Also called: NP, APRN
An advanced-practice nurse who diagnoses, treats, and prescribes, often running their own patient panel.
Sees patients in a clinic much like a doctor would: examining a feverish child, adjusting blood pressure meds, ordering X-rays. In many states NPs can open their own practices. Specialties range from family care to psychiatry to neonatal.
BLS May 2024.
Master's degree, about 7 years after high school. RN license plus a master's (MSN) or doctorate (DNP) as a nurse practitioner, then national board certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Nursing (BSN), Nursing (ADN), Nursing (MSN/DNP).
Growing much faster than average (about 35% over 10 years). BLS projects 35% for the combined NP, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife group (2024-34), among the fastest of any job.
Low risk for 10 years. AI drafts notes and flags drug interactions; exams, diagnosis, prescribing and patient trust stay human, and demand is growing fast.
Classes: AP Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Health science CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1171.
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