How to Become a Nurse Practitioner
Diagnose and treat illness as an advanced practice nurse, prescribe medication, and manage patient care independently or with physicians. It typically requires a master's degree (msn or dnp after rn licensure), with a median salary of $132,300 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$132,300/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
29,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Advanced Clinical Assessment
- Diagnosis
- Pharmacology
- Patient Care
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- NCLEX-RN
- National NP Board Certification (AANP or ANCC)
- State APRN Licensure
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
20/100
Work-life balance
48/100
Stress level
68/100
Satisfaction
78/100
Related careers
- Psychiatrist$281,870 median
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Nurse Practitioner make?
The median pay for a Nurse Practitioner is $132,300 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Nurse Practitioner?
The usual entry point is a master's degree (msn or dnp after rn licensure). Common majors are Nursing, Pre-Nursing, and Health Sciences.
Is Nurse Practitioner a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 29,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Nurse Practitioner use most?
Common skills for this role are Advanced Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, Pharmacology, Patient Care, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.