About Nurse Practitioner Education and Training

A nurse practitioner is a nurse who works under a registered nurse and provides care to patients. A nurse practitioner provides basic nursing care for patients and often works at a patient’s bedside for long hours. Specific education and training is required for a nurse practitioner.

Education

A nurse practitioner is required to have a degree or certification in the field. The degree program lasts between one to two years and provides a large amount of hands on training for the student. The student nurse may choose to focus on different areas in nursing and work in a specific medical setting once they complete their nursing degree. A certificate program may be completed over a few months and provides the nursing student with all of the basic knowledge they need to work in the medical profession.

Training

The nurse is required to complete certain training before they can work in the field. Much of this training is received while the nurse practitioner is completing their studies. Further training is received from different internships the student may complete. The internships are held in medical settings and allow the nurse practitioner to work beside an RN and receive unpaid, hands on training. Once the nurse completes their training, they are required to pass an exam. The exam tests the students on the skills they acquired during the course of their education.

Additional Education

A nurse practitioner is required to take additional classes throughout their working career and further their education. As education is advanced, a nurse practitioner may have more career opportunities and receive a higher pay rate.