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/ 

If you know you’re interested in a career in medical science but not sure which direction you’re headed in, we see you. From public health to research, there are so many avenues to consider, and it can be hard to know where to begin. 

 Two of the most common paths that students explore? Medicine and education. While they may seem worlds apart, both rely heavily on a foundation in human anatomy, physiology and biomedical science. Most importantly, both offer meaningful, impactful careers. 

Not sure which option aligns best with your personality, goals or skillset? Below, we’re breaking down what you need to know about careers in medicine vs. education, including potential roles and key differences to consider before making your decision. 

Careers in Medicine: Using Medical Sciences to Treat Patients 

In the medical field, there are countless ways to apply a background in the sciences, especially if your education is rooted in anatomy and physiology. That foundation often leads to hands-on, patient-centered roles like:  

• Physician (MD or DO) 

• Physician assistant (PA) 

• Nurse practitioner (NP) 

• Surgeon 

• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) 

• Dentist

Want a deeper dive into what each of these careers involves? Visit our Career Options page for detailed descriptions, average salaries and educational requirements. 

How UF Can Help 

If you feel drawn to one of the medical sciences careers above, the right academic foundation can make all the difference. At UF, we offer several flexible programs designed to strengthen your background in anatomy and physiology while helping you stand out in competitive applicant pools. 

 Explore the entirely online program options below:  

• Master’s Degree in Medical Anatomy and Physiology: A comprehensive, graduate-level program ideal for students preparing for professional school. 

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology: Designed with the MCAT in mind, this certificate includes coursework aligned with some of the exam’s content areas. In as little as a year, you can strengthen your application and prep for the test at the same time. 

• Graduate Certificate in Medical Human Anatomy: If you already have a background in physiology and want to expand your expertise before applying to medical school, this 12-credit program can round out your knowledge. Focusing on anatomical systems, it helps position you as a prepared, competitive applicant for continued education and professional training.

Careers in Education: Using Medical Sciences to Teach Future Providers 

Educating the next generation of healthcare professionals is a vital, often underappreciated role. Many students dream of becoming physicians, but who inspired them to take that path?  

Chances are an anatomy professor or a mentor in a pre-health program helped spark that passion. So, if you’re more drawn to shaping futures than scrubbing in, a career in medical sciences education might be your calling. 

Here are some of the most common — and inspiring — roles in medical science education:  

• College instructor: Whether you’re teaching AP Anatomy and Physiology at a dual-enrollment high school or guiding students through foundational coursework at the community college level, instructors in medical sciences often shape the trajectory of future doctors, nurses and researchers.

• Simulation lab specialist: These professionals support hands-on, clinical learning by running high-tech simulation labs at universities, medical schools and hospitals. Their role is fundamental in helping students and residents practice procedures and decision-making in a safe, controlled environment. 

• Curriculum developer or instructional designer: Professionals in this role design anatomy and physiology course content, lab manuals or interactive modules (often for online or hybrid healthcare education programs).

• Academic advisor or student success coach (pre-health): Many universities hire professionals with strong science backgrounds to mentor and guide pre-med, pre-PA or pre-nursing students through academic planning and career preparation.

How UF Can Help 

Sure, we offer several programs tailored to aspiring physicians, but the educators who teach them the fundamentals are just as critical to a thriving healthcare system. That’s why we offer an online master’s degree and a graduate certificate in anatomical sciences education.  

They may sound similar, but each credential is designed with a different goal (and audience) in mind. Read on to see which might be the better fit for your future:  

• Master’s Degree in Anatomical Sciences Education 

This comprehensive, 31-credit program blends advanced content in human anatomy, histology, embryology and cell biology with specialized coursework in teaching pedagogy. 

This program offers the well-rounded preparation you need to succeed both in the classroom and behind the scenes in curriculum development, especially if you’re transitioning from a clinical or research role into academia or want to teach at the college level.  

• Graduate Certificate in Anatomical Sciences Education
  Ideal for current instructors, lab professionals or those considering a move into teaching, this 12-credit program offers a fast-track introduction to evidence-based teaching strategies.

  It also provides targeted coursework in your subject area of choice, such as medical embryology, histology or cell biology. It’s a flexible, low-commitment way to sharpen your skills and explore the field before pursuing a full master’s degree.

Key Differences to Consider 

While the most obvious distinction between these two paths is the end goal (one leads to practicing medicine, the other focuses on teaching anatomy and physiology) there are other, less obvious differences that are just as important to weigh:  

• Salary potential 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners earn a median salary of $132,050 per year, while postsecondary health science educators earn around $73,800 annually. Both are stable, high-demand roles, but the salary range can vary depending on location, credentials and setting.  

• Length of education 

Many educators can begin teaching after completing a graduate certificate or master’s degree in medical sciences, especially in college-level or non-licensure roles. In contrast, future physicians typically complete four years of medical school, followed by three to seven years of residency, depending on their specialty. 

• Patient impact 

Educators don’t work with patients directly, but their influence can be far-reaching; they shape how future physicians think and care. Clinicians, on the other hand, work one-on-one with patients, providing diagnosis, treatment and direct medical care.  

• Certifications and licensure 

Educators may need a state teaching license (especially for high school or K–12 roles), but those teaching at the college level often do not. Medical professionals must pass national board exams (e.g., USMLE or COMLEX) and obtain licensure to practice in their state. 

FAQs: Medical Sciences Careers in Medicine vs. Education 

Not sure which path fits your goals best? Here are answers to common questions students ask when deciding between a medical sciences career in medicine or education:  

• What’s the main difference between medicine and education careers in the medical sciences?  

Medical careers involve treating patients directly, while education careers focus on teaching future healthcare professionals.  

• Which path takes longer to complete?  

Medical careers usually take longer: often seven to 11 years post-undergrad. Education roles typically require a master’s or graduate certificate, which can be completed in one to two years.  

• Do medical professionals earn more than educators?  

Generally, yes. Medical roles tend to offer higher salaries, but both paths provide stable, rewarding careers.  

• How can UF help me prepare?  

UF offers online graduate programs tailored to both paths, whether you’re aiming for medical school or a career in teaching anatomy and physiology.  

Carve Your Path with a Graduate Credential from UF 

If you dream of diagnosing patients or teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals, the right academic foundation can set you apart. The University of Florida’s online graduate programs in medical sciences are designed to help you get there.  

Our flexible, fully online programs offer a targeted, rigorous curriculum that can help you strengthen your application to medical school or pivot into an impactful education career. No matter where you’re headed — medicine, teaching, research or beyond — our programs are designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward with confidence. 

Ready to start your journey? Explore your options and find the program that fits your goals. 

Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm 

https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes252031.htm 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm#tab-4