Becoming an NP in the Healthcare Field
Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients. They conduct health assessments, diagnose acute and chronic conditions, and create treatment plans. Along with other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse practitioners assume leadership roles in healthcare.
Registered nurses can increase their responsibilities and earning potential by enrolling in one of the best nurse practitioner programs. A nurse practitioner degree strengthens graduate students' patient care, clinical diagnosis, and assessment skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners rank among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. Nurse practitioners also earn above-average salaries; the BLS reports that APRNs earn a median salary of over $115,000 per year.
In addition to ranking the best NP programs, this article introduces career and salary information for NPs, common NP courses, and scholarships for nurse practitioner students.
FAQ About NP Programs
What is a nurse practitioner?
Nurse practitioners provide specialty and primary care for patients. They conduct health assessments, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans
How long does it take to earn an NP degree?
A nurse practitioner degree typically takes 2-4 years to complete. During an NP degree program, students complete coursework and clinical requirements.
What is an APRN?
APRNs hold a graduate degree in nursing and provide advanced nursing care. Nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists qualify as APRNs.
What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse?
Nurse practitioners hold a graduate degree and work as advanced practice RNs. As a result, nurse practitioners typically earn higher salaries and take on more responsibilities than RNs.
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Career and Salary Outlook for Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners work in a high-demand, lucrative field. Along with nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners earn the highest salaries in the nursing profession.
According to the BLS, nurse practitioners earn a median salary of nearly $110,000 per year. The highest-paid nurse practitioners earn over $184,000 per year. The BLS projects demand for APRNs to grow 45% between 2019-2029.
The earning potential for APRNs varies depending on where they work. Those who work in hospital settings and doctors' offices earn above-average salaries for the profession. Some roles, however, may require irregular hours or shift care.
Nurse practitioners can pursue certification to demonstrate their expertise and stand out in the job market. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board grant specialty certifications for nurse practitioners.
| Career | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | Less than $82,460 | $115,800 | More than $184,180 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Accreditation for Nursing Degrees
Prospective nurse practitioner students should always choose an accredited school and program. Accredited NP degrees meet the educational requirement for professional licenses and certifications. Choosing an unaccredited program can thus affect a nurse's job prospects after earning a nurse practitioner degree.
The best nurse practitioner programs hold accreditation from either the Accreditation Commission For Education In Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission On Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Learn more about why accreditation matters in our accreditation guide.
Courses in a Nurse Practitioner Program
Nurse practitioner programs strengthen students' clinical and research skills. During a nurse practitioner degree, learners study topics like advanced health assessment, clinical diagnosis, and primary care across the lifespan. Students also take specialized courses depending on their concentration. Options available for concentrations include psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse practitioners, and women's health nurse practitioners.
In addition to classroom training, degree-seekers complete hands-on, experiential requirements. The best NP programs connect nursing students with clinical practicum opportunities in various healthcare settings.
While classes may vary depending on the school and concentration, the following list outlines courses commonly found in NP programs.
- Advanced Health Assessment:
In this course, learners strengthen their assessment skills in areas including mental health assessment and abnormal findings. The course also trains nurse practitioners to order diagnostic tests based on health assessments and interpret their results. Students also learn strategies for working with culturally diverse patients.
- Advanced Primary Care:
Nurse practitioners learn to provide primary care for various clients. Depending on their specialization, coursework may focus on primary care for populations like adults, children, aging patients, or patients with mental health issues. The course emphasizes the differential diagnosis process, caring for individuals across the lifespan, and primary care settings.
- Clinical Diagnosis:
In clinical diagnosis courses, learners study the process of evaluating and diagnosing medical conditions. Topics may include health promotion, illness prevention, and managing conditions. Nursing students also learn care strategies, including how to create healthcare management plans.
- Quality Improvement and Patient Care:
This course trains nurse practitioners to measure patient outcomes and implement improvement plans. Learners study topics like continuous quality improvement methodologies, outcome measurement tools, and data collection in patient-focused settings. The course prepares nurse practitioners for leading roles in healthcare organizations.
Evidence-Based Practice: This course teaches students how to evaluate nursing research and apply it in practice. Students review research in their field and explore the relationship between scholarship and clinical practice. Students also learn how to identify relevant evidence, evaluate nursing research, develop practice-based questions, and measure the impact of evidence-based policies.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs
Our list ranks the best nurse practitioner programs. Prospective nurse practitioners can use our ranking to identify programs that fit their interests, career goals, and schedule. By choosing one of the best NP programs, nurses can move into a high-demand role and increase their earning potential.
