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 $126,260 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$126,260/yr
Typical range
$94,530 to $168,030
Job growth
45%
Openings / yr
26,300
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
- Dentist$170,910 median
- Pharmacist$132,750 median
- Physician Assistant$126,010 median
- Health Services Administrator$110,680 median
- Physical Therapist$99,710 median
- Occupational Therapist$93,180 median
Not sure this is right for you?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to match your interests to majors and careers.
Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (wages May 2023, projections 2022-2032) and O*NET. National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.