Nurse practitioners are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Also known as NPs, nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care, offering advanced nursing services to patients. Nurse practitioners take patients’ histories, perform physical exams, create care plans, diagnose patients, analyze test results, administer treatments, and consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals as needed. These nurses often tend to focus on caring for a specific population, like geriatric health, pediatric health, or mental health.
Nurse Practitioner Education & Requirements
Nurse practitioners must earn a master’s degree from an accredited program and may get a certification to work with a specific patient population. Prior to obtaining the master’s degree, individuals interested in becoming nurse practitioners must earn their RN credential and complete a year of critical care experience. Additional requirements vary by state.
Nurse Practitioner Jobs Outlook
Job prospects for nurse practitioners are projected to be excellent. The demand to fill nurse practitioner jobs is expected to grow 31 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics — that is much higher than the average for all occupations. This projected growth is based on the market’s demand, including the health needs of our large, aging population.
Nurse Practitioner Job Salary
Median annual salary for nurse practitioners is $100,910, according to the BLS, and the type of facility the CRNA is working in can have an impact on the amount.