Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who provide primary and specialty healthcare services to patients. Their job description typically includes conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, educating patients about health management, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. NPs may specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, or mental health.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $93,560.00 |
25th percentile | $106,090.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $125,090.00 |
75th percentile | $133,120.00 |
90th percentile | $140,290.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $44.98 |
25th percentile | $51.01 |
median (50th percentile) | $60.14 |
75th percentile | $64.00 |
90th percentile | $67.45 |
To become a Nurse Practitioner, individuals typically need to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, obtain a registered nurse (RN) license by passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and then pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in advanced practice nursing. Postgraduate certification and licensure exams specific to the NP specialty are also required. Therefore, completion of high school and college, including graduate-level education, is necessary to become a Nurse Practitioner. Training for Nurse Practitioners involves a mix of classroom instruction, clinical experience, and specialized coursework in areas such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, and health assessment. Clinical rotations in various healthcare settings provide hands-on experience, allowing NPs to develop skills in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care independently under the supervision of experienced professionals. Continuing education and periodic recertification are essential to maintain licensure and stay current with advancements in healthcare practice.