The educational requirements for advanced practice nursing typically include:
- Masterâs Degree: Most APNs hold a Masterâs of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). - Certification: National certification in their specialty area is also required. For example, NPs might be certified through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). - Clinical Experience: Extensive clinical experience is a prerequisite, often including several years of practice as a registered nurse before entering an advanced practice program.