The path to becoming an advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP) varies state in the United States, as well as country. The first step toward becoming an ARNP is to become a registered nurse (RN), which takes two to three years on average. A minimum of a year of professional clinical nursing practice is typically required after that. A bachelor’s of science in nursing degree (BSN) is typically obtained after two to three years of additional schooling, followed several years of study to obtain a master’s of science in nursing degree (MSN) (MSN). The total time spent in school to become an ARNP can range from six to eight years, depending on how long it takes to complete the BSN degree.
Advanced registered nurses (ARN) and advanced registered nurse practitioners are other terms for nurse practitioners (NP). Both terms can be used interchangeably. RNs must be certified in a nursing specialty a qualifying national organization after completing the formal schooling requirements and gaining some clinical experience. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) in the United States and the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) in Australia are two examples.
RNs must complete a master’s degree program and a nursing program leading to a specialization. All must pass a national certification exam, which is typically a written exam. After that, the ARNP certification license is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed obtaining continuing education credits. After becoming an ARNP, one can specialize in a variety of areas, including family practice, pediatrics, gerontology, midwifery, mental health, and so forth. Certain states in the United States require a higher level of certification than ARNP, such as certified registered nurse anesthetist or clinical nurse specialist.
Patients’ primary care providers are frequently advanced registered nurse practitioners. They, like a physician, are responsible for meeting the majority of a patient’s healthcare needs as well as diagnosing a wide range of health conditions. They also provide some acute care as well as preventative care. ARNPs with two to five years of experience or more are in high demand.