There are many reasons you might be interested in learning more about what it truly means to be a nurse practitioner. Perhaps you’re a practicing nurse ready to take the next step or a healthcare professional seeking a role with a stronger focus on patient care. You might even be exploring different paths in medicine to find the best fit for your skills and passions. 

Whatever brings you here, pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner (NP) could be the right path forward. With advanced degrees, NPs hold prescriptive authority, specialize across a wide range of healthcare areas and — in many states — practice independently. This expanded role not only enhances patient care but also opens doors to fulfilling, well-compensated specialties. 

Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to become a nurse practitioner and the rewarding career opportunities this path can offer. 

Nurse Practitioners: An Introduction 

Before diving into the diverse specialties and benefits of being a nurse practitioner, it’s helpful to have a clear picture of what an NP is.  

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do? 

Also known as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse practitioners provide care to a wide variety of patients. Like doctors, they perform physical exams, diagnose and treat medical conditions, order and interpret diagnostic exams and prescribe medications. NPs practice in multiple specialties (as well as in primary care) and work in a range of settings, including hospitals, clinics and outpatient facilities. 

How To Become a Nurse Practitioner 

Becoming an NP requires a significant commitment to education and licensing. The typical journey spans five to nine years, starting with a bachelor’s degree and culminating in NP certification. Here’s a breakdown of the typical path: 

• Completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)  
• Obtaining licensure as a registered nurse (RN) 
• Earning a graduate degree, typically either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) 
• Passing the National NP Certification Board Exam in a specialty area 

How NPs Differ From Physician Assistants and Physicians 

While all three roles focus on providing care to patients, there are several differences between them: 

• Education 
  Unlike NPs, physician assistants earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies or a related program. Physicians undergo the most intensive education path, with four years of medical school followed by several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. 

• Scope of practice 
  NPs can diagnose, treat and prescribe medications, sometimes without physician oversight, depending on the state. PAs, however, generally work under the supervision of a physician and have a scope of practice defined by both state regulations and their supervising physician. Physicians have the broadest scope and can make fully independent medical decisions, lead medical teams and perform specialized procedures and surgeries. 
• Approach to patient care 
  NPs are trained in a nursing model that emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care, with a focus on preventive health and managing long-term wellness goals. PAs and physicians follow a medical model centered on diagnosing and treating specific conditions, with a concentration on addressing acute and chronic illnesses. 

Nurse Practitioner Specializations and Career Paths 

As a nurse practitioner, you can choose from a range of specialties tailored to different patient populations and healthcare needs. Most NPs select a specialty area while earning their graduate degree, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and training within their chosen field: 

• Primary care: Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide care across the lifespan, offering preventative care while focusing on health education for long-term wellness. 

• Psychiatric Mental Health: In this specialty, NPs focus on helping patients manage conditions like depression and anxiety through psychotherapy, counseling and medication management. 

• Pediatrics and Neonatology: These specialists work with children and infants, often in specialized hospital units. 

• Emergency and Critical Care: Critical care NPs thrive in high-stakes environments, providing emergency care in hospitals. 

• Oncology, Cardiology and Women’s Health: These specialized roles focus on managing complex conditions, offering treatment plans and emotional support to patients. 

Benefits of Being a Nurse Practitioner 

The number of career paths in healthcare is vast. However, the advantages of choosing the nurse practitioner route are substantial: 

• Job flexibility
  Nurse practitioners have the flexibility to work across specializations and choose schedules that fit their lifestyle. Depending on the healthcare setting, NPs often have the option of full- or part-time roles, making it easier to balance professional and personal responsibilities. 

• Autonomy 
  In about half of U.S. states, NPs have full practice authority, which allows them to treat patients independently. This autonomy is especially impactful in underserved areas where NPs can bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility. 

• Career advancement 
  Many NPs expand their skills by gaining certifications in multiple specializations. Experienced NPs can also transition into leadership positions, such as clinical directors or healthcare administrators. 

• Positive job outlook 
  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for nurse practitioners is bright, with a rapid growth of 40% expected between now and 2033. 

• Competitive salary 
  The BLS states that the 2023 median pay for nurse practitioners was a competitive $129,480 per year. 

Take The First Step Toward Your Medical Career 

Whether your goal is to become a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or another healthcare role, earning a graduate credential from the University of Florida can give your professional school application a competitive edge. 

Our online graduate programs cater to diverse educational and professional backgrounds, offering an in-depth understanding of essential medical fields such as medical physiology, anatomy, pharmacology and aging. Choose from master’s degrees or graduate certificates based on your goals and the skills you want to highlight on your resume for professional school. 

With entirely online courses, you can maintain your work-life balance while accelerating your career in medicine. Our programs offer competitive tuition, distinguished faculty and flexible year-round start dates, making it easy to start when you’re ready and take your career to the next level. 

Prepared to take the first step? Apply today! 

Sources:
https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/explore-the-variety-of-career-paths-for-nurse-practitioners
https://www.ama-assn.org/sites/ama-assn.org/files/corp/media-browser/specialty
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7547148/