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
Critical Thinking
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
Analyze and interpret patients' histories, symptoms, physical findings, or diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.
Provide patients or caregivers with assistance in locating health care resources.
Treat or refer patients for primary care conditions, such as headaches, hypertension, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and dermatological conditions.
Maintain departmental policies and procedures in areas such as safety and infection control.
Detect and respond to adverse drug reactions, with special attention to vulnerable populations such as infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, or older adults.