Are you looking to start a rewarding career as a nurse practitioner but don’t have a nursing background? You’re not alone – many people with undergraduate degrees in other fields are making the switch to advanced practice nursing.
The good news is that there are accelerated nurse practitioner (NP) programs designed specifically for non-nurses. These programs allow you to transition into nursing and become an NP in just 2-4 years.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses, including:
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services. NPs can prescribe medication, examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and provide treatment, much like physicians do.
NPs have a high level of responsibility and autonomy. They can run their own clinics or work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, and more becoming an NP offers excellent job prospects and an average salary of over $110,000 per year.
Why Choose an Accelerated NP Program for Non-Nurses?
Accelerated NP programs for non-nurses allow you to transition into the nursing field and become an NP quickly Here are some of the main benefits of these programs
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Fast Track to NP Career – Complete your NP education in 2-4 years instead of 5-7 years through a traditional nursing program.
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Save Money – Eliminate the extra cost of a separate BSN degree Accelerated programs count many of your general education credits
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Higher Earning Potential Sooner – Start making an NP salary more quickly than going the ASN-BSN-NP route.
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Expand Your Knowledge – Gain nursing expertise and advanced clinical knowledge as an NP.
What is Required to Apply for These Programs?
To qualify for an accelerated NP program for non-nurses, you must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university
- Complete prerequisite courses if you lack essential undergraduate classes
- Hold a competitive GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
- Pass a background check and meet health requirements
- Hold an RN license by graduation (earned during the program)
Some programs also require GRE scores, an essay, letters of recommendation, and healthcare experience.
How Long Do Accelerated NP Programs Take?
Accelerated NP programs for non-nurses usually take 2-4 years to complete:
- 2 years = An accelerated BSN + MSN completed back-to-back
- 3-4 years = BSN phase, RN experience requirement, then NP phase
The fastest programs last around 15 months. Choose an accelerated track if you want to start working as an NP sooner.
Part-time options are also available at some schools if you need to continue working or have other time commitments.
What is the Course Format?
The course format varies among accelerated NP programs. Many blend online learning with on-campus labs and clinical rotations.
You’ll take classes like:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Health Assessment
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Primary Care of Adults
Clinical hours are required to gain hands-on experience. You’ll work under RN and NP preceptors in real healthcare settings.
Which are the Top Accelerated NP Programs for Non-Nurses?
We evaluated numerous programs across the country to find the best accelerated NP options for non-nurses.
Here are some of our top picks:
1. Emory University
- Atlanta, GA
- 15 months to complete
- Specializations: AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, WHNP
- 500 clinical hours
- Combines online and in-person instruction
2. Vanderbilt University
- Nashville, TN
- 24 months
- Specializations: AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, PMHNP, WHNP
- 560-700 clinical hours
- Renowned nursing school
3. Rush University
- Chicago, IL
- 2.5-3.5 years
- Specializations: AGPCNP, FNP, PNP, PMHNP
- 500-1,000 clinical hours
- Blend of online and in-person
4. University of Rochester
- Rochester, NY
- 3-4 years
- Specialization: PMHNP
- 700+ clinical hours
- State-of-the-art simulation center
5. Northeastern University
- Boston, MA
- 4-5 years
- Specializations: AGPCNP, FNP, PMHNP
- 650-700 clinical hours
- Top-ranked nursing school
What is the Cost for These Programs?
The cost varies by school but plan for tuition around $40,000-$60,000 or more for the full program. Accelerated tracks are intensive, so don’t work full-time if possible. Seek out financial aid and scholarships.
What is the Job Outlook for NPs?
The NP job outlook is excellent. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NP employment is projected to grow 45% from 2020-2030, over 4x the average for other jobs. More NPs are needed to improve healthcare access and affordability.
NPs can find jobs in a variety of care settings. The highest paying positions are often in hospitals, specialty practices, and urgent care clinics.
Accelerated NP Programs Offer a Fast-Track Option
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated NP programs allow you to transition into advanced practice nursing quickly. Within just 2-4 years, you can gain RN licensure and complete NP education to begin a new, high-paying healthcare career as a nurse practitioner.
What degree do I need to become an NP?
This can be a daunting prospect if you have yet to earn an undergraduate degree. However, an advanced degree is required for a reason. Practicing and excelling as a nurse practitioner demands advanced education and meaningful professional experience. There is no fast track to reaching one of the highest degrees in the nursing profession!
Direct entry programs aren’t perfect for everyone
While these programs can definitely help you earn the graduate-level education you need to prepare for a career as an NP, they aren’t right for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about direct entry programs:
- Direct entry MSN programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students who do not currently hold a bachelor’s degree may not qualify for the direct entry program of their choosing.
- Most direct entry programs are full-time. Non-nursing students who want to continue to work while going to school part-time may find difficulty finding a part-time direct entry program near them. Some schools may recommend you do not work over the course of the program.
- Their accelerated pace can be very demanding. Not everyone learns at the same speed. With so much to learn in so little time, the pace of study can become overwhelming. Sometimes the shortest path isn’t always the best path! You may find it’s worth taking the time to get the most out of your education.
- Options for MSN specialization might come later. There are many different concentrations you can pursue at the master’s level, including many types of nurse practitioner. But there isn’t always a concentration option when you’re starting at the beginning in a direct entry program. For instance, our MSN direct entry program is a generalist program preparing you to become a master’s-prepared RN. You will need to return to school after your direct entry MSN program for a post master’s certificate in the NP track you desire, which could take an additional 18-24 months.
- You don’t always earn an undergraduate degree along the way. The purpose of a direct entry MSN program is to earn your MSN as quickly as possible – and depending on the program, you don’t always earn a BSN despite completing all undergraduate competencies. You will want to find out from your employer if they would like you to have a BSN or if they will accept a direct entry program resulting in an MSN.
- Your career path may evolve. There are a wide variety of career opportunities in nursing with different educational requirements. Choosing a master-level specialty can be tough before ever taking a nursing class! You may find another calling as an RN.
NURSE PRACTITIONER 2.5 YEARS LATER | Regrets, Lessons and Advice for future NP | Fromcnatonp
Are there Nurse Practitioner programs for students without a nursing degree?
Many nurse practitioner programs exist for students without a nursing degree. Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree? Healthcare can be an attractive option for those looking to switch careers.
What is an online accelerated nurse practitioner program for non-nurses?
The goal of an online accelerated nurse practitioner program for non-nurses is to give college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field the opportunity to transition their careers to advanced practice nursing by earning a graduate nursing degree at an accelerated pace.
Are accelerated Nurse Practitioner programs for non-nurses a good option?
One of the main advantages of accelerated nurse practitioner programs for non-nurses is that they offer the opportunity for you to transition from your current career path to becoming a nurse practitioner in less time than it takes to earn a traditional nursing degree.
What is the best NP program for a non-nursing bachelor’s degree?
The best direct-entry NP programs like the one offered by the University of Texas-Austin can be the best path to become a nurse practitioner for someone with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The school of nursing that offers this direct entry program is highly ranked and features in the US News & World Report’s list of best graduate schools.
