Some programs are designed for nurses who have a diploma or associate degree in nursing and a nurse practitioner certificate. These programs allow students to get their bachelor's and master's in nursing.

Often, graduates from nurse practitioner programs also study for an additional year to specialize in a specific area of patient care.

Many nurse practitioner programs are offered part-time, with day and evening classes.

Most people who become nurse practitioners choose to become certified. You must graduate from a program accredited by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and pass a national exam. You then become a NP-C, or Nurse Practitioner - Certified.