Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are advanced healthcare professionals who provide primary and specialty medical care to patients of all ages. They perform physical exams, diagnose health conditions, order and analyze diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and create treatment plans. Using modern medical equipment and electronic health records, they work collaboratively with doctors and healthcare teams to deliver comprehensive patient care. This career requires a master's degree in nursing and offers opportunities to specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or mental health.
Did you know?
Nurse Practitioners must complete a Master's or Doctoral degree program and pass national certification exams to practice legally in the United States.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$129,100 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Top skill
Active Listening
Things to consider
State-Specific Scope of Practice
The level of independence and prescriptive authority varies significantly by state, with some allowing full practice authority while others require physician supervision.
High Demand and Job Growth
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects much faster than average job growth for Nurse Practitioners due to healthcare expansion and physician shortages across America.
Key responsibilities
Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Recommend interventions to modify behavior associated with health risks.
Perform primary care procedures such as suturing, splinting, administering immunizations, taking cultures, and debriding wounds.
Recommend diagnostic or therapeutic interventions with attention to safety, cost, invasiveness, simplicity, acceptability, adherence, and efficacy.
Counsel patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with other substances, such as food supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or herbal remedies.