[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who work with specialized populations and are authorized to diagnose health conditions and prescribe medications.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed registered nurses must complete an MSN or DNP program and pass the national board exam to practice as an NP in their state.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs typically earn around $130,000 annually, though salaries vary depending on their location, experience, and specialization.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]Nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link] often specialize in specific patient populations and hold [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/types-of-nursing-degrees/”]advanced nursing degrees[/hen-ui-link]. Depending on their choosen specialty, NPs may focus on areas like acute care, family healthcare, oncology, or mental health. NPs are licensed as [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link] and can earn national board certification in their [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/best-specialty-career-choices-for-nursing/”]nursing specialty areas[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can also serve as primary care providers who perform many of the same services as physicians. They often have greater autonomy than registered nurses (RNs). Depending on state regulations, some jurisdictions allow full practice authority, while others require a collaborative agreement with a doctor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Continue reading to learn more about NP careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]6-8 Years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Job Outlook, 2023-2033[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]+46%[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-2xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]$129,210[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs provide clinical care for patients and are authorized to diagnose health conditions, order tests, and prescribe medications. Their scope of work varies depending on their specialization area, the population they serve, and the state where they practice. In many places, NPs help address the nation’s ongoing shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In some states, NPs must work under the supervision of a physician or in collaboration with one. In other states, they have full practice authority, which gives them professional autonomy. Check your state to learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]NP practice authority[/hen-ui-link] for your area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP specializations often correspond to specific patient populations. For example, pediatric nurse practitioners work with patients from birth to age 21, and [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]women’s health nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] serve women.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the setting, an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-are-the-nurse-practitioner-core-competencies/”]NP’s key skills and responsibilities[/hen-ui-link] may include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Key Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ordering medical tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing medical conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing treatment, including medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Counseling and educating patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Leading nursing departments or teams[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supervising the work of other clinical staff[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Promoting community and population health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Career Traits[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clear communication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical knowledge[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compassion[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integrity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Judgment under pressure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do Nurse Practitioners Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical offices employ more than 45% of nurse practitioners in the U.S., followed by hospitals at 25% and outpatient care centers at 8%. However, NPs can pursue significant diversity in work settings, including in-home healthcare. Examples include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospital Outpatient[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs generally serve as primary care providers or specialists in hospital outpatient settings. They assess and diagnose patients, prescribe treatment, advise patients on care, and refer patients to physicians for additional care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospital Inpatient[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a hospital inpatient setting, NPs assess and diagnose patients and prescribe treatment as part of a patient’s ongoing care. They may also lead nursing teams and oversee the work of other clinical staff.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Private Group Practices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a private group practice, NPs may serve as primary care providers or specialists. They see patients, assess conditions, and prescribe treatments, referring patients to a physician or specialist NP as necessary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]Becoming a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] is a multi-step process that starts with an undergraduate nursing degree and an RN license. After gaining experience as an RN, aspiring NPs complete a graduate nursing program, followed by board certification and advanced practice licensing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or a BSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] in two years or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] in about four years. Some students prefer to earn their ADN first, allowing them to see if they like the work and environment without committing to a four-year degree. Others prefer to start with a BSN, which can prepare them to pursue more responsibility and increased pay upon graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX-RN to become an RN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To practice as an RN, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”](the NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-link], which measures a graduate’s readiness to begin practice as a registered nurse. The exam asks questions about safety, health promotion, and patients’ physical and psychological needs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an MSN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]Master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] NP programs require experience in nursing. Students typically take two years of full-time study to earn an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link]. Admission into most [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] requires or prefers students with at least two years of RN experience. MSN-NP programs also require a valid, unencumbered state nursing license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the national NP certification board exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This examination, like the NCLEX-RN, assesses a graduate’s readiness to work in the field as an NP. It typically comprises 150 multiple-choice questions. Different certifying bodies have differing exams for different specialty tracks.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Get state licensure as an NP[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each state has its own licensing requirements, but all require NPs to earn an MSN or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree and pass the national board exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner Specializations and Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular NP specializations focus on women’s health, family health, and neonatal health. Salary and certification requirements vary by state, specialization, and work setting, among other factors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salary figures for the positions listed below were sourced from [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link] (July 2025).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Family Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) comprise the largest percentage of NPs. FNPs care for patients of all ages and life stages, providing preventative care and treatment for illnesses, conditions, and injuries. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Family_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$107,520[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-gerontology NPs (AGNPs) specialize in acute or primary care and see patients in clinics, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. AGNPs perform physical exams and provide diagnoses for adults of all ages. Acute-care AGNPs treat existing illnesses and are more likely to work in hospitals, while primary-care AGNPs focus on preventative care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Adult-Gerontology_Nurse_Practitioner_(AGNP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$107,690[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working in clinics, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and substance misuse centers, these professionals focus on behavioral and mental health. Often specializing in patient populations, such as military/veterans or pediatrics, psychiatric NPs diagnose conditions, formulate treatment plans, and educate patients and caregivers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$124,590[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) specialize in primary or acute care of infants, children, and teens. PNPs see patients in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Acute care specialists work in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and urgent care clinics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Average Salary: [/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Pediatrics_Nurse_Practitioner_(NP)/Salary” target=”_blank”]$104,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Subspecialties[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After choosing a main specialty, NPs can also get [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/certifications-guide/”]certified in various subspecialties[/hen-ui-link], including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Orthopedics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospice and palliative care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dermatology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nephrology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Nurse Practitioners Make?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs are among the highest-paid nursing professionals. They earn a median annual salary near $130,000, although exact figures vary based on factors like experience and specialty.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NPs at hospitals make a median salary of $137,790, while those employed at physicians’ offices earn $129,820.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs in California earn the highest salaries in the U.S. However, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bea.gov/news/2024/real-personal-consumption-expenditures-state-and-real-personal-income-state-and” target=”_blank”]cost of living in the Golden State[/hen-ui-link] is the highest in the nation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job prospects look especially promising for NPs. The BLS projects a 46% rise in employment for NPs from 2023-2033, the third-fastest growth rate among occupations nationwide.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below lists the top five states in terms of average NP salaries.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Top Five States for NP Salaries (2024)[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]State[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]California[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$173,190[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]New York[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$148,410[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Oregon[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$148,030[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$145,145[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”State”]Washington[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$143,620[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes at least six years of school to become an NP, plus time working as an RN. Most full-time students need four years to earn a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] and two years to earn a master’s degree. Most schools require or strongly recommend at least two years of nursing experience before applying to an MSN-NP program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who gets paid more, an NP or a physician assistant?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/np-vs-physician-assistant/”]comparing nurse practitioners and physician assistants[/hen-ui-link] (PAs), these professionals earn comparable salaries, although PAs tend to be paid slightly more. As of May 2024, NPs earned a median salary of $129,210, while PAs earned $133,260 per year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can nurse practitioners prescribe medicine?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs working in states that grant full practice authority can prescribe medications without physician supervision. NPs working in states that only allow reduced or restricted practice authority can prescribe medication under physician supervision.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become a nurse practitioner?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accelerated programs can provide the fastest pathways to becoming an NP. Accelerated [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/rn-msn/”]RN-to-MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are for registered nurses and take about three years to complete, while [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/direct-entry-msn-program-guide/”]direct-entry MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] take 16-18 months for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who want to earn both their BSN and MSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]