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- Nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioner
A nurse practitioner provides primary and specialty care, helping patients holistically through diagnostics, treatment and education.
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Required education
MSN
NPs in demand
Nurse practitioners (NP) are in high demand because they have specialized knowledge and can fill the need for primary care and experienced staff in outpatient centers, hospitals, and rural areas.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Managerial
Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.
Higher salary
Earn more by having advanced skills and responsibilities.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
High demand
This specialty is in high demand in the U.S.
What is the role of a nurse practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with specialized education and training, enabling them to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive healthcare services. NPs often work independently or collaboratively with physicians, focusing on patient-centered care and health promotion in various healthcare settings.
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Where you’ll work as a nurse practitioner
Nurse practitioners (NPs) have a wide range of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, thanks to their advanced training and diverse skill set. Here are some common places where NPs can work:
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- Hospitals: NPs are employed in different departments of hospitals, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and specialty areas like cardiology or oncology.
- Primary care clinics: Many NPs serve as primary care providers, working in family practice, internal medicine, or pediatric clinics.
- Specialty clinics: NPs with specialized training can work in clinics focusing on specific areas like dermatology, women’s health, mental health, or geriatrics.
- Urgent care centers: NPs are often found in urgent care, providing acute care and treatment for non-life-threatening conditions.
$
113K
How much do nurse practitioners make?
Nurse practitioner salaries depend on many factors such as the specialty of advanced practice nursing and location of the job. According to Payscale.com, on average in 2025, NPs in the U.S. made an annual salary of $113,000.
What’s the demand for nurse practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners (NP) are in high demand because they have specialized knowledge and can fill the need for primary care and experienced staff in outpatient centers, hospitals, and rural areas. Here are some specific areas driving demand for this skilled and important specialty within the nursing profession:
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- Expanding healthcare needs: With an aging population and a greater focus on preventive care, the need for healthcare services is rising. NPs are well-positioned to meet these needs due to their training in both primary and specialty care.
- Physician shortages: There is a well-documented shortage of physicians, particularly in primary care and in rural areas. NPs are increasingly filling these gaps, providing essential healthcare services where physicians are scarce.
- Cost-effectiveness: NPs provide high-quality care often at a lower cost than physicians, which is appealing to healthcare systems looking to deliver efficient and effective patient care.
Watch: The challenges and rewards of being a nurse practitioner
Meet Lauren, a palliative care nurse practitioner, whose role involves managing chronic illnesses through whole-person care. Her path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner involved juggling full-time work and studies, motivated by the impact she knew she could make. She attends to patients in diverse environments, collaborating with healthcare teams and families.
We help patients when they have to make difficult decisions. We help provide information that they need to make those types of decisions.
Lauren
NP, Palliative Care
How to become a nurse practitioner
All NPs need to graduate from an accredited graduate nurse practitioner program, pass specialty board certifications, and obtain state licensure as both a registered nurse (RN) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Additional certification in areas of specialty practice, while not required, are valuable.
Get an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
You must first complete a nursing program. This can be an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN is often preferred and can open more opportunities, but an ADN is a valid pathway to becoming an RN.
Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.
After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse. This is a requirement in all states.
Get your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Focus on a specialty such as family and primary care, women’s health, geriatrics, or psychiatry.
Get your Board Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
You’re ready to work as a nurse practitioner!
6 reasons why nurse practitioners are so important in healthcare
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are integral to the healthcare landscape. NPs are highly skilled professionals who bridge gaps in healthcare access, provide holistic patient care, emphasize patient education, advocate for sound healthcare policies, and significantly improve healthcare outcomes.
Provide care to underserved areas
One of the most vital roles NPs play in the healthcare system is in providing care to underserved areas. In rural and urban areas alike, there is often a shortage of healthcare providers. NPs, with their advanced training and the ability to work independently or collaboratively with physicians, help fill this void. They are often more willing to practice in underserved areas, where patients may have limited access to medical care, ensuring that communities receive essential healthcare services. By delivering care where it is needed most, NPs become the frontline healthcare providers in these regions, ensuring that healthcare access is not compromised.
Holistic approach to healthcare
NPs bring a holistic approach to patient care, treating not only the physical aspects of an illness but also considering a patient’s psychological, emotional, and social well-being. This patient-centered care model focuses on the whole person. NPs often spend more time with their patients, developing trust and understanding that helps them tailor treatment plans to individual needs. This approach leads to better patient satisfaction and improved health outcomes, as it addresses the root causes of health problems and fosters long-term well-being.
Emphasis on patient education
Education is a key component of the care that NPs provide. NPs educate patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and the importance of preventive measures. This focus on patient education empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their health, make informed decisions, and adhere to treatment plans. When patients understand their health and the rationale behind their treatments, they are more likely to comply with medical recommendations, leading to better outcomes and a reduced likelihood of complications or readmissions.
Advocacy for healthcare policy
Nurse practitioners engage in healthcare policy advocacy at local, state, and national levels. They are well-positioned to advocate for policies that improve access to care, enhance the scope of practice for NPs, and address healthcare disparities. NPs use their clinical experience to inform policymakers about the challenges patients face, offering valuable insights into potential solutions. Their advocacy efforts lead to more inclusive healthcare policies and regulations, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality care from a variety of healthcare providers.
Cost-effectiveness compared to physicians
Cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage of utilizing NPs in healthcare systems. NPs can provide many of the same services as physicians at a lower cost, making healthcare more affordable for individuals and healthcare systems alike. By delivering high-quality care, emphasizing prevention, and managing chronic conditions efficiently, NPs help reduce the overall cost of healthcare. This cost-effectiveness is particularly important in addressing the escalating healthcare expenses that many individuals and nations are grappling with.
Improvement in healthcare outcomes
NPs enhance patient outcomes. NPs focus on preventive care and early intervention helping to reduce the progression of diseases and complications. NPs are skilled in managing chronic conditions, which account for a significant portion of healthcare expenditures. Their expertise in coordinating care, monitoring patient progress, and adjusting treatment plans as needed results in improved health outcomes, fewer hospital readmissions, and a higher quality of life for patients.
Watch: A day in the life of a family nurse practitioner
Steve is a family nurse practitioner in a rural area of Montana. His patients at the Big Sandy Medical Center cover all ages. Steve says, “With the shortage of family practice providers, mid-levels such as myself and physicians assistants are becoming a much more important part of the health care delivery model.”
Nurse practitioner career resources
Become a member of a nurse practitioner organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Related nursing specialties
Pediatric nurse practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners provide care for patients from infancy through early adulthood, serving as both caregivers and educators for children and their families. In many states, they practice independently without physician oversight, often acting as primary care providers.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners are certified advanced practice professionals responsible for the care of patients diagnosed with mental disorders and behavioral problems.
Gerontological nurse practitioner
A gerontological nurse practitioner is a multi-disciplined primary healthcare provider who helps patients manage the physical, mental, and social effects of aging.