Nurse practitioner
Advanced practice nurses who diagnose, treat and prescribe, with the fastest projected growth of any nursing role.
What the job involves
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with graduate training who assess patients, order and interpret tests, diagnose conditions, prescribe medication and manage treatment. They work in primary care, hospitals, urgent care, and specialty clinics. Most NPs choose a population focus during training, such as family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, women’s health or psychiatric-mental health.
How much an NP can do without a physician’s oversight depends on the state. Some states grant full practice authority, and others require a collaboration or supervision agreement. Check the state board of nursing for the rules where you plan to work.
Education and certification
The route is: earn an RN license, complete a master’s (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an NP track, pass a national certification exam in your population focus, then apply to the state for advanced practice licensure. National certification is offered by bodies such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Admission usually requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an active RN license and some clinical experience, though requirements differ by school. Clinical hours in graduate programs are supervised and you may need to find your own preceptors, so ask each school how placements work. Programs should be accredited by ACEN or CCNE: see nursing school accreditation.
Pay and outlook
The median nurse practitioner earned $132,300 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 323,040 employed. The Bureau projects 41% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 29,400 openings a year once retirements and job changes are included. By state, the median runs from $105,750 in Alabama to $168,520 in California.See nurse practitioner pay by state for every state.
Steps to get there
- Earn a nursing degree and an RN license (how to become a nurse).
- Gain clinical experience if your chosen program asks for it.
- Complete an accredited MSN or DNP with an NP track.
- Pass the national certification exam for your population focus.
- Apply to your state board for advanced practice licensure and prescriptive authority.
Common questions
Do nurse practitioners need a doctorate?
Not at present. A master’s degree remains the common entry route, though some schools have moved their NP programs to the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Check the requirements of the certifying body and the state board for your plans.
How is a nurse practitioner different from a registered nurse?
Both are nurses, but an NP has graduate education and national certification that allow diagnosing, ordering tests and prescribing. A registered nurse needs an associate or bachelor’s degree and delivers and coordinates patient care.