Can a Nurse Practitioner Open a Private Practice? Top NP FAQs Answered
September 18, 2026
Nursing is an inspiring profession, and many are drawn to it because of the flexibility to work in many different environments, pursue specialized training and advance to take on leadership roles in health care. For many nurses, one goal is to open a nurse practitioner private practice, which is just one of many options available to advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). In this article, we’ll answer many of the questions about training, careers and types of specialization for aspiring nurse practitioners.
Nurses serve their communities in many ways, making nursing one of the most respected professions in the world. With advanced training, nurses can expand their impact and help fill the gaps in mental health and primary care, which are especially needed in underserved urban and rural areas. In the United States, more than 90 million people live in Health Professional Shortage Areas, and nurse practitioners in private practice are well-positioned to improve access to care. For nurses seeking to become nurse practitioners, this path offers a way to both help those in need and benefit from the competitive salaries and high demand for APRNs.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a nurse with advanced graduate level training who can provide a higher level of care than a Registered Nurse (RN). To become an NP, also called an APRN, you need a master’s or doctoral degree that includes clinical education in a specialized area, along with passing a national certification exam and obtaining state APRN licensure. NPs are qualified to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and treat patients, and they often take a whole-person approach to patient health. Depending on the state, nurse practitioners can practice independently or may be required to work under a physician's supervision.
FAQs About Practicing as an APRN
Like registered nurses, nurse practitioners have a wide range of options for how and where they practice. Below are answers to some common questions about working as an advanced practice registered nurse:
What types of NPs are there?
Nurse practitioners typically specialize in a population that they intend to serve, such as children, older adults, women or individuals with specific health needs. For example, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) work with patients across the lifespan, serving as primary care providers within their communities. Certifications and titles for this level of practice vary by credentialing agency, but common types of NPs include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (PNP-PC)
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Acute Care (PNP-AC)
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
- Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)
Where do nurse practitioners work?
Nurse practitioners can put their skills and certifications to work in many types of health care settings, often with greater autonomy and a wider scope of practice permitted by advanced training. Here are some of the options:
Physicians Offices or Health Clinics
Providing care in a doctor’s office or a clinic is one of the most common work environments for nurse practitioners. They may work in specialty offices such as orthopedics, gynecology or diabetes clinics. Urgent care clinics and retail clinics are other venues where NPs, especially FNPs, may practice as primary care providers.
Hospitals or Long Term Care Facilities
In hospitals, NPs may work in the emergency room, neonatal intensive care or other specialty areas. In long-term care facilities, NPs work with elderly populations or patients with complex or chronic medical or psychiatric needs.
Public Health, Home Health or University Health Centers
Nurse practitioners interested in community-based care may work in public health departments, school or university clinics or provide care directly to patients in their residences as home health practitioners.
Independent Private Practice
NPs who want to expand access to care and pursue autonomy can open their own nurse practitioner private practice. In more than 30 states, advanced practice registered nurses can start a private practice without physician oversight. These practices may focus on primary care or specialties such as women’s health.
Can nurse practitioners prescribe medication?
Yes, nurse practitioners are licensed to prescribe medication, order lab or radiology tests, diagnose conditions and manage treatment plans. Their scope of practice varies by state, with some states requiring nurse practitioners to work under a supervising doctor, while others allow NPs to practice autonomously at the highest level of their education and training. NPs are also known for a holistic approach to care, focusing on the individual’s overall well-being rather than only the medical diagnosis.
FAQs About Training and Licensing to Become an NP
If you are considering becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), or another NP specialty, you will want to understand more about the required steps, the training and licensure timeline, and what to look for in a graduate program. Here are answers to common questions about becoming a nurse practitioner.
How do I become a nurse practitioner?
The first step on the way to becoming an APRN is to obtain your RN license. Many nurses gain clinical experience before advancing, and some graduate programs require it. Here are the typical steps to becoming a nurse practitioner:
- Earn your RN license: This requires at least an associate’s degree, but most APRN programs require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for entrance. Get clinical experience: Most nursing master’s degree programs require 1-3 years of experience before admission, but this may be optional depending on your graduate program.
- Complete a graduate program: Earn a nurse practitioner-focused graduate degree from an accredited program. The most common type is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. Many programs allow you to do most of your study online, often while you continue working.
- Choose a specialty: Nurse practitioner specializations can focus on populations such as family practice, pediatrics or mental health.
- Complete an NP certificate program: If your MSN program did not offer NP specialties, or you wish to practice in a different specialty, you will need to attend an accredited post-graduate certificate program.
- Complete clinical training: Performing supervised clinical hours as part of your NP certificate program is required to sit for the certification exams for any NP specialty.
- Pass the certification exam: National organizations offer board certification in each nursing specialty. Completion of an accredited degree program with an NP focus and a minimum of 500 supervised hours is required to take the exam.
- Obtain state licensure: Each state’s requirements vary, so be sure to check your state's specific requirements.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
For BSN-prepared RNs, becoming an advanced practice registered nurse usually takes 2-3 years to finish a master’s degree and become a licensed NP. If you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree, it can take a total of approximately 6-8 years: typically four years to complete a BSN (though some programs offer accelerated tracks), the option of clinical practice as an RN, and then 2-3 years to complete a master’s degree.
What are the admission requirements for NP programs?
Nurse practitioner graduate programs generally fall into two categories:
- MSN programs with NP specialization, which include preparation for certification exams
- Post-master’s certificate programs, designed for nurses who already hold an MSN and want to specialize as nurse practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree programs that require either a BSN or MSN for admission
Most MSN degree programs require a bachelor’s degree and some also require clinical experience as an RN. For post-master’s certificate programs, prospective students should have completed their MSN, often with a certain minimum GPA. Specific requirements vary by institution and program, so check with the program you are considering to make sure you meet the prerequisites before you apply.
How do you get a nurse practitioner license?
Once you have completed your coursework and supervised clinical hours, you’ll need to pass the national exam in your chosen specialty. With a valid RN license in the state, a passing score on the certification exam and graduation from an approved NP program for your state, you can apply through your state board of nursing for a license. Other requirements, like a background check, can vary by state. To begin practicing, you’ll also need a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number, and to prescribe medications, you will need to register with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
How do I open a nurse practitioner private practice?
Nurse practitioners who want to become entrepreneurs can open a private practice by combining clinical credentials with the steps required to start and run a business. In many states, NPs can practice independently, while others require a collaborative agreement or physician supervision, so it’s important to understand your state’s scope-of-practice laws to start a private practice.
In addition to obtaining a state license, a National Provider Identifier (NPI), and registering with the DEA to prescribe medications, you'll need to set up business operations. This includes choosing a business structure (such as an LLC or corporation), opening a business bank account and obtaining the relevant malpractice and general business insurance.
You’ll also need to meet operational and regulatory requirements for health care practices. This usually involves developing a business plan, becoming credentialed with insurance providers so you can bill for services and implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to manage patient information in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Whether you plan to open a physical office or offer hybrid or telehealth services, you will need to adhere to state and federal requirements.
Choosing a nurse practitioner program
If you are drawn to nursing and inspired to move beyond your current role as an RN, enrolling in an NP program can prepare you to take on greater clinical responsibility and build deeper relationships with patients. Becoming an APRN also gives you more independence and the opportunity to start your own business. As you explore different graduate programs, consider which learning format will fit your life, whether you prefer in-person, online or hybrid courses.
When evaluating training options, make sure that the program is accredited and in good standing with organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation is important because it is required for you to be allowed to sit for the certification exam, plus it ensures the program meets rigorous requirements for academic quality, clinical standards and student policies. It’s also a good idea to review a school’s pass rates on national certification exams, which can indicate how well the program prepares graduates for licensure.
Walsh University’s fully online MSN-FNP Program, MSN-PMHNP Program, MSN-NE Program, Post-Master's FNP Certification and Post-Master's PMHNP Certification offer nurses the support they need to complete their coursework and clinicals near their homes. With three start dates per year and one in-person intensive, students in Walsh’s MSN-NP programs can conveniently complete their training process so they can reach the next level in their health care career.
With an affordable, flexible curriculum, Walsh’s online MSN programs will see you work alongside experienced faculty as you gain the skills needed to expand your professional autonomy.
- Complete in as little as 2 years: study around your schedule
- 100% online coursework: designed for working nurses
- High Pass Rates: AANP Passing Rates above the national average
- Clinical Placement Support: get hands-on experience in your community
At Walsh University, they prepare aspiring nurses to excel as the next generation of healthcare professionals. If you’re ready to turn your calling into a career, let’s begin the conversation today.