From RN to APRN: A Very Brief Roadmap

Is It Time to Advance Your Nursing Career?

Thinking it’s time to give your career a boost? Feeling ready to take on more responsibility in exchange for more autonomy? Would you like a broader range of career options within nursing? Maybe you’re aware of the primary care provider shortage and want to help fill the gap. If any of these resonate, an advanced practice nursing role may be the right path for you.

The Evolution of Advanced Nursing Education

When I was figuring out how to become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), diploma and associate’s degree programs were easy to find, while master’s and PhD-level prepared nurses — and the programs to reach those levels — were scarce. Today, things have shifted dramatically.

• Diploma programs, which originated in the late 1800s, are rapidly disappearing.

• Master’s- and doctorate-level prepared nurses are now more common than ever.

• Standards for registered and advanced practice nursing continue to rise.

Currently, the minimum degree requirement for advanced practice nursing specialties is a master’s degree. However, there is growing momentum toward requiring a doctorate. For example, Columbia University School of Nursing, my alma mater, now requires a doctoral-level education for all advanced practice nursing specialties. (The degree-level debate is one I’ll save for another day.)

My Journey Into Midwifery

In the early 1990s, options were limited. I had a BA in a non-nursing field, my heart set on becoming a midwife, and a strong desire to finish school quickly. At the time, there were only four Entry-to-Practice programs (BSN completion into a master’s-level advanced practice nursing program) for midwifery. Distance learning was in its infancy — the internet wasn’t widely available yet.

Living in upstate New York, near the Adirondacks, meant I had no choice but to uproot my life and relocate to pursue a program. I packed my bags and headed to the big city.

How Technology Changed the Landscape

Today, the internet has completely transformed nursing education. There are now 39 accredited nurse midwifery programs in the United States (recognized by the American College of Nurse Midwives), and more than half of them offer partial or full distance-learning options.

The American Association for Nurse Practitioners (AANP) has compiled hundreds of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs, many of which also provide distance-learning opportunities. From Pediatric Nurse Practitioner to Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, the AANP’s online search tool can help you find a program that fits your goals.*

Even if there isn’t a program near your home, distance learning expands your options. That said, clinical placements may still require travel or even temporary relocation.

Preparing for Advanced Practice Nursing Programs

Once you’ve selected a program, you’ll need to meet specific prerequisites. While requirements vary by school, most programs typically expect:

• A BSN degree and active RN license

• Work experience as an RN

• GRE scores (within the past five years)

• A minimum GPA

• A program-specific application, often followed by an interview

Next Steps After Graduation

Whether you earn an MSN, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice), you’ll need to pass certification boards in your specialty and obtain your state’s APRN license before beginning practice.

All of these degrees qualify you for clinical roles, but if you aspire to a career in research, academics, policy, or management, pursuing a PhD or DNP may be the best path.

*The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) maintains a list of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs.