Graduate programs for nurses

Estimates reveal that NPs treated more than million patients in alone. The AANP also reports that NPs enjoy a high level of credibility in the healthcare industry and equally high levels of patient satisfaction. Since the first nurse practitioners NPs graduated from the University of Colorado in , the profession has grown exponentially. Nurse practitioners , through a graduate education and extensive clinical training, diagnose and treat health conditions.

Their expertise extends to disease prevention and health management, which allows them to assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses, manage treatment plans and prescribe medications in states that grant prescriptive authority to APRNs.

Regardless of your educational background or experience, you will need to complete the following steps to become a licensed and certified nurse practitioner:. Most national certification boards and state licensing boards require candidates to hold a degree from an accredited program.

Although admission requirements will vary according to the institution and your level of education and experience, you can expect these programs to be highly selective, with many requiring minimum GPAs and GRE scores. Admissions essays, personal interviews, and letters of recommendation are also common admission requirements. You may also specialize your population focus, if desired.

Remember that not all NP programs offer the choice of specialization, and among those that do, choices tend to be limited to just a few:.

The NP core includes courses and clinical experiences related to your chosen NP population focus and specialty. Most NP programs require the completion of between clinical hours. Many NP grad programs are offered, at least in part, as online degrees, which allow working RNs to earn their graduate degree through a convenient, web-based format. Online programs offer flexible schedules and interactive platforms that allow students to easily engage with faculty and peers.

Many also help students find and secure clinical experiences at sites close to home. As you approach graduation or after completing your graduate program, you must pass a national certification exam that aligns with your NP population focus and is recognized by your state board of nursing.

National certification is required for state licensure. Nurse practitioners are licensed in all U. Most states also require license holders to completing specific continuing education to maintain state licensure. State licensure requires the completion of a nurse practitioner grad degree, a current and unencumbered RN license, and national certification. Although all NPs, regardless of where they practice, are certified and licensed, inconsistency in practice privileges remains due to variations in state regulation.

This means that your role, scope of practice, and requirements regarding physician oversight and prescriptive authority will vary depending on the state in which you practice.

Therefore, your state license may also require:. The NP profession has long fought for the right to practice independently and without barriers, citing a rich body of knowledge showing their work has eased physician shortages, brought healthcare to rural areas, and lowered healthcare costs for millions of Americans.

Specifically, it recommends that all states align their practice privileges to allow NPs full practice rights. This effort has long been supported by such esteemed organizations as the Institute of Medicine and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

If you live in a state that does not grant NPs full practice authority, you may be required to enter into a physician collaborative agreement. Programs selected for consideration are taught by experienced faculty, offer a well-rounded curriculum, hands-on training, and provide students with mentoring or guidance while in the program.

We then developed a ranking methodology that included:. The top 20 schools made our list. Where there are ties, the school with the lower average graduate tuition is favored. This program is offered in a flexible online format requiring students to come to campus only for short, four day sessions each semester.

The program is ranked 2nd in the country by U. News and World Report. Graduates of this top nursing informatics DNP program have found success working in positions like:. This 65 credit hour program includes coursework in:. Students can complete their degree following a three or four year plan, depending on their schedule.

Specialization coursework covers areas like. The Master of Science in Nursing Informatics at New York University is a great opportunity for individuals who want to work at the crossroads of technology and patient care. This unique MS degree focuses on the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of systems and patient care settings. Students have the opportunity to complete unique practicum experiences.

They will work with experts in the field and collaborate with other NYU colleges. This 42 credit hour program takes about two years to complete and is offered either on-campus or online. Graduates have been successful working in hospitals and medical devices companies in roles like:. This 12 credit hour program can be completed in just one year of study.

Courses cover:. Courses are offered on-site and online, making this a great program for working professionals. The program emphasizes the development and implementation of data analysis to improve patient care and privacy.

Courses cover both nursing informatics and administration. A 90 clock hour practicum in Nursing Administration and experiential hours in nursing informatics are program highlights. Courses cover areas like:. Students complete a leadership practicum and clinical practicum in nursing informatics.

It integrates nursing with information management and analytical sciences. Students are trained in the many areas of Nursing Informatics NI. This specialty area integrates nursing science, computer science, and information science to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice.

Nursing Informatics Specialists are prepared to help advance the health of populations, communities, families, and individuals by enhancing information management and communication.