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Join clubs or organizations to gain nursing experience such as the Student Nursing Association club at Miami University.

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Join clubs or organizations to gain nursing experience such as the Student Nursing Association club at Miami University.

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To get a heads start to nursing experience at college, it would be a good idea to going a club or organization where everyone has similar interests. For example, I could join the Student Nursing Association (SNA) club at Miami. This would help me gain some experience prior to nursing school, along with connecting with people the could potentially help me with networking in the future.

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Volunteer or work in a health care setting.

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Volunteer or work in a health care setting.

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Another way I could gain more experience in nursing would be to volunteer or work in a health care setting during my time at Miami. An example would be volunteering or working at a hospital, clinic or nursing home. This would allow me to get more comfortable in the health care setting, along with figure out what I like within the health care field. I could also shadow a nurse practitioner to see exactly what they do day to day.

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Earn a bachelors of science in kinesiology.

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Earn a bachelors of science in kinesiology.

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I did not choose to apply to the Nursing school at Miami, so the next step to becoming a nurse practitioner would be to graduate and earn a bachelors of science in kinesiology. This degree with help me already be familiar with human anatomy, the human body and its functions. I would also have many different career option with this degree if nursing did not work out.

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Research and take the prerequisite courses for an accelerated BSN.

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Research and take the prerequisite courses for an accelerated BSN.

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Since I earned a degree in Kinesiology, I might not have taken all the classes required for Nursing school. So next, I would need to take any prerequisite classes that might be required. This could be done at a local college or community college. This step could also be done before I earn my degree, and am still at Miami, however, could be done after too.

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Earn my bachelors of science in nursing (BSN).

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Earn my bachelors of science in nursing (BSN).

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The next step would be to earn a bachelors of science in nursing. This would most likely be done through a direct entry masters of science in nursing program. This program would be the best because it allows individuals to go from non nursing directly to a masters in nursing which is perfect for becoming a nurse practitioner. This will take around 24-36 months and will have me learn about nursing ethics, health assessments and nursing theory.

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Next, I would need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This exam is required to become a license registered nurse. The tests you competency and knowledge within nursing practices. getting a MSN should properly prepare you for this exam. One you pass the NCLEX-RN, you can start working as a RN.

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Before applying to a nurse practitioner program, you are usually required to complete 1-3 years of clinical experience. This can usually be completed in any setting and can help help you decide what specialty you are most interested in. This will also help you gain experience nursing, feeling more comfortable and prepared to become a NP.

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Research and pick a nurse practitioner specialty. 

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Research and pick a nurse practitioner specialty. 

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Before applying to a nurse practitioner program you need to choose what specialty you are going to be in. There is a variety of choices such as pediatric, family or women health nurse practitioner and more. Its best to chose a specialty you are most interested in, hopefully making your career more enjoyable for yourself.

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Apply and complete a NP program, either MSN or DNP.

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Apply and complete a NP program, either MSN or DNP.

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Once I have completed an adequate amount of clinical hours I can apply to a NP program in my choses specialty. This is usually done through a Master in Nursing or a Doctors of Nursing Practice. These programs will be necessary so you are able to advance to a nurse practitioner role. It usually takes 1-2 years to complete one of these programs.

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After completing a NP program you need to pass the NP state exam. This is the last exam you need to take before becoming a NP. This exam is usually offered by one of these organizations, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, or the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Once you pass the NP state exam, you can apply for a license and get prescriptive authority if needed in your state.

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Find employment as a Nurse Practitioner.

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Find employment as a Nurse Practitioner.

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After passing the final exam and getting my licensure, I can finally start applying fir jobs as a nurse practitioner. Even within your specialty there are many different option you can apply for depending where you what to work and what setting you want to work in. Some nurse practitioners work with a physician, and some work independently.

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Continue staying involved in professional development.

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Continue staying involved in professional development.

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Finally, once I have a job as a nurse practitioner it is good to continue staying involved in professional development. It can be a good idea for nurse practitioners to join the Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). This offers many networking opportunities and resources for nurse practitioners. It also give you more of a say to advocate for the profession.