Top Careers for Nurse Practitioners

Nursing is among the fastest-growing fields in the United States. Because of the industry’s immense job growth potential, many nurses are looking into advanced nursing degrees to prepare to become certified nurse practitioners (NPs). Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an astounding 45% employment growth rate between 2019 and 2029 for nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. In 2020, the median salary for nurse practitioners was $111,680.*

While we face evolving challenges to our health care system due to the recent pandemic, physician shortages and as patient populations swell, so does the need for more licensed nurse practitioners. These nursing leaders are gaining greater control in their practice as full prescriptive authority expands across the nation, are positioned for high-level positions, and specialize in areas that allow them to work with a variety of unique patient populations.

MSN-prepared NPs are positioned to explore new professional benefits and higher salaries. NPs are often competitive job candidates for administrative or managerial positions.

As a Nurse Practitioner, You May Have Career Opportunities Such As:

Psychiatric Mental Health NP

Median wage: $111,660**

As a PMHNP, you’ll intersect with the roles of psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists, providing patient care to those with mental and psychiatric health issues, as well as substance abuse issues. PMHNPs also work with the families of their patients and educate communities to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health.

Employers often include:

Mental health clinics
Hospitals
Rehab facilities

Adult Gerontology – Primary Care NP

Median Wage: $90,840**

Provide primary care to adults, including geriatric patients, and help them manage and overcome various conditions and illnesses. With a focus on patient wellness and promoting healthy choices, primary care AGNPs (AGACNP) may also manage transitions between care settings and often provide caregiver education and evaluation. They often work in long-term care settings and clinics throughout the community or may have their own private practice.

Employers often include:

Long-term care facilities
Hospices
Primary care practices

Adult Gerontology – Acute Care NP

Median wage: $96,063**

Diagnose and treat medical conditions in adults and gerontology patients who have critical illnesses, physiological instability, dependency on technology, or a vulnerability to complications, in collaboration with physicians and other members of the health care team. While most AGACNPs report practicing in tertiary care settings, they can now work in specialty clinics and long-term care facilities.

Employers often include:

Emergency rooms
Intensive care
Trauma or acute care units

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Median wage: $91,385**

Work with newborns, infants, toddlers, and adolescents to provide specialized levels of care. PNPs diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and perform annual checkups, in addition to requisitioning patient testing, and consulting with clients and their family members.

Employers often include:

Pediatric offices
Specialty clinics
School-based health centers

Family Nurse Practitioner

Median wage: $96,281**

Provide care to patients of all life stages in collaboration with health care teams and develop relationships with entire family units. FNPs conduct health assessments and tests, and provide preventive care, disease management, treatment of chronic and acute illnesses, and may even prescribe medication.

Employers often include:

Physician’s offices
Hospitals
Community health centers

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Median wage: $93,463**

Deliver comprehensive health care to women throughout their lifespan in areas pertaining to women’s health care needs, including obstetrics, gynecology, urogynecology, gynecologic oncology, infertility, and maternal/fetal medicine. WHNPs screen women for health concerns such as STIs, cancers, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and domestic abuse. They also educate women of all ages on wellness and nutrition topics.

Employers often include: