Health Sciences:

Nurse Practitioners

What is a nurse practitioner? How do I become one?

[Nurse] A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed additional training, usually a master's degree program, and is licensed to diagnose and treat common medical conditions. Nurse practitioners can provide many of the services a physician would typically provide including prescribing medications. This is a rapidly growing field; in particular, nurse practitioners are becoming increasingly important as primary care and urgent care providers. However, NPs can specialize in a variety of areas.

Preparation for this career would begin with North Central's "2 + 2" or "3 + 2" nursing program. After completing nursing school requirements at North Central (you can choose the two-year or three-year option), you would transfer to a nursing program (North Central is affiliated with Rush University to complete a BSN degree in two additional years. At this point, you would be an RN, and could then continue to an MSN or similar program leading to certification as a nurse practitioner.

[Student] How do I get started?

As a North Central student, your program would be the same as a pre-nursing student seeking to become an RN. For more information on courses, entrance requirements, etc., see the nursing page.

What resources does North Central have to help me?

[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the transfer process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?

Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your nursing career!