So, you are a registered nurse looking to advance your career and take that next step to become a nurse practitioner. Great! But what is that next step? To become a nurse practitioner in Connecticut today, there are several clear and achievable steps involved, resulting in earning a graduate MSN degree and the proper certification. In this article, Goodwin College provides a step-by-step guide for how to become a nurse practitioner in Connecticut and advance your career in the rewarding field of nursing.
Step 1: Earn Your Graduate Degree from an Accredited MSN Program
First things first – you will need to obtain an education from an accredited MSN nursing program. The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing requires nurse practitioners to earn a Master’s degree in Nursing in order to become a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). Accredited programs, such as Goodwin College’s MSN program, offer flexible and affordable options to students who are looking to take their career to the next level while still managing all of life’s priorities. At Goodwin, you can complete your MSN degree in as little as 20 months part-time.
Step 2: Get Your National Nursing Certification
The next step to become a nurse practitioner is to become nationally certified. This can be done by passing the Nurse practitioner national certification examination. Students can choose to become certified nationally in a specialization such as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, however, your nursing license will only indicate that you can practice as a Nurse Practitioner.
Step 3: Apply for Your Nurse Practitioner License
After you’ve put in all the hard work, earned your degree, and passed the national certification examination, it’s time to apply for your nurse practitioner license. This process is as simple as downloading, completing, and submitting the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensure application. After submitting, you will receive written verification of your license number and ability to practice as an APRN.
Step 4: Renew Your APRN License to maintain
As a licensed nurse practitioner in Connecticut you are required to renew your license yearly to maintain your practicing active status. This renewal process, however, is quite simple. 60 days prior to your license expiration date, you will be sent a license renewal notice in the mail with instructions for accessing and submitting your renewal through the state’s online system.
Step 5: Continuing Education as a Nurse Practitioner
Although this is not a required step for maintaining licensure in Connecticut, as a nurse practitioner, the learning never stops. Standards of care and best practices in nursing are constantly evolving, so it is important for nurses to always stay up to date on any new advances in the field. This will ensure they are providing the best patient care possible. There are many continuing education classes, seminars, and even degrees that Nurse Practitioners can pursue after becoming licensed.
Step 6: Work with Career Services to find the jobs you deserve
Once you figure out how to become a nurse practitioner and you work hard to obtain your degree and license, you will want to make sure all your hard work pays off by being placed in the best job possible. Visit your school’s career services department to get the support needed to take your career to the next level. Goodwin College’s career services works with MSN graduates and students to help them research, prepare, and land the jobs they deserve.
Do you have more questions about how to become a nurse practitioner? Contact Goodwin College’s nursing advisors today for more information by calling 860-528-4111.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.