How to Go From Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner (RN to NP)

If you're a registered nurse, you've likely considered advancing your career, and one of the most popular options to do that is becoming a nurse practitioner.

Increased autonomy, career opportunities, and higher salaries are just some of the reasons RNs choose to pursue their NP. But how do you go about becoming a nurse practitioner as a registered nurse? Through RN-to-NP programs! Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about RN-to-NP programs. 

What Are RN to NP Programs?

RN-to NP programs are for registered nurses looking to become nurse practitioners. They let you utilize all of your existing RN education and experience so that you're not starting from scratch in your NP education.

There are full-time, part-time, and online options, as well as options based on the level of education you're starting with—ADN vs BSN vs MSN.

One of the most important things to consider if you want to become a nurse practitioner is the patient population you want to work with. The specialty you choose will determine the type of coursework you study in your program. Some of the most common nurse practitioner specialties include:

• Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• Family NP
• Aesthetic NP 
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
• Women's Health NP
• Pediatric NP
• Neonatal NP

>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

4 Types of RN to NP Programs

In general, NP programs take around two to three years to complete when you're starting from an RN. Here are some of the pathways available to becoming a nurse practitioner: 

1. RN to NP Programs

   Associate degree in nursing (ADN) to nurse practitioner (NP) programs are bridge programs for ADN-trained nurses to become an NP faster and more efficiently than traditional programs.

   ADN to NP programs are designed to be a fast track for nurses to earn a master's degree as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and obtain certification and licensure as an NP.

   These are intensive and accelerated programs that can be completed full-time in about three years. Upon graduation, students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an APRN degree as an NP.

2. Diploma RN to NP Programs

   RNs who have completed a diploma program can also enter into bridge direct entry NP programs but may need to meet with a school counselor to guide their program, and/or take additional prerequisites before enrolling. These programs are not as popular as other RN to NP style programs, so if you only hold a diploma  degree, this might be a harder path then some of the others. 

3. BSN to NP Programs

   One of the most common options, a BSN to NP program, takes you from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) directly into a master’s NP program. Some students choose to enroll directly upon completion of their BSN undergraduate program or work in a clinical setting before advancing their education. 

   BSN to NP programs can be achieved through an MSN. However, many schools offer BSN to Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. At this time, NPs must have a minimum of an MSN. 

   BSN to NP programs can usually be completed in 24-26 months for an MSN or 36-48 months for a DNP if attending school full-time.

4. Direct Entry Nurse Practitioner Programs

   If you’re not a nurse but have a degree in another field, you can enroll in a direct-entry nurse practitioner program. Essentially, you take an accelerated nursing program in about one year for the first portion of the program to be eligible for the NCLEX, and then you continue on to the NP coursework for the second half of the program. Many schools also recommend that with this option, course participants take at least a year between the first and second sections to gain hands-on clinical experience.

Top 5 RN to NP (ADN to NP) Programs

Picking the right RN to NP program can be an overwhelming decision. The best program for you will depend on many factors and how important each is to you during your educational journey. We've ranked the best RN to NP programs to help you choose the right program for you. For more details on these programs and to see the full list, check our our guide to the Top 10 RN to NP Programs.

1. Regis College 

• Tuition: $990/credit hour 
• Program Length: 36 months 
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Application Deadline: July 17th
• Contact Information:  
  • Phone: (781) 768-7000 
  • Email Information: graduatedepartment@regiscollege.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

2. University of Alabama at Birmingham 

• Tuition: $682/credit hour 
• Program Length: Three years 
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application Deadline: February 18th
• Contact Information:  
  • Phone: (205) 975-9035 
  • Email Information: kell7297@uab.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes 

3. Clarkson College 

• Tuition: $5,460 full time/$2,751 part-time 
• Program Length: Three years (full-time)
• Accreditation: ACEN
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: July 18th 
  • Spring/Summer: Rolling 
• Contact Information:  
  • Phone: (402) 552-3100
  • Email Information: admissions@clarksoncollege.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

4. University of Central Florida  

• Tuition: $288.16/credit hour 
• Program Length: 9 semesters 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: February 1st 
• Contact Information:  
  • Phone: (407) 823-2744 
  • Email Information: UCFNurse@ucf.edu
• Online Options Available? Yes 

>> Related: Nurse Practitioner Schools in Florida

5. University of Rochester 

• Tuition: $1,200 per credit hour for the RN to BS portion; $1,740 per credit hour for the master’s portion 
• Program Length: 16 months for the bachelor’s program and two to three years for the master’s program 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Spring: September 15th 
• Contact Information:  
  • Phone: (585) 275-2375 
  • Email Information: SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu 
• Online Options Available? No 

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Top 5 BSN to NP Programs

There are many BSN to NP programs to choose from, we've ranked the top ones to help you choose. For more details on these programs and to see the full list, check our our guide to the Top 10 BSN to NP Programs.

1. John Hopkins University

• Tuition: $51,669 
• Program Length: Three to four years  
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: January 15th
• Contact Info: (410) 955-4766 
• Online Options Available? Yes

2. Duke University

• Tuition: $13,488 per semester 
• Program Length: Two-to-three years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall: December 1st
  • Spring: May 1st
• Program Contact: Brandon Holmes, Admissions Officer 
• Phone Number: (919) 668-6274
• Email: bgh7@duke.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes

3. University of Pennsylvania

• Tuition: Program costs depend on the number of course units taken per semester.
  • 12-month program: $81,081
  • 14-month program: $94,595
  • 18-month program: $121,622
  • 36-month program: $233,932 
• Program Length: One to three years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: 
  • Fall full-time: November 2nd
  • Fall part-time: March 15th
  • Spring full-time: September 19th
  • Spring part-time: October 17th
  • Accelerated BSN-MSN: October 17th 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (215) 898-4271 
  • Email: admissions@nursing.upenn.edu
• Online Options Available? No

>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

4. Columbia University

• Tuition: $70,194 
• Program Length: 3 years 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: December 15th 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (212) 342-3920 
  • Email: son-ocas@cumc.columbia.edu
• Online Options Available? No 

5. Case Western University

• Tuition: $2,263 per credit hour 
• Program Length: 18 months 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: March 15th 
• Contact Info: 
  • Phone Number: (216) 368-8532
  • Email Address: msnasst@case.edu 
• Online Options Available? Yes

Benefits of Completing an RN to NP Program

Completing an RN to NP program allows for increased autonomy, more specialized and intense training in your field of interest, more freedom and flexibility with your career, and, usually, a higher wage.

• Operate your own clinic. Because NPs are independent practitioners, they also have the ability to operate and own their own clinic, depending on their own state rules, and have enhanced clinical skills, such as the ability to prescribe medication for treatment. 
• Nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in all 50 states and order testing for their patients. No matter what their specialty, they will spend the majority of their time at work assessing, examining, diagnosing, and treating patients.
• Nurse Practitioners can diagnose patients with diabetes or high blood pressure and then help them manage it. They can order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays. They also educate and support patients’ families through the bad moments. 
• Nurse Practitioners have the authority to work independently in most states. However, in some states, nurse practitioners are required to have a supervisory contract in place with a physician. 
• Nurse practitioners have a chance to work in all types of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, urban and rural clinics, college campuses, and corporations. 
• NPs have increased opportunities to advance in their fields and expand their practice beyond solely bedside nursing. 

FAQs

• How long does it take to go from RN to NP? 

  • If you’re an RN with an associate’s degree, getting your NP will take approximately 3-4 years. If you already have a BSN, you can become an NP in about two years. 

• How long does it take to bridge from RN to NP? 

  • A bridge RN-NP program takes approximately 3-4 years.

• How do I transfer from RN to NP? 

  • If you’re an RN with an associate’s degree, look for a school that offers a bridge ADN-NP program. If you’re an RN with a BSN, you can apply directly to an NP program.

• How much more does an NP make than an RN?

  • NPs make an average of $121,610 per year, while RNs make about $81,220 annually (BLS). 

• What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner? 

  • The fastest way to become an NP is to earn your BSN-RN and enroll directly into an NP program. It’s helpful to choose a school that offers both. 

• Can you go straight from RN to MSN? 

  • You can go straight from an RN to MSN with a bridge program. 

Read Next: 

• Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Top Nurse Practitioner Programs
• Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

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