Hey Friends!

So you want to be a nurse practitioner?

Let’s talk about it!

Getting an MSN in Nurse Practitioner

To become a nurse practitioner, you must first complete your nursing degree.

There are many programs available now that allow you to go from an associate degree in nursing to a Master of Science in Nursing, nurse practitioner, or even a Doctor of Nursing Practice. However, you must first hold a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Nursing, to be admitted to the MSN program. Some schools do offer ADN to MSN, BSN to DNP, etc. so depending on your credentials or the degree you want to achieve you can choose the course that best suits your needs.

You then determine which specialty you would want to pursue and then apply to that program specifically. You can complete this program either part-time or full-time, depending on your schedule and lifestyle.

Upon completion of the MSN program, you would be awarded your MSN in nurse practitioner (with whichever specialty you chose). You then would need to complete your licensure exam and upon passing your licensure exam, congratulations you’re a licensed nurse practitioner!

Steps to MSN

1. Acquire BSN.
2. Have your registered nursing license, active and unencumbered.
3. Some schools require a minimum GPA.
4. Some schools require a GRE.
5. Some schools require clinical experience, some nurse practitioner specialties have different clinical requirements than others.
6. As an international registered nurse, some schools require a course by course evaluation of your degree to be done by a third party evaluator (eg. ECE.org).
7. Personal statement/letter of intent.
8. Some schools require an interview.

My experience

I completed my MSN program fulltime while working fulltime, it was hard and took a lot of dedication, sleepless nights, stressful days, and weeks of work with no days off or free time, but I didn’t want to do a prolonged program.

In retrospect, it may have made more sense to do the part-time program and complete this degree part-time as it would have been less stressful and it would have extended my program maybe one or two more semesters, and now that I think about it would have been worth the decreased stress.

The application process was long and expensive, if I could have done things differently I would have narrowed down the schools to the ones I really wanted to attend and apply to those first. Most schools require a personal statement or letter of intent. You want to spend time writing this, some schools will outline their expectation of what you should include in this, pay close attention to it, and make sure you hit all of those sub-topics identified in their outline.

International RN applying for MSN

As an international registered nurse, because I was educated outside of the USA, some schools required that I had my degree evaluated by a third-party evaluator. This is just a way for the schools here to determine if your degree achieved in a different country measures up to theirs, credit, and classes wise. It also follows a grading metric so your GPA may change after it is evaluated by these third-party evaluators. It’s nothing to worry about but it does add to your application expenses. As it is expensive to apply to these schools with all the requirements needed it can add to your already expensive application process.

Make a checklist for each school with the cost associated with applying and apply early!

Let me know if you have any tips to make it easier to get into this program in the comments below!

Hey Friends!

Are you aspiring to become a nurse practitioner? Let’s delve into what it takes to achieve this rewarding career!

The Journey to a Nurse Practitioner Degree

1. Starting with a Nursing Degree

To kickstart your journey, you must first complete your nursing degree. There are various pathways, such as transitioning from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), specializing in nurse practitioner roles, or even pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

2. Prerequisites for MSN Programs

Before enrolling in an MSN program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is essential. However, some institutions offer bridge programs like ADN to MSN or BSN to DNP. Choose the path that aligns with your current qualifications and career goals.

3. Specializing in Your Field

Decide on your desired specialty and apply to the corresponding program. These programs offer flexible schedules, accommodating both part-time and full-time students.

4. Licensure and Certification

Upon completing your MSN, you’ll need to pass a licensure exam to officially become a licensed nurse practitioner. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

Essential Steps to Enroll in an MSN Program

• Acquire a BSN: The foundational step in your nursing education.
• Maintain an Active RN License: Ensure your nursing license is current and without restrictions.
• GPA Requirements: Some programs may have a minimum GPA criterion.
• Testing Requirements: GRE scores might be required by certain schools.
• Clinical Experience: Varies depending on the specialty you choose.
• For International RNs: A detailed evaluation of your degree might be necessary.
• Application Essentials: Prepare a compelling personal statement and be ready for potential interviews.

My Journey

I chose to complete my MSN full-time while working, which was challenging but rewarding. Looking back, a part-time approach might have reduced stress and extended the program duration slightly.

Tips for International RNs Applying for MSN

If you’ve received your education outside the USA, be prepared for a degree evaluation by a third party. This can affect your GPA and add to your application expenses.

Application Strategy

Narrow down your choices to preferred schools. Invest time in crafting a strong personal statement and understand each school’s specific requirements.