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This bar graph shows the annual salary for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
Data sourced from O*NET Online, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
This line chart shows the projected job growth over 10 years for Acute Care Nurse Practitioners.
Projected Growth Rate in Job Openings by 2031: 46%
Data sourced from CareerOneStop, provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Develop treatment plans, based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines.
Maintain complete and detailed records of patients' health care plans and prognoses.
Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Becoming an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) is a rewarding career path that involves advanced clinical education and hands-on experience in managing patients with acute, chronic, and critical conditions. If you're considering this profession, follow these steps to achieve your goal.
By following these steps, you can become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner equipped with the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to provide high-quality care to patients with complex acute health issues.
To become an ACNP, you will need the following educational qualifications:
Most ACNP programs require candidates to have:
Yes, after completing your graduate education, you will need to pass a certification exam. The main certification exams for ACNPs are:
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners can specialize in areas such as:
In most states, ACNPs are authorized to prescribe medications, including controlled substances, but their prescriptive authority can vary based on state regulations. It's important to check with your state's Board of Nursing for specific rules.
The scope of practice for an ACNP includes:
To maintain certification, ACNPs must engage in continuing education (CE) activities. Requirements vary by certifying body but typically include:
Opportunities for advancement may include:
Yes, there is a growing demand for ACNPs due to:
For more detailed information on job outlook and demand, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
ACNPs work in various settings, including:
Remember that each state may have different requirements and regulations regarding nurse practitioner practice, so it's essential to stay informed about your specific state's laws. Visit your state's Board of Nursing website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.