Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner (ENP or ACNP) Career
What Do You Do in This Career?
Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) provide emergency and urgent care to people of all ages. They are trained to manage acute illnesses, trauma, chronic unstable illnesses, and to stabilize conditions using a variety of life-saving technology. They also decide where to refer patients for follow-up care. ENPs usually work in emergency rooms, urgent care, or ambulances. They must be able to think fast on their feet to diagnose and correctly treat injuries and illnesses, and also be aware that the most obvious injury might not be the only one, or the most serious one. The job is exciting, mentally and emotionally exhausting, but very rewarding.
Salary and Career Information
- Salary: The average salary for ENPs ranges from $58,095 to $100,410 depending on many factors including location, education, and experience. ENPs tend to earn higher salaries because of the unpredictable schedule and rigorous training.
- ENP Requirements: To become an ENP you must be a registered nurse (RN), hold either a master’s or doctorate degree, and pass the National Board certification in acute care.
- Work Environment: ENPs work in emergency care settings such as hospitals, emergency rooms, emergency clinics, and schools and colleges.
What Kind of Coursework Can You Expect in This Program?
RNs should have at least two years of clinical experience before applying to MSN/ENP programs, and preferably will have some experience in the emergency department. Because you never know what skills will be required in an emergency care situation, ENPs are trained to handle everything from psychiatric management to pediatrics to invasive skills, so they can provide urgent care to any patient.
Programs include coursework in theory and clinical practice. Some offer a semester of total emersion in emergency rooms. Current nurse practitioners may opt to enroll in a Post-Master’s Certificate ENP Degree Plan if they want to specialize in emergency care.
Earn an Online Nurse Practitioner Degree
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who holds a graduate-level degree. While in most states RNs currently need only a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) degree to become nurse practitioners, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has proposed that the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) be the minimum requirement for all advanced practice nurses by 2015. Listed below are the best online colleges offering accredited MSN and DNP degrees.
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Georgetown University — The Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies offers two online Master of Science in nursing degrees. The MS in family nurse practitioner program prepares students for careers as family nurses. The MS in midwifery / women's health nurse practitioner program perpares students for careers as nurse practitioners who specialize as midwives and caring for female patients. |
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University of Phoenix — The Master of Science in nursing for nurse practitioners from the University of Phoenix is a flexible online program from an accredited school. Students will learn advanced nursing skills, finance, change management, and evidence-based nursing research. Upon completion, graduates will be well prepared to advance their nursing careers. MSN specialties are offered in health education and health informatics. Dual degrees (MSN + MBA and MSN + MHA) are also available. |
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Kaplan University — The MSN nurse administration, nurse education, and nurse informatics degree programs from Kaplan allows nurses with bachelor's degrees to take their careers to the next level. Students of these programs will learn advanced nursing theory, health policy, evidence-based decision making, financing, and more. |
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University of Cincinnati — The MS in nursing degree program with a specialization in women's health practice offered online by the University of Cincinnati is geared toward nursing students wanting to receive expert training on women's health issues. Cincinnati also offers many other nurse practitioner degree programs, including MSN specialties in clinical nursing, nurse midwifery, and psychiatric & mental health nursing. |
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South University — South University has built a reputation on class flexibility and affordability. Their MSN program for nurse practitioners is no exception. This program is ideal for registered nurses who may be too busy with work for full-time campus classes, but looking for professional advancement in their respective careers by earning an online degree. |
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