I vividly recall sitting in a lecture hall in my nurse practitioner program in a plastic, too-small seat sandwiched between two classmates when I first heard of the NP licensing process. Suddenly, my personal space wasn’t the only thing feeling cramped. The ins and outs of certification, applying for a license and a DEA number all in a specific order while simultaneously conducting a job search seemed overwhelming.
Once I took a step back and digested the material, the process appeared manageable but still tricky. I remember wishing someone had given me a simple roadmap outlining the NP licensing and certification process so I could have avoided my initial freak out. So, here’s yours.
Step 1: Graduation
Walking down the aisle in a cap and gown only gets you so far as a nurse practitioner program grad. Your school must also release information to certifying bodies regarding your status. Make sure you request that your NP program submit required paperwork to the organization with which you plan to obtain certification (ex. AANP, ANCC). Follow up with your NP program to make sure this step has been completed to avoid delays in the certification process.
Step 2: Certification
Following graduation, nurse practitioners must pass a national certification exam. In most states, nurse practitioners cannot begin practicing until they are nationally certified by passing this test. The next steps of your licensure process depend on first obtaining certification.
Step 3: Licensure
Once you have graduated from your NP program and passed the certification exam, you must obtain a license to practice in the state where you plan to work. A nurse practitioner license may take anywhere from about 4 to 12 weeks to process depending on your state board of nursing. In some states such as Texas, the licensing process is notoriously slow and may even take longer than 12 weeks delaying your job start date. Plan accordingly.
Step 4: NPI Number
A National Provider Identifier, commonly known as NPI, is a unique 10 digit identification number given to healthcare providers by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To apply for a NPI number, visit the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) website and create a login. The process is free, easy and quick.
Step 5: DEA License/Prescribing Privileges
In order to prescribe medications, nurse practitioners must register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and obtain a DEA number. Some states also require their own unique license allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe. This is a relatively simple process and can be completed online. Be aware that it will take a few weeks once you have submitted your online application to receive your DEA license.
Step 6: Credentialing
Once a nurse practitioner has accepted a job, an onboarding process called credentialing occurs. This is where the employer verifies the NP’s licenses with insurance companies so the employer will be paid for services provided by the nurse practitioner to patients. Not to worry. The credentialing process is typically coordinated by your employer requiring only that the NP sign a few forms. While you won’t have to manage credentialing logistics on your own, the process can push back your start date after accepting a position.
Licensure and certification is key to landing a nurse practitioner job after graduation. Planning a timeline for these steps is a must. Use this brief overview as a general guide to the steps you will need to take to get ready to practice after graduation day.
Where are you in your NP licensure and certification process?
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