Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Career & Salary Outlook

What is the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse?

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The main differences between these two careers are the amount of education and scope of work. An RN must be a graduate of a school of nursing and may only have an Associate's degree (some states require a Bachelor degree). A nurse's primary role is to provide care to patients in a hospital setting; in a physician's office it is their responsibility to prepare the patient for their visit by taking basic information as well as simple checks such as blood pressure and weight of the patient.

A nurse practitioner must already be an RN, complete at least a Master's degree, and hold national certification as well as state certification in their area of expertise. They examine patients the same way doctors do and hold most of the same duties, such as prescribing medicine and ordering tests in order to make a diagnosis of an ailment. In some states they may open their own practice and work independently; in other states they must be under the general supervision of a licensed physician.

Career Outlook

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The job outlook for those pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner is excellent and one of the fastest growing fields in the country. Nurse practitioner job growth is projected at 36% over the next decade, much faster than the growth of all occupations. In comparison, the national growth for all occupations is 9%; the need for registered nurses is projected to grow 15%.

The field itself is competitive due to the extensive education required. That being said, because the demand is so high there are many scholarships and grants available for those who decide to become a nurse practitioner.

As follows the basic rule of supply and demand nurse practitioners can expect their income to increase as they gain experience in the field. On average you can expect your salary to rise five to seven thousand dollars for every five years experience you gain; this amount will most likely change with future modifications of the healthcare system.

In 2017 the median salary for all nurse practitioners was $103,880. The lowest ten percent, typically reflecting those just entering the field, earned $74, 840. The highest ten percent, reflecting those with the most experience, earned a median salary of $146,630 per year.

Keep in mind location is a factor in the salary of a nurse practitioner; for example, one residing in California has an average salary 17% higher than the national median and one working in Chicago earns 5% less. It's a good idea to look at state cost of living expenses before relocating to another state because of an offer of a desirable salary.

Advancing From Here

Although becoming a nurse practitioner is an excellent career choice, you might choose to earn a terminal degree and advance your career further. A Doctor of Nursing Practice will allow you to develop nursing informatics systems, oversee large nursing staffs, teach at nursing schools, and help draft nursing policies. You might also choose to expand your education in your area of specialization by earning further certification. Here are some examples of advanced occupations and certifications you might choose to earn:

Because the field of nurse practitioners is evolving and highly sought after, you can take your career as far as you're willing to advance. The highest levels of nursing professionals are the Chief Nursing Officer, who is in charge of the entire nursing operations of a major hospital or the Chief Nursing Executive, who is involved in the analysis, development, and integration of health policies on the state or national level.