The time it takes to become a nurse practitioner (NP) varies depending on several factors, including how you begin your journey and your ultimate career goals. Because demand for NPs is so high, schools around the country offer programs for nurses at various points in their careers.
So, how long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? It depends. We cover all the details below.
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Nurse practitioner pathways
There are multiple pathways to becoming an NP depending on your qualifications when you start your education, your specialty, and whether you’re seeking a terminal degree. Here are some of the possible pathways, along with an estimate of how long each one takes.
Please note that these time estimates are generally based on full-time enrollment. Many programs offer part-time programs, but this will understandably take longer.
Diploma, ADN, or BSN
All NPs start their careers as nurses, and there are three primary ways to become one.
- Diploma or certificate, 18 months: Diploma or certificate programs have been around for a long time. The first nursing education programs established in the late 1800s were one-year training programs that were similar to diploma programs today. Hospitals generally offer these programs, and although they were once popular, fewer than 50 remain across the country. These programs do not offer a degree and focus more on clinical practice than general education. They typically take around 18 months, and graduates are qualified for entry-level roles.
- Associate Degree in Nursing, 2 years: An ADN is similar to a diploma program but includes more general education courses and some specialized nursing courses. These programs are typically offered by community colleges or smaller local schools and take about two years to complete. Graduates are qualified to work in entry-level roles, and some of the credits earned in these programs can be applied toward a BSN.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 4 years: BSN programs are perhaps the most popular way to enter the nursing profession. These programs are offered by top colleges and universities, with online, hybrid, and on-campus options available. Many hospitals prefer and may even require a BSN, and BSNs often earn higher salaries than ADN- or diploma-prepared nurses.
- RN/ADN to BSN, 2 years: RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses with an entry-level education to complete the required courses for obtaining a BSN degree. While it is an excellent option for entry-level RNs who want or need to complete a BSN for employment purposes, some of the options listed below may be more practical for entry-level nurses who wish to pursue an NP role.
If, at the very beginning of your career, you know that your ultimate goal is to become an NP, a BSN program is probably the best choice. That said, completing a diploma or ADN program is faster and often significantly less expensive than a BSN program. They allow you to start working sooner, making them a more attractive option for some.
Ultimately, how you become an RN may depend on what program fits your life at the time, but no matter how you begin, there is a path to becoming an NP.
BSN to MSN: 2 to 3 years
BSN to MSN programs are one of the most common and direct paths to becoming an NP. These programs are designed for BSN-prepared nurses, and some may require a minimum of a year of experience working as a nurse in the specialty you’re pursuing. For example, if you want to be a neonatal nurse practitioner, neonatal NP programs may require a year of NICU experience.
BSN to DNP: 3 to 4 years
BSN to DNP programs allow BSN-prepared nurses to obtain a terminal DNP degree without completing a separate MSN program. Some university programs award an MSN as coursework is completed throughout the program, but many do not. In most cases, these programs are designed to complete essential master’s-level work and transition into doctoral classes as quickly as possible.
Direct Entry RN to MSN: 2 to 3 years
Many people enter nursing as a second career, often with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing and an ADN or diploma. RNs with a non-BSN bachelor’s degree can enroll in a program often referred to as a direct entry program, bridge program, or second-degree program.
Because they have likely already completed several general education classes and possess a basic nursing education, they don’t quite meet the requirements for a BSN, but they’re also ahead of where they would be with only an ADN or diploma. In a second-degree program, nurses take a few bridge courses that essentially catch them up to the BSN level and then continue to master’s courses. Some of these programs award a BSN after bridge courses are complete, but many do not.
RN to MSN: 3 to 4 years
RN to MSN programs are for nurses with an ADN or diploma who do not have a BSN or a bachelor’s in another field. Because these professionals already possess a basic nursing education, they can typically take bridge courses to fulfill BSN requirements and then proceed to MSN-level courses. As in the direct entry programs covered above, some programs will award a BSN once that portion of the program is complete, but many will not.
RN to DNP: 3 to 5 years
RN to DNP programs are similar to the RN to MSN programs listed above, with doctoral-level work included after completing the MSN portion of the program. Some of these programs may award an MSN before the nurse starts the doctorate courses, but this is not always the case. These programs are the longest because they essentially combine the requirements of a BSN, MSN, and DNP into a single program.
Post-master’s options: 1 year
Post-master’s NP options are designed for nurses who already hold an MSN in another patient specialty or area of nursing and wish to become an NP or add a specialty. For example, a nurse with a master’s degree in education may decide to become an NP, or a family nurse practitioner may choose to also qualify as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. These programs can generally be completed in about a year, although nurses coming from a non-clinical specialty, such as education or leadership, may take a little longer.
Do you need a DNP to work as a nurse practitioner?
Looking at the options above, you can see that there are two end points for nurses who want to become NPs: an MSN or a DNP. While MSN programs are shorter and less intense, DNP programs allow nurses to obtain a terminal degree, one of the highest levels of education available in the nursing field.
In October 2004, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) adopted a stance that NPs should hold a DNP. In 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) called for the DNP to be the entry-level preparation for NPs by 2025.
While you do not currently need to have a DNP to practice as an NP, there is a push for that requirement in the future, and trends in the profession hint that this change might be coming. In 2025, the rules governing certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) changed. All CRNAs entering the field must have a DNP in 2025, and all CRNA programs shifted to a doctorate model in 2022.
Many schools have transitioned to DNP preparation for their NP programs; however, there are still numerous MSN options available. No state currently requires a DNP for licensure; therefore, MSN programs are sufficient for meeting state licensing requirements and practicing as NPs.
MSN vs DNP for NP
Although there have been no official changes to the requirements for becoming an NP, discussion and debate about the shift to a DNP as the entry-level degree in this field is ongoing, and no one knows what the future will bring. When choosing an NP program, it can be worth considering whether a DNP or NP is a better path for you. Here are some things to think about:
Why choose an MSN degree?
If you want to finish an NP program in as little time as possible, an MSN program is the way to go, as they are significantly shorter and less rigorous than DNP programs. Because they’re shorter, MSN programs are typically more affordable, and you can start working sooner, which can help ease the financial burdens associated with graduate school.
Why choose a DNP degree?
A DNP is a terminal degree, one of the highest levels of education attainable in the nursing field. While there is a push for NPs to have a DNP, currently, only about 73,000 nurses have them. Considering there are around 431,000 NPs in the US, the DNP is not the most common path in this profession. That said, completing a DNP can give you a competitive edge with employers, and it is a more thorough way to prepare for a leading role in the profession.
How to choose
There’s no correct answer here: choose the path that makes the most sense for you. MSN programs are quicker, and every state currently allows you to practice with an MSN. On the other hand, a DNP is a more advanced degree; NPs with them are in the minority, and if the NP profession follows the trend for CRNAs, they may be required in the future.
If you have a DNP and the laws change in the future, you won’t have to worry about your accreditations. There is no way to tell whether a new law would require MSNs currently practicing as NPs to pursue a doctorate if new laws are passed. It is possible that those who have been practicing for an extended period may be granted a grandfather clause, allowing them to continue practicing with an MSN. If not, there are always post-master’s DNP programs where you can complete the DNP requirements if necessary.
What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?
The fastest way to become an NP really depends on where you’re starting. For individuals who have not received advanced education and are aware that they ultimately want to become an NP, the fastest path may be to obtain a BSN and then enter a BSN to MSN program. This route will take about 6 to 7 years.
Please note that these time frames are estimates. The time it takes to become an NP is very much dependent on the school, specialty, and specific program you choose.