Nurse Practitioner

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process. Level of Study Make a selection Select One Bachelor's Master's Doctoral Bridge Associate's Certificates High School Dual Class Setting Make a selection First select a degree level Area of Study Make a selection First select a degree level and how you would like to attend Program Make a selection First select degree level, modality, and area of interest Job Description What Is a Nurse Practitioner? A nurse practitioner (NP) is a type of nurse who provides hands-on, direct patient care . This role is a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). All APRNs, including nurse practitioners, must complete advanced education and training beyond that of registered nurses (RNs), and as a result, they can practice with a higher degree of autonomy. Nurse practitioners also have a broader scope of responsibilities, allowing them to serve as nurse leaders and mentors when necessary. Nurse practitioners may focus on caring for specific patient populations, working within practice areas such as pediatrics, women’s health, family health and psychiatric mental health . Within their practice area, NPs prioritize a holistic approach to care, often focusing on health promotion, disease prevention and patient education. Role What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do? A nurse practitioner can provide primary and specialty patient-centered care. They manage patient health, conducting physical exams, making diagnoses, developing patient care plans and administering treatments. A nurse practitioner often performs the following daily responsibilities: Nurse practitioners make nursing diagnoses based on physical examinations, symptoms and diagnostic test results. Treatments An NP can provide curative, palliative and preventive treatments for acute and chronic health conditions. Education They educate patients and family caregivers about disease prevention, condition management and healthy lifestyle choices. Nurse Practitioner vs. RN vs. Physician Assistant: What’s the Difference? If you’re exploring how to become a nurse practitioner, it can help to compare the NP role with related healthcare careers. While registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants may all work directly with patients, NPs typically complete advanced nursing education and may diagnose conditions, create care plans and prescribe medications, depending on state regulations. The table below highlights key differences between these roles. Role Education Main Responsibilities Level of Autonomy Best For Registered Nurse ADN or BSN Works under nursing scope and care team structure Starting a nursing career MSN or DNP, certification, APRN licensure Diagnose conditions, create treatment plans, prescribe where permitted, provide primary or specialty care Higher autonomy; varies by state Master’s-level PA program and certification Diagnose, treat, prescribe, assist physicians across specialties Practices in collaboration with physicians Outlook Is Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Worth It? Learning how to become a nurse practitioner can be worth it if you value a strong job growth outlook. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for nurse practitioners is expected to be 40% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 128,400 new jobs in the field . (See disclaimer 1 ) Additionally, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $129,210 as of May 2024. (See disclaimer 2 ) Additionally, fulfilling the nurse practitioner education requirements and advancing into this APRN role can enable you to have a profound impact on patient care. You’ll practice with a high degree of autonomy while embracing a broad scope of responsibility. Nurse practitioners can work in a variety of settings, including outpatient care centers and inpatient departments in hospitals. Their available work settings may be influenced by their chosen practice area. (See disclaimer 3 ) A nurse practitioner's work environment may include these common settings: (See disclaimer 3 ) Hospitals Nurse practitioners provide nursing leadership in hospital settings, along with care in a variety of practice areas. In physicians’ offices, NPs may be primary care providers, working with patients across the lifespan. Outpatient Care Centers At outpatient care centers, NPs can treat patients with acute or chronic health conditions. Schools Some nurse practitioners may work in schools providing direct patient care to students, while others may become nurse educators. How To Become a Nurse Practitioner Nurse practitioners are experienced clinicians with advanced training. Before you become an NP , you will first need to become a registered nurse (RN) . Then, you can explore new career opportunities with additional education, training and certification. (See disclaimer 4 ) Become a registered nurse by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing and passing the NCLEX-RN (See disclaimer ® ) to obtain an RN license. Earn a Graduate Degree After gaining clinical experience in nursing, pursue a graduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nurse practitioner specialization. Pass an NP Certification Exam Pass a national certification exam for nurse practitioners and obtain state licensure as an APRN. Education What Are Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements? High School Diploma The path to becoming a nurse practitioner starts with earning a high school diploma . Focus on getting good grades and consider taking advanced classes, if possible. Helpful electives can include anatomy and physiology, health education, computer applications, first aid and introductory nursing. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure) Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Pre-Licensure, Accelerated (ABSN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology Certificate Post-Master of Science in Nursing: Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with an Emphasis in Adult-Gerontology Certificate What Nurse Practitioner Skills Are Most Important? Nurse practitioners need mastery of nursing concepts in advanced health assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology, among other clinical areas. They can also benefit from a diverse blend of soft skills, such as communication skills, that facilitate effective nursing care. (See disclaimer 4 ) NPs must communicate health information clearly to patients, as well as communicate effectively with colleagues. Critical Thinking Skills Nurses rely on critical thinking skills to assess patients, make nursing diagnoses and develop appropriate nursing responses. Interpersonal Skills Interpersonal skills help these professionals work as collaborative members of the healthcare team. Leadership Nurse practitioners can serve as nurse leaders who counsel and mentor fellow nurses while elevating the standard of care. FAQ Get quick answers to some of the most common topics about the nurse practitioner career path, from required education to how this role compares to others in healthcare. What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor? Nurse practitioners and doctors both diagnose and treat patients, but their education paths differ. NPs complete graduate-level nursing education and are licensed as advanced practice registered nurses, while physicians complete medical school and a residency. The scope of practice an NP can exercise independently varies by state. What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse? A registered nurse provides direct patient care under established protocols, while a nurse practitioner is an RN who has completed advanced graduate education and certification, allowing them to diagnose conditions, order diagnostic tests and manage treatment plans with a greater degree of autonomy. What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant? Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) both provide many of the same patient care services, but they're trained under different models. NPs follow a nursing-based education model, while PAs follow a medical education model. Both roles require graduate-level education and national certification. Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medication? In most states, nurse practitioners can prescribe medication, though prescribing authority and any required physician collaboration vary by state and NP specialty. Explore this topic more in-depth by browsing the article below . Can a nurse practitioner serve as a primary care provider? Yes, many nurse practitioners, particularly family nurse practitioners, can serve as primary care providers. These professionals deliver preventive care, diagnose conditions and manage treatment for patients across the lifespan. How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner? The timeline to become a nurse practitioner varies based on your educational path, prior nursing experience and chosen specialization. The process generally includes earning an RN license, gaining clinical experience, completing a graduate nursing degree and passing a national certification exam. Timelines for each step of this process can vary depending on each individual’s situation and their academic plans. What degree do you need to become a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners typically need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher, earned after obtaining an RN license. Admission to NP programs generally requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). How do you address a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners are often addressed by their first or last name along with their credentials, such as "NP" or their certification initials (e.g., FNP-C). Some patients also address them as "doctor," but only if they hold a doctoral degree, such as a DNP. Is Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Right for You? Becoming a nurse practitioner may be a rewarding career fit if you are a registered nurse who wants to take on advanced clinical responsibilities, provide direct patient care and help guide treatment decisions. Nurse practitioners often assess patients, diagnose conditions, develop care plans, prescribe medications when permitted by state law and educate patients on managing their health. This career path can also come with challenges, including graduate-level education, certification, state licensure and responsibility for complex patient care decisions. Understanding your strengths, interests and long-term goals can help you decide whether becoming a nurse practitioner is the right next step in your nursing career. Becoming a nurse practitioner may be a good fit if you: Are a registered nurse interested in advanced clinical practice Want to diagnose conditions and help develop treatment plans Communicate clearly with patients, families and healthcare teams Can make informed decisions in complex care situations Pay close attention to patient records, symptoms and care plans Are interested in specializing in areas such as family health, acute care, pediatrics, women’s health or psychiatric mental health Are willing to complete graduate-level nursing education, certification and state licensure requirements The role of a nurse practitioner may not be the best fit if you: Prefer a nursing role with fewer diagnostic or treatment-planning responsibilities Do not want to pursue graduate-level education or certification Prefer to work with limited patient interaction Want a highly predictable daily routine Are not interested in leadership, patient education or care coordination Prefer a healthcare role with less responsibility for long-term patient outcomes Explore More on Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Learn more about becoming an advanced practice registered nurse with the following curated blogs. Types of Master’s in Nursing Specialties and Degree Paths Explore Master of Science in Nursing degree options and consider possible career outcomes in nursing. Why Continue Your Nursing Education: Benefits and Opportunities Learn why and how advanced education in nursing may lead to better patient outcomes and career benefits. Can a Family Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Medication? Take a closer look at the role and responsibilities of an FNP, including prescribing authority in different states. Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Nurse Practitioner Take your nursing education further at GCU, with nursing degree options for aspiring nurse practitioners. COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Nurse Practitioners, retrieved June 2026. The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nurse Practitioners as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as nurse practitioners, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives and Nurse Practitioners: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife or Nurse Practitioner. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, Jan. 26). Nurse Practitioner. Retrieved June 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr