How To Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner + Best Programs

Written By: Kasee WiesenKasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. She started her health career as a nurse’s aid while pursuing her bachelor’s in nursing degree in a hospital setting. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and after working as a BSN prepared nursed, she obtained in master’s in nursing education and began teaching adjunct for a local university. Read Full Bio »» DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Nurse practitioners are in demand! They play an integral part in providing healthcare to people across the nation. They can provide care in a variety of settings helping to help meet the healthcare needs of people in both urban and rural communities.

It has always been thought that you must have a BSN degree to apply to and attend NP school. However, that is not true! Many programs throughout the United States offer an RN (ADN) to nurse practitioner pathway. So, how exactly do you transition from RN to NP? Below I will provide information on how to achieve this goal and details on 11 of the best programs to transition from RN (ADN) to nurse practitioner.

Can You Transition Straight From RN (ADN) to Nurse Practitioner?

Yes, you can transition from an RN or associate degree nursing program (ADN) to a nurse practitioner. Not all universities off RN to nurse practitioner programs, so your choice of school may be more limited. Some programs may also require a bachelor’s degree in another field.

5 Advantages of Transitioning From RN to NP

There are many advantages of transitioning from RN to NP. Below, I discuss five of these and click here for more in-depth description of each and even more advantages of transitioning from RN to NP.

1. Increased pay
2. Increased flexibility
3. Increased responsibility
4. Increased job satisfaction
5. Excellent job outlook

3 Disadvantages of Transitioning From RN to NP

Below I will discuss three disadvantages of transitioning from an RN to NP.

1. Increased cost:

To advance your education there will be additional educational costs including tuition and fees. It is important to note though that by selecting this path, you will not have to pay for your BSN and then your MSN—it is all one program.

2. No BSN degree:

This may not be important to everyone, but something to keep in mind when transitioning from RN to NP.

3. Increased legal responsibility:

Working as an NP brings more responsibility along with increased legal responsibility. That is why it is important to maximize learning opportunities in school, attend conferences and complete continuing education during practice and have credible resources to reference when practicing.

What is the Step-By-Step Process to Transition From RN (ADN) to NP?

Below I will provide the step-by-step process to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree:

This step is not required by all programs—be sure to know if the program you are applying for requires a bachelor’s degree in a different area.

2. Graduate from an accredited ADN program:

You must graduate from an accredited ADN program before applying to NP school.

3. Pass NCLEX and obtain RN licensure:

After completing the ADN program, you must pass the NCLEX and obtain state RN licensure.

4. Gain RN Experience:

This step may be optional; however, gaining experience before applying to NP school will provide significant benefits and further aid your success as an NP. Please pay close attention when applying to NP schools to determine if RN experience is required and, if so, how many years.

5. Research ADN to NP programs:

Research RN (ADN) to nurse practitioner programs and determine which programs apply to you.

6. Complete prerequisites if needed:

Look at the college or university website list and complete any requirements.

7. Apply to RN to NP program:

Now apply to the RN to NP programs that interest you. Be sure to complete all application requirements.

8. Graduate from RN to NP program:

Once accepted, complete and graduate from the RN to NP program you selected.

9. Apply for jobs:

Apply for jobs that pertain to your NP specialty. You can do this before or after graduation or wait until you pass the board certification exam.

10. Pass the board certification exam:

Sit for the certification exam specific to your NP specialty.

11. Enjoy a career as NP:

Enjoy your new career as a nurse practitioner!

What are Two Paths to Transition From RN to NP?

The two paths to transition from an RN to NP are the RN to MSN and the RN to DNP. Determine your career goals when deciding which route to pursue. The DNP is a terminal degree and is also needed for most academic positions—if you do not complete your DNP initially, you can always return to school and finish at a later date.

How Long Does It Take to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below you will find information about the amount of time it takes to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

RN (ADN) To MSN-NP:

A RN to MSN-NP program, on average, takes 2-4 years, depending on the status and school you attend.

RN (ADN) To DNP-NP:

An RN to DNP-NP program typically takes 4-5 years, based on the status and school you attend.

How Much Does It Cost to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below you will find information about the cost to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

RN (ADN) To MSN-NP:

The cost of becoming an RN to MSN-NP is $25,650 to $132,990.

RN (ADN) To DNP-NP:

The cost of becoming an RN to DNP-NP is $37,310 to $291,920.

*The cost is dependent upon multiple factors including the school selected and if you attend part-time or full-time.

What are the Best Online MSN Programs to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below I will provide information on the best online MSN programs to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

1. Ball State University - Muncie, IN

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Details:

Ball State University is one of the best RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs and offers the RN-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program. The program is 47 credit hours and 690 clinical hours. There are part-time and full-time options, and the courses are offered all online.

The program typically takes 6-8 semesters, and it is essential to note that you are responsible for finding your preceptors for clinical.

Admission Requirements:

The requirements include an active RN license, resume, academic and career goals, and three letters of recommendation. When applying to the RN-MSN program, you must hold an associate's degree in nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN accredited program and a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Official transcripts and a minimum 3.0 GPA are also required.

2. Loyola University New Orleans - New Orleans, LA

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Details:

Loyola University in New Orleans offers an RN to nurse practitioner program track for nurses with an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in another field. The program is 48 credit hours, requires 720 clinical hours, and is offered online.

Admission Requirements:

The admission requirements include official transcripts to be sent for both the ADN and bachelor's degrees. You must also provide a resume, personal statement, and an active RN license. You may also be asked to complete an interview before being accepted into the program.

3. Regis College School of Nursing - Weston, MA

Specialties Offered:

Adult Gerontology–Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Adult Gerontology–Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)

Program Details:

Regis College School of Nursing is one of the best RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs and offers six RN-to-nurse practitioner programs. These programs are provided solely online, and each has a high national exam success rate supporting the program's excellence.

All six programs - adult-gerontology-primary care nurse and acute care nurse practitioner programs, family nurse practitioner program, pediatric nurse practitioner program, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, and women's health nurse practitioner require 28-36 months to complete. All programs require 46-61 credit hours except the psychiatric mental health NP program, which requires 49-64 credit hours.

Admission Requirements:

The admission requirements include completing an associate's degree in a nursing program and a bachelor's degree in a different field—a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and official transcripts. There are 15 bridge credit hours you must complete before admission. You must also complete graduate statistics before starting the program, and based on the courses completed in your ADN program, you may need to complete other general education courses.

4. University of Delaware - Newark, DE

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Details:

The University of Delaware offers three RN to nurse practitioner programs—family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner programs. Each of these programs is offered solely online and will take 36 months.

Regarding clinical practicum, each program will have specific requirements regarding the number of clinical hours. The University will help with clinical placement if needed.

Admission Requirements:

An associate's degree from an accredited program with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. You must also have an active RN license and a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience.

What are the Best Online DNP Programs to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below I will provide information on the best online DNP program to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

1. Union University - Jackson, TN

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Details:

Union University is one of the best RN to DNP Nurse Practitioner programs and offers two RN to DNP Nurse Practitioner programs—family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Each program is presented in a hybrid format, with courses offered online at the Jackson, Germantown, and Hendersonville campuses. You must attend this program full-time, with only a fall semester start date.

Admission Requirements:

You must have an ADN degree from an accredited program. A minimum 3.0 GPA and an active RN license in Tennessee or a compact state are required. Multiple courses are required before acceptance, including pathophysiology, anatomy, microbiology, and undergraduate statistics. An interview is required with the admissions committee, and a professional statement that includes future goals.

What are the Best On-Campus MSN Programs to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below I will provide information on the best on-campus MSN programs to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

1. California Baptist University - Riverside, CA

Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Details:

California Baptist University offers three different RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner programs for their ADN-MSN program—adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Credit hours are also determined by the program selected to complete and can range from 57 to 75 credit hours.

It will take 7 to 10 semesters, depending on the selected program. The program is offered part-time, and all classes are in-person—there is no online option now.

Admission Requirements:

To apply to California Baptist University, you must have graduated from an accredited ADN program and have an active California RN license. You must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. An essay with specific requirements, an interview with the college of nursing, and various documents such as a background check, drug testing, CPR certification, and health insurance.

2. Hawaii Pacific University - Honolulu, HI

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Details:

The Hawaii Pacific University offers an RN to MSN Nurse Practitioner program for those wanting to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner. The program is for nurses with an associate’s degree who wish to advance their education and become a family nurse practitioner without having to get their BSN first. The program will take three years.

Admission Requirements:

To apply to Hawaii Pacific University, you must have your official transcripts sent along with a resume, personal statement/essay, and letters of recommendation. You also need two years of RN experience, an active RN license, and an undergraduate statistics course.

3. University of Southern Maine - Portland, ME

Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GACNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (across the lifespan; PMHNP)

Program Details:

The University of Southern Maine offers three programs for the RN to nurse practitioner student—adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. The programs are offered in person, and full-time and part-time options are available.

The required undergraduate nursing courses must be completed and found on their website. A person can also transfer thirty credits from an associate's degree in nursing.

Admission Requirements:

To apply, you must have graduated from an ADN program and have the official transcripts sent to the University. A resume, letters of recommendation, and an essay are required. You must also have an active RN license in the state of Maine.

4. Southern Adventist University - Collegedale, TN

Specialties Offered:

Acute Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care—Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care—Family Nurse Practitioner, and Primary Care—Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Program Details:

Southern Adventist University offers four NP specialty programs for the RN to nurse practitioner program: acute care—adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, primary care—adult/gerontology nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Students can obtain an MSN without completing their BSN.

The acute care adult/gerontology nurse practitioner program is 57 credit hours. The primary care adult/gerontology nurse practitioner program and the family nurse practitioner program are 56 credit hours, and the psychiatric mental health NP program is 62 credit hours.

Admission Requirements:

Official transcripts, resumes, and letters of recommendation are needed to apply to Southern Adventist University. You must also complete a written statement and an interview with the school of nursing.

5. Fairleigh Dickinson University - Teaneck, NJ

Specialties Offered:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Program Details:

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers the family nurse practitioner track for those wanting to pursue an RN to nurse practitioner degree. Completing this degree will not award students a BSN but will provide them with an MSN degree.

The University will transfer over up to 84 credit hours from your ADN program. Six hundred fifty clinical hours are required, and the University must approve clinical sites.

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements include graduation from an accredited ADN program and having official transcripts sent over—a minimum GPA of 3.2 is also required. You must also have an active New Jersey RN license, a minimum of 1 year of experience, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

What are the Best On-Campus DNP Programs to Transition From RN to Nurse Practitioner?

Below I will provide information on the best on-campus DNP programs to transition from RN to nurse practitioner.

1. Boston College - Chestnut Hill, MA

Specialties Offered:

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s health Nurse Practitioner

Program Details:

Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts is one of the best RN to DNP Nurse Practitioner programs. They offer five RN to DNP Nurse Practitioner programs for the RN to DNP student including—adult-gerontology primary care NP, family nurse practitioner, pediatric primary care NP, psychiatric-mental health NP, and Women’s Health. All programs have a spring enrollment—the family nurse practitioner program also has a fall enrollment.

Each program requires the same DNP coursework, which totals 73 credit hours in addition to the credits required for their specialty. Clinical rotations will also alternate between 3 to 6 different clinical sites.

Admission Requirements:

Admission requirements include graduating with an accredited associate's degree in nursing. You must complete a statistics course before admission along with 112-course credits, with 42 of those credits in general education and 70 in knowledge related to nursing—a minimum undergraduate GPA of a B and, lastly, an active RN license. A resume, goal statement, and three letters of recommendation are required.

What Starting Salary Can You Expect After Transitioning From RN (ADN) to NP?

The starting salary a nurse practitioner can expect after transitioning from an RN to nurse practitioner role is $79,470 a year, which will likely increase as you gain more experience. This number is also influenced by other factors such as the environment worked (rural vs. urban), specialty worked, and whether you work for a large organization or private practice.

Hourly	$38.21
Weekly	$1,528
Monthly	$6,620
Annual	$79,470
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

What Average Salary Can You Expect After Transitioning From RN (ADN) to NP?

The average salary you can expect after transitioning from an RN to NP is $118,040 a year. This average is influenced by multiple factors, including where you live, the population cared for, and the status worked.

Hourly	$56.75
Weekly	$2,270
Monthly	$9,840
Annual	$118,040
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

My Final Thoughts

After reading the above, are you now able to answer how do you transition from RN to NP? Nurse Practitioners are in demand, and the option to obtain your MSN or DNP with an associate’s degree instead of needing a BSN can save both time and money. I hope reading about the 11 best programs to transition from RN (ADN) to nurse practitioner inspires you to pursue your career goals!

Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert

1. Do I Need A RN (ADN) To Become A Nurse Practitioner?

Yes, the minimum nursing degree you need to become a nurse practitioner is an associate's degree, and this is because you must have an RN license to apply.

2. Is A DNP Really Required To Transition From RN (ADN) To NP?

No, a DNP is not required to transition from an RN to NP. A DNP is for those nurses who want to pursue a terminal degree, teach or work in certain management positions.

3. What Is The Quickest Way To Transition From RN (ADN) To NP?

The quickest way to transition from an RN to NP is to apply to an RN-MSN program immediately after completing your ADN program. You should also follow the full-time student track.

4. When Should I Choose My NP Specialization While Transitioning From RN (ADN) To NP?

You need to choose your NP specialization before applying to a program. This is because the program you apply to is specific to the specialty you want to pursue.

5. How To Know Which NP Specialization To Choose When Transitioning From RN (ADN) To NP?

There are many NP specializations to choose from when transitioning from an RN to NP. To select the NP specialization you want to complete, consider which specialty you are most passionate about or want to work with for the remainder of your nursing career. Also, consider the specialties you have experience in and the job outlook for the specialties you are interested in.

6. How Much Experience Should A RN (ADN) Nurse Have Before Becoming A Nurse Practitioner?

There is no specific amount of experience an RN should have before becoming a nurse practitioner—but the more experience you have, the more prepared and comfortable with the information you will be. More experience may also lead to greater success in the NP program.

7. Can I Work As A RN (ADN)-Prepared Nurse And NP At The Same Time?

Yes, in most, if not all, states, you can work as an ADN-prepared nurse and a nurse practitioner simultaneously. This can be challenging as the scope of practice between an ADN-prepared nurse and an NP are vastly different—and you must work within your scope of practice for the job being performed.