Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is an exciting pathway for those who wish to advance their nursing career and take on specialized clinical responsibilities. While most students can complete this journey in around eight years, the timeline for becoming a nurse practitioner can vary significantly depending on a person’s education and nursing background.

Below, we outline each major step in the path to becoming a nurse practitioner, from entering nursing education to obtaining licensure, while also highlighting accelerated options that can shorten the journey. 

For those asking “How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?”, this guide provides an overview of the requirements and expected duration of each stage, helping you make an informed decision about your career.

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides primary care and specialty care, often with responsibilities similar to those of a physician in patient assessment and treatment planning. Many RNs decide to become an NP to expand their clinical reach. NPs may hold titles such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), all of which indicate advanced practice roles.

Unlike registered nurses (RNs), who typically hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), nurse practitioners must complete graduate-level education, commonly a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Core NP responsibilities include:^[1]

• Conducting comprehensive patient assessments
• Diagnosing acute and chronic conditions
• Prescribing medications and therapies
• Managing treatment plans
• Consulting with other healthcare providers
• Educating patients and families

Individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may pursue direct-entry MSN programs, which allow them to complete graduate-level nursing education without first obtaining a BSN.

Key Skills and Competencies for Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners benefit from having both clinical and soft skills. Core clinical competencies include:

• Patient assessments
• Diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Prescribing medications

Soft skills such as leadership and critical thinking are also essential for coordinating care and collaborating with healthcare teams. BSN and MSN programs are designed to develop these skills through clinical rotations and interactive coursework, preparing students to function confidently in advanced practice roles. In some settings, an experienced practitioner might serve as a nurse manager.

Begin With a BSN

For most aspiring nurse practitioners, obtaining a BSN degree is the first step. While some individuals enter nursing through an ADN program, a BSN provides expanded educational opportunities and serves as a prerequisite for graduate-level programs.

BSN coursework emphasizes:

• Clinical training
• Nursing theory
• Evidence-based practice
• Preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam

Beyond technical skills, BSN programs help students develop professional networks and foundational competencies necessary for advanced practice roles.

Alternative and Accelerated Pathways

Several pathways can help students streamline the journey to becoming a nurse practitioner:

• Accelerated BSN programs allow individuals with a previous bachelor’s degree to complete nursing education in a shorter timeframe, often two years or less.
• RN-to-MSN bridge programs enable licensed RNs to earn a graduate degree without completing a separate BSN first.
• Part-time and online options provide flexibility for working nurses to pursue advanced credentials.

These pathways may reduce the total time required, but students must weigh accelerated timelines against the intensity of coursework and clinical demands.

Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam and Obtain an RN License

The NCLEX-RN exam is a critical step for nursing licensure. Passing the NCLEX allows graduates to practice as RNs and advance toward NP goals.

RN licenses must be maintained in accordance with state Board of Nursing requirements, which typically include completing continuing education and fulfilling clinical hours. Clinical experience as an RN is required before candidates can sit for NP certification exams.

Practice as a Nurse

Becoming a nurse practitioner requires rigorous academic focus and an accredited nursing program. Practical experience as an RN is essential for preparing to become a nurse practitioner. Certification bodies require valid RN licensure and a minimum number of hours in a chosen specialty.^[2] They include the:

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
• Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)

This hands-on experience builds the expertise necessary for advanced practice and ensures that candidates are ready for the responsibilities of an NP.

Obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN)

A Master’s of Science in Nursing is required to become a certified NP and to take certification exams. For BSN graduates, it serves as the natural next step toward advanced practice.

For non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders, Master’s of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry programs provide both foundational nursing education and graduate-level coursework.

Get a Certification That Aligns With Your Nursing Career Goals

NP certifications correspond to specific patient populations or specialties. Certification requirements vary by organization and typically include:

• Completing required coursework
• Meeting clinical experience minimums
• Passing a specialty exam

Choosing a graduate program that offers a specialty track aligned with career goals is an important step to ensure eligibility for certification and successful practice in the desired field.

Pass an NP Licensing Exam

Before sitting for the NP certification exam, candidates must verify education completion, maintain an active RN license, document clinical hours, and, in some cases, complete specialty coursework.

Passing the exam is the final step before applying for NP licensure in the chosen specialty.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

With all of the above in mind, the timeline to become a nurse practitioner typically includes:

• BSN – Approximately four years to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• MSN – Up to three years for a Master of Science in Nursing, depending on program structure and pace.
• Licensure and certification requirements – Students also need time to prepare for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, complete required clinical hours, and obtain nurse practitioner certification.

For most students, completing all requirements can take around eight years.

Accelerated pathways, such as direct-entry MSN programs or bridge programs, may reduce this timeline by one to two years, depending on prior education and program structure.

The Road to Your NP License Can Start at Alliant University

Alliant University offers programs designed to prepare students for advanced nursing careers. Through a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on learning, we equip students with the knowledge and clinical experience necessary to pursue licensure exams and progress from RN to nurse practitioner.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact admissions to explore program options and start planning their pathway to advanced practice nursing.

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Sources:

^[1] American Association of Nurse Practitioners. “Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners.” American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Revised 2022. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/scope-of-practice-for-nurse-practitioners. Accessed January 8, 2026.

^[2] Nursing License Map. “2022’s Guide for Nursing Certifications.” Nursing License Map. Last updated February 2024. https://nursinglicensemap.com/resources/nursing-certification/. Accessed January 8, 2026.