Registered Nurse
Assess patients, give treatments, coordinate care and educate families.
- $97,550
- 2–4 years
Healthcare career
Nurse Practitioner
Also called: NP · Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) · APRN · Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
What nurse practitioners do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a nurse practitioner do?
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who assess patients, diagnose conditions, order tests, prescribe medications and manage care, often as primary care providers. The median pay is $132,300 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6–8 years including RN education, and employment is projected to grow +41.0% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$132,300$63.61/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+41.0%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year29,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train6–8 years including RN educationTypical program length
- U.S. jobs336,300Employment, 2025
What nurse practitioners do
Nurse practitioners (NPs) combine nursing and medical care. They see patients for checkups and illnesses, diagnose and manage chronic conditions, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and teach patients how to stay healthy. Most specialize in a population, such as family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women’s health or psychiatric-mental health. In many states NPs can practice independently.
NPs are registered nurses with a master’s or doctoral degree (MSN or DNP) and national board certification. BLS projects employment of nurse practitioners to grow by about 41 percent from 2025 to 2035, one of the fastest rates of any occupation.
Typical duties
- Assess and examine patients
- Diagnose acute and chronic conditions
- Prescribe medications and treatments
- Order and interpret tests
- Manage chronic disease
- Educate patients and families
- Coordinate referrals and care
Work environment and schedule
NPs work in primary care clinics, hospitals, specialty practices, urgent care, schools and telehealth.
Schedule: Clinic NPs usually work weekdays; hospital NPs may work shifts, nights and weekends.
A day in the life
- Review the clinic schedule and messages.
- See a child with an ear infection.
- Adjust blood pressure medications for an adult.
- Do an annual wellness exam.
See a full day in the life of a nurse practitioner →
Nurse Practitioner salary
Half of nurse practitioners earned more than $132,300 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $101,340 for the lowest 10% to $174,420 for the top 10%.
Full nurse practitioner pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a nurse practitioner
- Become a registered nurse
- Gain RN experience
- Complete an MSN or DNP
- Pass a board exam
- Get an APRN license
Nurse practitioners are RNs with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) and national board certification in a specialty.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a nurse practitioner →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Advanced assessment
- Pharmacology
- Diagnosis
- Chronic disease management
- Patient education
People skills
- Empathy
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Independence
All nurse practitioner skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Among the fastest-growing jobs
- High pay
- Independent practice in many states
- Strong patient relationships
Cons
- Years of education
- Heavy patient loads
- Documentation burden
- Liability and responsibility
Certifications and licenses
- FNP-BC or FNP-C: Family NP board certification (ANCC or AANP).
- PMHNP-BC: Psychiatric-mental health NP certification.
- State APRN license: Required to practice.
- DEA registration: To prescribe controlled substances.
Career path
- Registered Nurse: Gain experience.
- Nurse Practitioner: Provide care.
- Lead NP or Clinic Director: Lead teams.
- Practice Owner or Nursing Faculty: Own a practice or teach.
Learn the job before day one
Our Nurse Practitioner training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as manage a patient with hypertension and conduct an annual wellness visit, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Physician Assistant
Examine, diagnose and treat patients as part of a physician-led team.
- $135,880
- About 6–7 years after high school
Nurse Midwife
Care for women through pregnancy, birth and every stage of reproductive health.
- $134,040
- 6–8 years including RN education
Nurse Anesthetist
Give anesthesia and keep patients safe during surgery and procedures.
- $236,590
- 7–8+ years including RN and ICU experience
Compare: NP vs. RN · NP vs. Physician Assistant · NP vs. CNM · NP vs. CRNA
Nurse Practitioner FAQ
Do NPs need to be RNs first?
Yes, NPs are registered nurses with graduate education.
Can NPs practice independently?
In many states, yes; others require a collaborative agreement.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects one of the fastest growth rates of any occupation.
How much does a nurse practitioner make?
The median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $132,300 ($63.61 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $101,340 and the highest 10% earned more than $174,420.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
Most people need about 6–8 years including RN education of training. Nurse practitioners are RNs with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP) and national board certification in a specialty.
Do you need a degree to be a nurse practitioner?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More nurse practitioner questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1171 (Nurse practitioners).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Nurse practitioners (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.