By Jada A. Graves

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional education. Extra schooling allows these health care professionals to take patient histories, perform physical exams, order labs, analyze lab results, prescribe medicines, authorize treatment plans and educate patients and their families on continued care.

Nurse practitioners, also known as advanced practice registered nurses, specialize in treating specific patient populations, training to work in areas like women's health or pediatrics. They may also work in research or academia.

While their job duties sounds similar to a physician's, the main difference is the amount of formal education required. Physicians have more training, and their breadth of knowledge and their salaries are usually commensurate with their additional work. However, nurse practitioners are increasingly providing primary care to patients.

Many nurse practitioners first worked as registered nurses, where their patient care may have extended to holistic and wellness care; they can bring that background to the diagnosis, treatment and management of medical issues.

Nurse practitioners are handsomely paid for their work, with the majority taking home six-figure salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 46.3% employment growth for nurse practitioners between 2023 and 2033. In that period, an estimated 135,500 jobs should open up.

Median Salary:

$126,260

Unemployment Rate:

0.6%

Number Of Jobs:

135,500

Rankings

Nurse Practitioners rank #1 in 100 Best Jobs. Jobs are ranked according to their ability to offer an elusive mix of factors.

#1 in 100 Best Jobs

#1 in Best STEM Jobs

#1 in Best Health Care Jobs

How Much Does a Nurse Practitioner Make?

Nurse Practitioners made a median salary of $126,260 in 2023. The best-paid 25% made $140,610 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $106,960.

Job Satisfaction

Average Americans work well into their 60s, so workers might as well have a job that's enjoyable and a career that's fulfilling. A job with a low stress level, good work/life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. 

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner

Future nurse practitioners spend a considerable amount of time in school. All nurse practitioners must first be registered nurses, so a bachelor's degree, associate degree or other approved diploma is a requirement. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination is also required.

The next step is obtaining a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program, which can take two to four years. NPs need additional certification to use the APRN title. They must also attain board certification in their specialty, such as pediatrics, adult-gerontology or women's health. Exact requirements vary by state, so NP hopefuls should check with their state's board of nursing for certification exam details and other requirements.