Nurse practitioners fill the health care role between registered nurses and physicians. As physicians become more specialized, and a shortage of general practitioners is becoming evident, nurse practitioners are increasingly filling the void. Nurse practitioners can perform physical exams, prescribe treatment and medicine, and have the knowledge and training to be able to refer patients to the appropriate specialist.
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
Most nurse practitioners have already earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and continue on to earn a master's degree by completing nurse practitioner programs. You may also elect to specialize within the nurse practitioner career field by attending specific areas of study such as psychiatric nurse practitioner programs, neonatal nurse practitioner programs, or pediatric nurse practitioner programs. A typical nurse practitioner program might consist of classroom study combined with intensive laboratory and clinical work. Aspiring nurse practitioners must pass a national examination prior to receiving their license to practice.
Career Growth and Salary Range Projected for Nurse Practitioners
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the nurse practitioner career field may grow by as much as 22 percent through 2018. This above average growth can be attributed to a continued shortage of general practitioner physicians and the growing need for general health care for an aging population. The median annual salary for a registered nurse in 2009 was $63,750 and the top 10 percent earned about $93,700. Nurse practitioners can approach the upper end of this range.
University of Phoenix makes higher education highly accessible. More>>
- MS in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner
Make the most of your potential with a quality education from South University. Earn your degree online, on your own timetable, or at one of our five convenient campus locations. More>>
- Family Nurse Practitioner (MS)
West Coast University can help prepare you for a rewarding health care career. More>>
- Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN to BSN)
Get your career started with Fort Hays State University. More>>
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University. More>>
- Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
Founded in 1789, Georgetown University is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Today, Georgetown is a major international research university that embodies its founding principles in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character. More>>
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Midwifery/Womens Health Nurse Practitioner
