Tips for Funding your Nurse Practitioner Education

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. And most students don’t have that kind of money lying around. But fortunately there are options that can help fund your education and even pay off existing students loans, like the program offered the U.S. Health Resources and Service Administration (NHSC). Read on to learn two options for paying off your nurse practitioner educational debt.

Scholarship options. The NHSC offers a scholarship program for nurse practitioner students. In exchange for 2-4 years of service at an approved NHSC site, nurse practitioners can get tuition, fees and a living stipend paid. The application process includes submitting transcripts and answering essay questions. Although every applicant isn’t chosen, those with a compelling background and qualifications usually have the best chance.

Loan repayment options. If you’ve already incurred student loans, there are still options for getting assistance paying off debt. The NHSC also offers a loan repayment program. In exchange for 2 years of NHSC service at an approved site, they will award up to $50,000 towards your student loans. To qualify, you’ll need to submit an application for consideration.

Once you’ve completed your service, make sure to partner with a staffing firm. Since they already have relationships established with employers, they can help you find nurse practitioner jobs sooner.

Tips for Negotiating your Nurse Practitioner Salary

Getting a nurse practitioner employment offer is exciting news. However, before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to evaluate what your worth. Depending on your level of experience and employment sector, you may have the potential to earn more than the initial offer. Read on to learn tips for negotiating your salary.

Evaluate your experience level. During your first few years of practicing, you can expect to earn $66,960 - $72,461. However, as you gain more experience, your salary range should climb to $85,000 or higher.

Consider the employment sector. Nurse practitioners who work for private practices can expect to earn about $73,593 annually, while those who work for school districts or are self-employed earn $55,000-$66,250. Hospitals often pay the best, at about $76,391 or higher each year.

Partner with a recruiter. Companies that specialize in nursing jobs can help you find positions that meet both your professional and income goals.

Tips for Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

While nurse practitioners are only required to have a Master’s degree and licensure in their state, advanced education can provide additional opportunities and more income. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides nurse practitioners with credentials that are similar to physicians, clinical psychologists and dentists. Read on to learn more about earning this degree.

DNP programs typically require a student study 3-4 years after completing their bachelor of nursing program. During this time nurse practitioners will learn how to diagnosis and clinically manage patient illness. They will also need to sit for their state exam to gain certification. With this degree, you can expect a salary bump of about $20,000.

And remember, when looking for nurse practitioner employment, make sure to partner with a great staffing firm. Since they already have relationships established with employers, it makes it much easier to land a job.

Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Basics

Even if a position doesn’t require a cover letter, it’s a wise idea to include it. When you can’t meet with a recruiter in person, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to put your best foot forward. But, creating a letter that entices the hiring manager to invite you for an interview can be tricky. Read on to learn tips for creating a cover letter.

In the first paragraph of your cover letter, make sure to state that you’re applying to nurse practitioner jobs with the company. If you’re transitioning from working in a different type of environment, include a short sentence after your introduction sentence. For example, "After working in a hospital environment for several years, I’m excited to have an opportunity to work in a smaller practice and getting to know patients better."

Then, quickly highlight qualifications that relate to the job position. Typically, you should only list 2-3 that most closely match the nurse practitioner employment listing.

The final paragraph of your cover letter should entice the hiring manager to schedule an interview. Make sure to include your contact information, so the manager can easily give you a call.

Mastering the Nurse Practitioner Interview

Even for the most experienced nurse practitioner, attending an interview can be stressful. But, investing time in preparation can make the interview process much easier, allowing you to smoothly answer questions, and make a lasting impression. Here are a few tips for having a better nurse practitioner interview.

Ask the recruiter for a detailed job description. A detailed job description will allow you insight into daily tasks and requirements. Having this information before the interview will allow you to highlight the most important qualities.

Answer interview questions directly. Sometimes, candidates won’t address a question because they don’t understand it. Instead of answer a vague question, ask for clarification. The hiring manager will appreciate your dedication to answering the question.

Stay away from “yes” and “no” answers. Every question provides an opportunity to sell yourself. So, instead of answering with a simple yes or no, expand your answer to give concrete examples, and engage the hiring managers.

Don’t forget to make eye contact. When interviewing for nurse practitioner jobs make sure to always make eye contact. This conveys your confidence and enthusiasm for the position.

Tips for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

During the 1960s, the nation had a physician shortage, which created the position of “Nurse Practitioner.” These professionals provide care very similar to physicians, diagnosing and treating conditions. Currently, the demand for Nurse Practitioners is on the rise, and these individuals earn a generous wage, about $86,486 annually according to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2009). Read on to learn tips for becoming a nurse practitioner.

Get a bachelor’s degree. The first step in becoming a Nurse Practitioner is earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Most students earn their registered nursing destination, and then practice for a few years before entering a nurse practitioner program.

Apply to Master’s Programs. After you have a few years of experience under your belt, apply to a Master’s Degree in Nursing. During this course of study, you’ll learn how to diagnosis and care for patients in more detail than undergraduate programs. These programs typically last about two years, on a full-time track.

Get licensed with your state. Once you’ve completed your Master’s degree, contact your state’s Board of Nursing to get licensed. Most states require that applicants pass a state administered exam and have several years of nursing experience before earning a nurse practitioner licensure.

Also, don’t forget to partner with a recruiting firm like ClinicalOne.com. Since staffing firms already have relationships established with employers, they can making it much easier to land nurse practitioner jobs.

Tips for Finding a Nurse Practitioner Program

With the aging population increasing, it’s never been a better time to become a nurse practitioner. But once you’ve decide to launch this career, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s in nursing and earn a nurse practitioner's master’s degree. Read on to learn tips for finding a program.

Check out online directories. Companies like All Nursing Schools provide a free national directory of schools that offer nurse practitioner programs.

Contact your state nursing board. Your state nursing board is a great resource for finding nurse practitioner programs. They can provide you with a list of local programs, and verify if a program will qualify for licensure in your state.

Don’t forget to connect with a staffing firm. Once you’re close to graduation, partner with a staffing firm who specializes in nurse practitioner employment. Companies like ClinicalOne.com have relationships already established with employers, and can help you connect with jobs that aren’t available on traditional career boards.

Top Paying Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Whether you just graduated from college or have been a nurse practitioner for years, choosing a specialty can provide an income boost. Certain nurse practitioner specialties such as geratrics, psychiatric care and neonatal care, have a high demand for nurse practitioners – which drives salaries up. Read on to learn more about nursing jobs that pay top notch.

Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs. As a geriatric nurse practitioner, you’ll work with aging patients and earn about $96,000 annually.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs. In this specialty, you’ll evaluate and manage psychiatric disorders. These professionals will also be responsible for referrals, case management and crisis intervention as needed. They typically earn about $88,000 annually.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. These professionals are charged with administering care to premature babies. Typically, neonatal nurse practitioners earns about $96,000 annually.

If you haven’t already, consider partnering with a staffing firm like clinicalone.com. Since they specialize in nurse practitioner employment, they already have relationships established with employers, making it easier to land a job.