personnel: Depending on how many primary caregivers are in your practice, you鈥檒l need support staff and external resources as well. Make sure you budget for reception, billing, transcription, and any technicians or additional nurses. Plan also for an office manager and offsite resources like payroll and tax services. Make sure you bake employee benefits into your personnel costs.

Supplies and Equipment: Depending on your type of service this will vary widely. You might be able to invest in some used equipment. Determine how you鈥檙e going to continue to source materials for replenishment. Don鈥檛 get caught with empty cabinets.

These costs add up, and many are ongoing. Underfunding is a major contributor for of any type. You鈥檒l almost definitely need a lender to get up and running, and stay solvent in the early stages.

Insurance Considerations

Insurance is notoriously Byzantine, and the reputation is well earned. You鈥檒l need to decide which insurance providers you鈥檙e willing to work with and accept. You can create a profile through so you don鈥檛 have to duplicate your efforts as much. Once you鈥檙e set up to accept insurance, it鈥檚 an ongoing and high-maintenance part of your business. As a private care Nurse Practitioner, you may not have the expertise鈥揳nd you definitely won鈥檛 have the time鈥搕o manage this on your own. You鈥檒l need to either hire a rockstar insurance team or outsource this to an existing service.

What about your own insurance? You鈥檒l be required to have professional liability insurance (malpractice insurance) to operate. You may also need additional coverage like disability and renter鈥檚 insurance. Get professional advice on how to best protect yourself and your practice.

Marketing and Online Presence

Word of mouth is always the best source of business, but in the beginning you鈥檒l probably need to get your name out there. Set up your social media and website, and consider whether to build out a marketing budget for mailers, online ads, etc. Start with a small spend and see what works.

Overall, it鈥檚 a lot! And there鈥檚 a lot more. But if you鈥檙e already an NP, you know how to do your diligence and don鈥檛 shy away from challenge. It鈥檒l all be worth it to enjoy the enormous professional achievement of nursing under your own name. Best of luck!

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If you鈥檙e looking for somewhere to direct a little extra appreciation, look no further than your nearest Nurse Practitioner. Pursuing an NP degree requires time, talent and commitment. That said: What’s a Nurse Practitioner anyway?

Nurse Practitioners: Who Are They?

Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are indispensable health care providers, and among the most specialized. One of the most notable differences between an NP nurse and other nurses like RNs is that Nurse Practitioners study a particular area of expertise through an advanced degree. Also noteworthy: NPs are able to act autonomously, and perform many of the duties and responsibilities of a physician. Some NPs even operate their own private practices, especially those specializing in primary care.

NPs by Specialty

NP or APRN graduates go on to a multitude of practices, including:

• Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
• Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPNP)
• Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGCNP)
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (primary or acute)
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP)
• Women鈥檚 Health Nurse Practitioner

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner means obtaining a masters or doctoral degree, and meeting the licensure requirements of the state in which they practice.

What NPs Do鈥�

Nurse Practitioners are holistic medical care providers with backgrounds as experienced nurses. Seeing an NP ensures an experience that is patient-focused, with healthcare decisions tailored to each patient鈥檚 unique medical circumstances.

Your course of study in pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree prepares you for your certification exam and is rigorous. Once licensed, NPs provide clinical care, diagnostics, preventative care and health management. You鈥檒l also be qualified to prescribe courses of medication (under supervision of a physician in some states), to order, perform and interpret lab work and imaging, and to counsel and educate your patients.

Why See a Nurse Practitioner?

One advantage of seeing an NP instead of an MD is that it鈥檚 often easier to get an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner, without sacrificing quality of care. This is in part because of a , and the ability of an NP to perform those same duties 鈥� so qualified NPs enjoy high demand. In addition to increased accessibility, nurses in general have a reputation for empathy and a personal approach to care.

Of course, every nurse and every physician differs in 鈥渂edside manner,鈥� and many doctors are just as capable of compassionate and attentive care as nurses, but some patients do in charge of their treatment, based on reputation alone. Accessibility is also a component when it comes to facilities and locations: you can find NPs treating patients across a wide range of facilities, from doctor鈥檚 offices and hospitals to psychiatric centers and managed care health centers and campuses.

Next Steps for Aspiring Nurse Practitioners

For those considering an NP degree, first consider your starting point. If you鈥檝e already earned a degree and certification as an LVN or RN, you鈥檒l be able to continue your education toward an advanced degree in nursing, essentially adding to your existing skill set. Or, you can begin a course of study toward becoming a Nurse Practitioner without any previous nursing education or clinical experience. And even working NPs can advance their degrees toward a doctoral or leadership role, or additional specialty. It鈥檚 a challenging career path, but nurses overwhelmingly report it to be a highly rewarding one.

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So you鈥檝e decided to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner. Where to begin? And what will it entail? The good news is the path to becoming an NP in the United States is clear and consistent. It鈥檚 a rigorous but rewarding path that leads to a fulfilling professional life.

Many nurses pursue their education by degree (literally), starting with an associate or bachelor degree before pursuing the advanced education and testing required for Nurse Practitioner certification. All practicing NPs have successfully completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral program with an emphasis on NP.

The path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner involves four major steps: two degrees and two certifications. If you鈥檙e already a working RN, you can skip to Step 3 below.

Step 1: Complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (skip if you鈥檙e already an RN)

Studying to become a Registered Nurse (RN) is a challenge in itself, and the first hurdle in becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Many modern nursing schools offer degrees that can be completed either on an accredited campus or online program. You鈥檒l log clinical hours in addition to coursework, to fully prepare you for experience on shift. Like any baccalaureate degree, a BSN takes four years to complete. Some programs will accept previous general education coursework to allow for faster completion.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX (skip if you鈥檙e already an RN)

You can鈥檛 get your license to be a practicing nurse without first passing the . The exam is administered with a maximum six-hour time limit, with a mix of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, answer sequencing, and other formats. It is scored by percentages in topics like pharmacological therapies and risk reduction. It鈥檚 a rigorous test that requires extensive preparation.

Step 3: Complete a Master鈥檚 or Doctorate in Nursing

Once you鈥檙e a licensed RN, you鈥檙e eligible to pursue your NP degree. You may choose to continue your education at the same school where you earned your RN, if advanced degrees are available, or opt for a different nursing school. Like a bachelor鈥檚, you can opt to study at a nursing school campus or through an accredited online school like 国产主播. Nurse Practitioner study builds on your previous degree and experience to ensure you鈥檙e qualified for the extensive duties and responsibilities of practice at an NP level. An NP degree is a two-year commitment.

Step 4: Pass the National NP Certification Board Exam

Unlike the NCLEX, there isn鈥檛 a single exam option for national NP certification, but you鈥檒l need to pass one to enter practice. There are two recognized boards offering testing options for Nurse Practitioners: The ) and . Both of these boards offer options including exams with specific emphasis on nursing specialties and on primary care or acute care. Choose a test aligned with your planned area of focus as an NP.

Of course all of these steps on their own require a number of commitments and accomplishments, plus a lot of stamina for studying and plenty of perseverance. But if becoming an NP is your ambition, stay the course and you鈥檒l be on the path to a fulfilling and gainful career, the respect of your industry, and the gratitude of your patients. We wish you luck on your journey!

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A nursing degree opens the door to a variety of different opportunities in nursing. Nurses work in different settings 鈥� from emergency rooms to private facilities 鈥� and pursue a range of nursing specialties 鈥� from mental health to family nurse practitioner.

Below are just some of the nursing fields available!

Nurse Leader or Manager

If you love managing and inspiring teams, a leadership role is right for you. You can earn a that could help you pursue management roles within nursing departments.

In management, nurses may advance from assistant clinical nurse manager, charge nurse, or head nurse to more senior-level administrative roles, such as assistant director or director of nursing, vice president of nursing, or chief nursing officer.[1]

If this sounds like the right choice for you, explore our MSN-Nurse Leader track.

Travel Nurse

Hospitals and healthcare facilities often have a short-term need for nurses. This is where travel nurses come in. Travel nurses move to whatever hospital or facility needs them at the moment.[2] For nurses who love to explore different cities and states, this could be a great arrangement that provides freedom to travel.

While requirements can vary, travel nursing is a great opportunity that you can often pursue with only an RN license or a BSN.² For RNs who want to earn their BSN to expand their travel nurse opportunities, WCU鈥檚 online RN to BSN program lets you earn your degree in as little as one year with the accelerated program pace.

Nurse Practitioner

If you love interacting with patients and want to become their primary care provider, a nurse practitioner specialty is right for you. Nurse practitioners work in collaboration with doctors to diagnose illnesses and manage treatment plans. NPs have more authority to work independently.^[4]

If you want to learn to become a nurse practitioner, you can specialize in the area that interests you the most. For example, these are just some of the nursing tracks offered at 国产主播:

• The Family Nurse Practitioner track helps prepare you to work with both children and adults.
• The Adult–Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track helps prepare you to work with adults, including into their senior years and providing end-of-life care.
• The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track helps prepare you to provide urgent and traumatic care to adults of all ages.

Psychiatric Nurse

The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track is another program option at WCU that helps prepare you for nurse practitioner roles.

If you have a passion for promoting mental health and wellness, being a psychiatric nurse could help you make a difference in your community. Psychiatric nurses specialize in helping treat and care for mental health illnesses. They can work in mental health hospitals, Veteran Affairs offices, and even community centers, among others.

Nurse Educator

Are you always the one explaining harder topics to your friends? Do you often organize and lead study sessions? Then becoming a nurse educator might be the right path for you. Nurse educators play an essential role in helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The requirements for a nurse teaching position can vary depending on the school and level. You may be required to have at least a master鈥檚 degree in nursing (MSN degree) to teach at the bachelor level.

If this sounds like the path for you, check out our MSN-Nurse Educator track.

Military Nurse

Nurses form a core and critical part of our armed forces. If you have always wanted to pursue nursing opportunities within the military, the United States Army Nurse Corps might be the place for you. As a military nurse, you might work in military hospitals or bases 鈥� both in the U.S. and in foreign countries.

Generally, to become a military nurse, you must earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Once you have your RN license, you can enlist.

Already in the military? 国产主播 is a Military Friendly庐 school! Learn more about our military education resources online.

Are you ready to explore different nursing fields? Our admissions advisors are here to help. They can walk you through our different programs and help you find the one that aligns with your goals.聽 Below is a full list of the nursing programs and specialties you can pursue at WCU.

Programs

• BSN
• RN to BSN
• MSN
• Post Master鈥檚 Certificate

Specialties

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Leader
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Are you a WCU student or alumni? Our Career Services team is here to help you with all your concerns! Reach out to them if you need help with career planning, locating open positions, or even preparing for an interview.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree, and Post-Master鈥檚 certificate programs.

Students enrolled through the Orange County campus must complete their OSI鈥檚 in California. Students enrolled through the Texas campus must complete them in Texas. Travel costs are not included in tuition and fees, and students are responsible for arranging transportation.

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University has moved some of the on-ground courses into a distance education modality. However, as soon as the COVID-19 circumstances change, students will be expected to return on campus to complete their program onsite in the regular learning modality as approved by WSCUC and outlined in the university catalog.

[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,

[2]聽Travel Nursing || 聽

^[4] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,

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