Your Future as a Nurse Practitioner
See how much Nurse Practitioners earn and how quickly you can get started in this rewarding career.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): A Career Overview
Nurse Practitioners, also known as NPs, are a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who deliver a wider range of healthcare services than traditional registered nurses. What NPs are legally allowed to do varies by state. In some places, NPs can run their own practices independently; in others, they must collaborate with or be supervised by a physician.
No matter where they work, NPs enjoy more autonomy, higher earning potential, and broader career options compared to many other nursing roles.
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Average Annual Salary: $115,800
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Time to Become an NP: 2–6 years
What Nurse Practitioners Do
Nurse Practitioners provide primary, acute, and specialized healthcare services, often working alongside other healthcare providers. While their daily duties can change based on their specialty and workplace, NPs generally:
- Diagnose and treat both acute and chronic illnesses
- Write prescriptions for medications
- Review and record patient medical histories and symptoms
- Order and interpret diagnostic tests
- Monitor patient conditions and adjust treatment as needed
- Perform physical exams and assess patient health
- Educate patients and families about disease prevention and health management
- Collaborate closely with other members of the healthcare team
The degree of independence NPs have depends on state laws. For instance, NPs can prescribe medications in all 50 states, but only 49 states permit them to prescribe controlled substances. In 23 states, known as “full practice” states, NPs can practice without physician oversight. Examples include Washington, Hawaii, Arizona, and Colorado.
In other states, termed “reduced practice” or “restricted practice,” NPs may need physician collaboration for certain services, such as prescribing medication or performing specific procedures. To check the rules for your state, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offers an excellent state practice environment map.
NP Specialties
To become an NP, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in nursing and certification in a chosen specialty area, which is often determined by your prior work experience. Common NP specialties include:
- Neonatal Care
- Family Practice
- Pediatrics
- Women’s Health
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Adult-Gerontology
Additionally, NPs can pursue subspecialties through further education and certifications. These can focus on particular patient populations, body systems, or healthcare settings, such as:
- Orthopedics
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pain Management
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Sports Medicine
- Cardiology
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Pursuing a career as a Nurse Practitioner takes significant time, effort, and financial investment. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start by becoming an RN, either by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). You’ll then need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
While an ADN qualifies you as an RN, many graduate nursing programs require a BSN for admission. If you’re starting with an ADN, consider an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, which usually takes about 1–2 years.
Some nurses go straight from their BSN into graduate studies, but many work as RNs for a couple of years first. This hands-on experience not only sharpens clinical skills but also helps clarify which NP specialty might suit you best. Many graduate NP programs require one to two years of RN experience for admission.
To become an NP, you’ll need at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), though some nurses choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for expanded leadership roles.
Each program has its own requirements, but generally, you’ll need:
- One to two years of RN experience
- Active RN license
- GRE scores (for some schools)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or letter of intent
- Completed application and transcripts
- Minimum GPA (often around 3.0 or higher)
MSN programs primarily prepare nurses for clinical practice, while DNP programs often emphasize leadership, systems management, and advanced clinical skills. Some professional groups advocate for making the DNP the entry-level degree for NPs in the future, though this change has not been universally implemented.
If you’re an ADN nurse without a BSN, you’re not out of luck. RN-to-MSN programs combine bachelor’s and master’s coursework. There are also ADN-to-MSN pathways, though they typically take longer.
After finishing your graduate program, you must pass a national board certification exam in your chosen specialty. Once certified, you’ll apply for NP licensure through your state’s Board of Nursing. Licensing requirements vary, so always confirm details with your state board.
Transitioning from RN to NP
Many RNs are drawn to NP careers for the higher salaries, greater autonomy, and broader scope of practice. Fortunately, there are bridge programs designed for nurses at various educational stages. Here’s a quick rundown:
Designed for RNs with an associate degree and some work experience, this path lets you skip directly to master’s-level studies. However, it includes an intensive “bridge” year to cover BSN-level coursework. Typically, this takes about 3–4 years to complete.
RNs who trained via diploma programs can also pursue direct-entry NP pathways, though additional prerequisites often apply. It’s wise to speak with a school advisor to clarify requirements.
This is the most straightforward route. Nurses with a BSN can directly enter a master’s or doctoral NP program, usually finishing in about two years. Many nurses gain some clinical experience first, but it’s not always required.
If you hold a master’s degree in a non-nursing field, you may be eligible for an accelerated NP pathway. Typically, your first year covers foundational nursing content to prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. After passing the NCLEX, you continue with NP-specific studies. Many schools suggest gaining practical nursing experience between program phases.
How to Fund Your NP Education
NP programs can be costly, but there are numerous resources to help cover expenses. Here’s how you might pay for your degree:
Employer Assistance
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing advanced degrees. Check with your HR department to see if this benefit is available.
Scholarships
Scholarships provide financial assistance you don’t need to repay. While many are merit-based, others consider factors like community service, background, or career goals. Explore databases like FAFSA and reputable scholarship platforms, and be cautious of scams. Pay attention to application deadlines to avoid missing out.
Grants
Grants are similar to scholarships in that they don’t require repayment. However, they’re usually awarded based on financial need. Submit a FAFSA application to determine your eligibility. Keep in mind, though, that grants for graduate students are less common than those for undergrads.
Student Loans
Loans are a common way to fund NP programs. Federal student loans generally offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans. As a graduate student, you’ll be eligible for unsubsidized federal loans, which begin accruing interest while you’re still in school.
Loan Repayment Options
Repayment varies based on loan type. Federal loans typically offer:
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Standard Repayment: Fixed monthly payments over a 10-year period
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Graduated Repayment: Lower payments initially, which increase every two years
Many loans allow deferment during financial hardship, so confirm your options upfront.
Loan Forgiveness Programs
Several programs forgive loan balances if you meet specific criteria, such as working in public service or underserved areas. For example:
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Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Forgives remaining balances after 120 qualifying payments while working for eligible employers like government or non-profit organizations.
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Some hospitals offer loan forgiveness for working in rural or community settings for a certain period.
Military Benefits
The military offers generous support for aspiring NPs. The F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program covers substantial education costs in exchange for military service. Other options include Military Tuition Assistance and GI Bill Top-Up benefits. Be sure to consider the significant commitment involved in military service.
Top 11 Highest-Paying NP Specialties
While many NPs choose to practice general care, others pursue specialized fields that often come with higher salaries. Here’s a look at some of the top-paying NP specialties as of early 2022. Keep in mind, salaries can vary over time and across locations.
1. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
FNPs deliver comprehensive care for patients of all ages, managing everything from preventive care and wellness checkups to chronic disease management. They work in hospitals, clinics, or even independent practices.
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Average Salary: $105,898 (ZipRecruiter)
2. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These NPs focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. They develop treatment plans, prescribe medication, and provide therapeutic support.
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Average Salary: $112,452 (Payscale), $119,702 (Glassdoor)
3. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
Specializing in cosmetic procedures, Aesthetic NPs perform treatments like Botox, fillers, and laser therapies, often working in private practices or medical spas.
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Average Salary: $100,377 (ZipRecruiter)
4. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric NPs care for infants, children, and adolescents, addressing everything from preventive health checks to managing chronic illnesses.
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Average Salary: $121,659 (Indeed)
5. Emergency Nurse Practitioner
ENPs thrive in fast-paced settings, providing urgent care for critical injuries, acute illnesses, and medical emergencies. Many states allow ENPs to practice independently.
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Average Salary: $118,094 (Salary.com)
6. Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
These NPs care for adults with severe or life-threatening conditions, often working in ICUs or emergency departments.
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Average Salary: $110,076 (Glassdoor)
7. Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Orthopedic NPs diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, such as fractures, arthritis, and sports injuries.
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Average Salary: $100,035 (Payscale)
8. Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
WHNPs provide care across a woman’s lifespan, focusing on reproductive, gynecologic, and obstetric health.
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Average Salary: $96,480–$130,094 (Payscale and Glassdoor)
9. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
These NPs specialize in caring for adults and older adults, managing chronic illnesses and promoting healthy aging. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
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Average Salary: $89,521–$117,577 (Payscale and Glassdoor)
10. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
NNPs care for premature and critically ill newborns, developing treatment plans and monitoring infant health in NICUs and other specialized settings.
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Average Salary: $129,309 (Salary.com)
11. Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Oncology NPs specialize in cancer care, helping patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. They collaborate closely with physicians to tailor treatment plans.
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Average Salary: $105,427 (Salary.com)
Go For It!
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is no small feat—it takes dedication, time, and financial investment. But the payoff can be significant: higher salaries, greater independence, and the opportunity to make an even bigger impact in patients’ lives. If you’re passionate about advancing your nursing career, there’s never been a better time to explore the NP path.
