Can you go from PN to NP?

To make a transition from PN to NP,  it requires more education requirements and continuous learning. PNs can work as NPs, but it requires a considerable investment of time, effort, and money. 

PN to RN: The first step in the PN-to-NP pathway is to become a Registered Nurse (RN). RNs have a broader scope of practice than PNs, which includes more responsibilities in patient care, leadership, and decision-making. To become an RN, an PN typically enrolls in an PN-to-RN bridge program. There are two primary educational routes for RNs:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This typically takes about two years to complete. Many PNs opt for an ADN because it’s a faster route to becoming an RN. Once the degree is earned, the individual must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Some PNs choose to pursue a BSN, which takes about four years to complete if starting from scratch but can be shortened through PN-to-BSN bridge programs. A BSN is often required for more advanced nursing roles and is sometimes preferred by employers.

After becoming an RN, nurses gain clinical experience, which is a prerequisite for entering NP programs. Many NPs recommend working as an RN for at least 1-2 years before applying to NP programs, as it allows for the development of critical skills in patient care and decision-making.

RN to NP: After becoming an RN, the next step is to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. There are two main paths for this:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): An MSN is the traditional route to becoming an NP. It typically takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on the program and whether the student attends full-time or part-time. MSN programs include both classroom instruction and clinical hours in a chosen specialty, such as family practice, pediatrics, or acute care.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The DNP is an advanced degree in nursing,  focused on clinical practice rather than academic research (as opposed to a PhD in Nursing). Some programs offer BSN-to-DNP or MSN-to-DNP tracks. A DNP program usually takes an additional 1-2 years beyond an MSN but provides more extensive training and is increasingly becoming a preferred qualification for NPs in certain states.
• Specialization and Certification: The next step after earning an MSN or DNP is to achieve a specialty certification. Acute care, women’s health, mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and family medicine are a few of the specializations available to NPs. Depending on the specialization and expertise, certification requirements might vary, but they usually include completing a national certification exam given by groups like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).