Nurse Practitioners
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Common Job Titles
- ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate patient diagnostic data including laboratory results, imaging studies, and clinical assessments independently or as part of interdisciplinary healthcare teams to diagnose acute and chronic illnesses.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate evidence-based treatment plans integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for patients with complex acute and chronic conditions across diverse clinical settings.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize medical knowledge from multiple disciplines including medicine, biology, psychology, and pharmacology to develop comprehensive differential diagnoses for patients with multisystem disorders.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign health promotion and disease prevention programs tailored to individual and community needs integrating epidemiological data and evidence-based preventive guidelines.Advanced
- MindsetModel professional accountability, ethical decision-making, and continuous learning practices when mentoring healthcare team members and maintaining advanced practice standards.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze patient health status trends and medication efficacy using electronic health records and monitoring data to adjust therapeutic regimens.Proficient
- Hands-onPerform comprehensive physical examinations and specialized diagnostic procedures using advanced clinical equipment including ultrasound, EKG machines, and endoscopes.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely invasive clinical procedures including catheter insertion, suturing, and minor surgical interventions following sterile technique and safety protocols in acute care and outpatient settings.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with evidence-based clinical guidelines when addressing complex psychosocial factors affecting health outcomes and treatment adherence.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for patient safety, informed consent, and culturally competent care when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and communicating with diverse patient populations.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex clinical information and therapeutic options for patients and families using clear communication strategies adapted to health literacy levels.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate electronic health record systems and clinical documentation platforms to maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive patient records in compliance with regulatory standards.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Nurse Practitioners (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
307,390
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $97,960. 25th percentile: U.S. $109,940. 50th percentile: U.S. $129,210. 75th percentile: U.S. $149,570. 90th percentile: U.S. $169,950. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $97,960 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $169,950 |
| Workers on average earn | $132,000 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Biology4.2/5
- Psychology4.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Word
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- Amkai AmkaiCharts
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Cerner Millennium
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
Tools & Equipment
- Angiocaths
- Apnea monitors
- Argon lasers
- Arterial blood gas monitoring equipment
- Arterial line catheters
- Automated external defibrillators AED
- Back braces
- Bilevel positive airway pressure BiPAP ventilators