To become a nurse practitioner, you need to obtain at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The specific requirements may vary depending on the state and the specialty area of advanced practice nursing you wish to work in. However, most states require a masters degree at minimum in the specialty area of advanced practice nursing you wish to work in.

Here are the general steps to become a nurse practitioner:

1. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited university.
2. Obtain a registered nurse (RN) license.
3. Gain work experience as a nurse.
4. Enroll in a graduate program (MSN or DNP) accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) or any other accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) .
5. Complete additional coursework in advanced nursing, including clinical practice, clinical leadership, consultation, education, and research.
6. Pass a national NP board certification exam.

It is worth noting that some NP programs accept applicants who do not hold an RN license and hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. These learners often hold a degree in a health or science-related field and must complete relevant prerequisite coursework.