- All nurse practitioners are registered nurses. Individuals who wish to become registered nurses must complete a state-approved course of instruction, which may include a two-year associate degree program from a community college or a three-year diploma program from a teaching hospital. Both educational pathways include classroom studies in such subjects as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, psychology, microbiology, behavioral science, chemistry and nursing practice. Associate degree programs require students to take general educational courses such as English, mathematics, the humanities and history. Both educational pathways require students to complete laboratory work and to gain clinical experience. Diploma programs at teaching hospitals typically involve a greater amount of hands-on clinical experience.
- All nurse practitioners hold advanced degrees, so they must first complete a bachelor's degree. Most NP candidates complete a bachelor of science in nursing. Students who pursue a BSN typically complete a nursing care curriculum that is similar to the associate degree, but a BSN also includes additional studies in such subjects as leadership, communication and critical thinking. BSN degrees often provide students with additional clinical experience in non-hospital settings such as community clinics, public health departments and home health environments.
- All newly credentialed nurse practitioners must hold an advanced degree of a master's degree or above as of 2011, according to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. By 2015 the requirement will increase to include a doctor of nursing practice degree. Nurse practitioner degree programs include theoretical and evidenced-based classroom training as well as clinical experience. Clinical requirements for nurse practitioners will vary based on the NP's specialty field of study and the educational institution. Ball State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Track Plan of Study requires 135 clinical hours during three Concept Analysis classes, 90 clinical hours during its Advanced Health Assessment class, 225 clinical hours during its Role Expectations class and 240 clinical hours during its Advanced Care of Adults class. The program requires an additional 120 clinical hours for the Primary Care of Children class and 60 clinical hours for the Primary Care of Women class.
- Nurse practitioner training and education is rigorous. Educational standards which are developed by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties must be accredited by either the American Association of Colleges of Nursing or the National League for Nursing. Educational and clinical requirements are established by the Curriculum Guidelines and Programs Standards for Nurse Practitioner Education. Nurse practitioners may work in a variety of health-care settings including hospitals, doctors' offices, emergency rooms or community health centers. Some nurse practitioners work out of their own offices. The American College of Nurse Practitioners notes that primary care provided by nurse practitioners is similar in quality to that provided by primary care physicians and is frequently more economical.
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