FAQ
Nurse Practitioner FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a nurse practitioner.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a nurse practitioner: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about nurse practitioners
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.
Is nurse practitioner a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +41.0% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 29,400 openings each year. Upsides include among the fastest-growing jobs; a common challenge is that years of education.
What skills does a nurse practitioner need?
Key technical skills include advanced assessment, pharmacology, diagnosis, and chronic disease management. Employers also value empathy, communication, and critical thinking.
What certifications are available for nurse practitioners?
Common credentials include FNP-BC or FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, State APRN license, and DEA registration. NPs need an RN license, national board certification and a state APRN license. Practice authority varies by state.
Still deciding?
Try the Nurse Practitioner fit quiz, compare with Registered Nurse, or explore Nurse Practitioner training.
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.