Final answer:
A nurse practitioner requires a Master's Degree, which includes advanced clinical training and education beyond a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and necessitates passing a certification exam in a specialty area.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse practitioner typically requires a Master's Degree in nursing. After obtaining undergraduate education, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), an individual needs to pursue graduate studies to become a nurse practitioner. The graduate program provides advanced clinical training and education in a specialized area of nursing, beyond the foundational knowledge obtained in the undergraduate program. In addition to coursework, nurse practitioner programs include supervised clinical practice, which is essential to gain the skills necessary for providing high-quality health care. Upon completion of the educational requirements, aspiring nurse practitioners must pass a certification exam in their chosen specialty area to ensure their proficiency in providing care to patients. Overall, the path to becoming a nurse practitioner is rigorous, requiring extensive education and clinical experience.