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Career Paths in Healthcare: Nurse Practitioner 

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. 
  • 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. 

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/ 

 

 

Medical Physiology Career Options

Medical Physiology Career Options

Overview Advanced Career Non-Healthcare Careers

Career and Salary Information for Jobs Related to Medical Physiology

How a Physiology Degree Benefits You

By completing a graduate program in medical physiology, you’ll develop an in-demand skill set and make a real difference in the physical health of others. You’ll also expand your access to a diverse array of related occupations, including the ones listed below. Each of these jobs enjoys a higher median salary than the national overall median of $45,760 and has a higher estimated rate of employment increase than the 13 percent average growth rate for U.S. occupations overall.1

Physiology Careers Within the Healthcare Industry

The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates indicate that 2 million healthcare jobs will be added between 20121 and 2031, a higher growth rate than any other occupational group.2 Earning a certificate in medical physiology can help you advance your career in this robust industry, in occupations including:

Epidemiologist
Use your problem-solving skills to investigate causes of diseases and injuries as an epidemiologist. You can combine your passions for resolving complex problems and medical physiology while helping to prevent the spread of diseases. Epidemiologists earn a median salary of $78,830 per year (about $37.90 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 26 percent.3

Medical Scientist
Apply your research skills toward improving overall human health as a medical scientist. Using clinical trials and other analytical methods, you’ll conduct research that will contribute to the prevention and treatment of — and potential cures for — diseases. Medical scientists earn a median salary of $95,310 per year (about $45.82 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 17 percent.4

Physician Assistant
Collaborate with other healthcare workers as you examine and treat patients as a physician assistant. You’ll be able to work in a variety of environments, including hospitals, primary care offices and surgery centers. Physician assistants earn a median salary of $121,530 per year (about $58.43 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 28 percent.5

 

Advanced Career Options Related to Physiology

Perhaps you have your sights set on attending a health-profession school to achieve your long-term goal of becoming a doctor in a specific medical field, like the occupations listed below. Completing a medical physiology graduate program will strengthen your understanding of the human body: an advantage which can improve your scores on the MCAT and other similar exams, increasing your chances of being accepted into your desired health-profession school.

Physician
Pursue your passion for patient care in a fast-paced environment as a physician. You’ll make important decisions regarding your patients’ medications and order and interpret diagnostic testing based on their medical history and current symptoms. Physicians earn a median salary of $208,000 per year (or $100.00 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 3 percent.6

Dentist
Teach your patients the oral hygiene habits that will help them prevent diseases and promote overall health! As a dentist, you’ll conduct regular exams and treat your patients’ teeth, gums and other related parts of their mouth. Dentists earn a median salary of $163,220 per year (or $78.47 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 6 percent.7

Optometrist
Use your vision care expertise to help your patients avoid visual abnormalities and ocular diseases! As you conduct exams, you’ll help your patients see life’s important moments clearly. Optometrists earn a median salary of $124,300 per year (or $59.76 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 10 percent.8

Physiology Careers Outside the Healthcare Industry

If a career in the healthcare industry is not of interest to you, that’s ok! As a student in a medical physiology graduate program, you’ll develop critical thinking skills and learn to conduct thorough research. These competencies are in high demand and can be transferred to areas beyond the healthcare industry, such as the occupations listed below.

Adjunct Professor
Share your passion for physiology with the next generation of students as an adjunct professor. Teaching in a public or private college provides you with the opportunity to work almost anywhere around the world. Adjunct professors earn a median salary of $79,640 per year (or $38.29 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 12 percent.9

Exercise Physiologist
Assist individuals recovering from cardiovascular or other chronic conditions as an exercise physiologist. You’ll use the latest fitness research to develop customized training programs that will improve your patients’ overall body composition and flexibility. Exercise physiologists earn a median salary of $47,940 per year (or $23.05 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 9 percent.10

Technical Writer
Use your ability to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand format as a technical writer. Through research and collaboration, you’ll guide your readers through challenging technical tasks, such as setting up complex equipment, and develop journal articles and other supporting documents. Technical writers earn a median salary of $78,060 per year (or $37.53 per hour) with a projected increase in employment of 6 percent.11

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available on the occupational pages referenced below. 2 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm. 3 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/epidemiologists.htm. 4 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/medical-scientists.htm. 5 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm. 6 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm. 7 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dentists.htm. 8 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/optometrists.htm. 9 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm. 10 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/exercise-physiologists.htm. 11 Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” United States Department of Labor, September 2022. Available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/technical-writers.htm.

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