Throughout Your Program:

• Download and keep all your syllabi

• Download and keep course catalogs for the years you were enrolled in your degree program

1. Begin studying for your exam:

   • NP resources include:

     • Fitzgerald

     • Leik

   • Content guides and sample questions can be found on certifying body websites: 

     • ANCC Certifications (Select FNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, or AGCNS-BC to view corresponding guides)

     • AANPCB Handbook
       
       

2. Register to take your National Certification Exam.  NP exam comparison info is available in many sources, including this one.

   • ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, or Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist.

     • If you are sitting for a certification exam through ANCC, complete only the first section of the Validation of Education form and send by email to SHS@spu.edu AFTER registering for your exam.  Validation forms will be sent at the conclusion of Spring Quarter.

   • AANPCB Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP

     • AANPCB certification does not require a verification of education
       
       

3. Submit your unofficial transcript to your certifying body
   
   

4. Respond to the “What Comes Next?” survey sent by the School of Health Sciences

1. Request an official transcript be sent directly to your certifying body

   • Wait until your degree is posted or indicate that transcripts should not be printed until your degree is posted

• Request that your certifying body send verification of certification to WA State

• Apply for WA State Licensure

• Apply for a DEA Number

  • apply after you have your state license

• Obtain malpractice insurance (may vary by employee)

• Apply for NPI and L&I numbers (may vary by employer *)

• Apply for Medicare and Medicaid numbers (may vary by employer *)

• Apply to become a WA practitioner (application to insurance companies for billing; may vary by employer*)

          * Most employers will do this for you.