If you’re interested in a career as a nurse practitioner, also called an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), there are a variety of specializations you can pursue. Depending on your interests and expertise, there are several types of high-earning nurse practitioner roles available. Understanding what career paths you can follow in this field can help you determine which option is right for you and your professional goals.
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In this article, we discuss the role of a nurse practitioner, provide a list of some of the highest-paying roles in this field, and offer tips for finding a job.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
Nurse practitioners are healthcare professionals with advanced education and training. They work directly with patients and they can provide care without the supervision of a physician. They may become general nurse practitioners or choose an area of specialization, including:
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Pediatrics
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Acute care
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Orthopedics
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Cardiology
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Acute and primary gerontology
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Women’s Health
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Surgery
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High-paying nurse practitioner jobs
1. Pediatric nurse practitioner
National average salary: $107,206 per year
Primary duties: A pediatric nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who specializes in providing care to infants, toddlers, children, and young adults. They assist patients and their families by providing care, prevention, and management strategies for pediatric acute illness and chronic conditions. They especially provide medical treatment for patients in critical care. Pediatric nurse practitioners may also care for infants who develop conditions in the womb or have premature births.
2. Family nurse practitioner
National average salary: $114,098 per year
Primary duties: A family nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides care for patients of all ages, from childhood through adulthood. They typically perform health assessments, communicate with patients about their medical histories, and provide them with medication. They may also consult with patients’ primary care physicians to discuss their ailments or conditions. Family nurse practitioners may also review patients’ medical records before meeting with them one-on-one to learn more about their existing conditions.
3. Nurse practitioner
National average salary: $117,145 per year
Primary duties: A nurse practitioner can see an array of patients of all ages without the supervision of a medical doctor. Because of their training and licensure, they can work in a variety of professional environments including community health centers, pediatric offices, hospitals, family practices, and hospice care centers. They typically order and administer medical testing, perform exams, and educate patients regarding their conditions and potential care plans if necessary.
4. Psychiatric nurse practitioner
National average salary: $122,412 per year
Primary duties: A psychiatric nurse practitioner, also called a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, is an APRN who specializes in psychiatry and mental health. They can provide patients with diagnoses, create treatment plans, and manage patients’ conditions. Individuals in this field conduct patient screenings and interviews to learn more about their needs and may collaborate with psychiatrists to provide care effectively. Depending on their expertise and training, they may also conduct therapy sessions, providing patients with a variety of care options.
5. Adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
National average salary: $126,179 per year
Primary duties: Adult gerontology acute care nurses assist patients with episodic flair-ups when they have chronic conditions or illnesses. They can assist patients from early adulthood through advanced age and provide them with immediate treatment to improve their symptoms and overall condition. They may collaborate with other medical providers to develop patient care plans, although they focus on handling urgent situations rather than health management or preventative care.
6. Women’s health nurse practitioner
National average salary: 135,448 per year
Primary duties: A women’s health nurse practitioner specializes in providing women’s health care services, including gynecological, obstetric, and reproductive care, and educating them on these topics. They perform annual exams, help with selecting birth control and family planning, and offer perimenopause and menopause support. They may also help patients diagnose sexually transmitted diseases, provide treatments, and manage their symptoms. Patients may also visit a women’s health nurse practitioner to receive care for their acute or chronic medical conditions.
7. Acute care nurse practitioner
National average salary: $140,733 per year
Primary duties: Acute care nurse practitioners assist patients who have significant injuries and illnesses. They typically perform exams, provide patients with diagnoses, provide medications, and recommend treatments. They can also provide patients with information regarding aftercare plans and educate them about their injuries or conditions to improve their quality of life.
8. Surgical nurse practitioner
National average salary: $149,353 per year
Primary duties: A surgical nurse practitioner is an APRN who cares for patients before, during, and after surgeries. They may assist or work alongside surgeons and their teams to help ensure procedures go as planned. In the operating room, surgical nurse practitioners may be responsible for handing surgeons medical instruments, suturing patients’ wounds, and operating suction tools. Before and after the procedures, they may meet with patients to go over proper aftercare techniques and requirements to aid the healing process and assist them throughout their recoveries.
9. Orthopedic nurse practitioner
National average salary: $151,497 per year
Primary duties: Orthopedic nurse practitioners care for patients who have musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. They treat patients who are experiencing joint, bone or muscular pain, and can provide assistance during a variety of orthopedic procedures, including fixing broken bones or joints. Individuals in this field also collaborate with other healthcare teammates to prepare patients for operations and monitor a patient’s healing. They may also handle tasks including placing splints, completing joint injections, and setting patients’ casts.
Tips for getting a high-paying nurse practitioner job
Here are some tips to help you find and qualify for a high-paying nurse practitioner role:
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Become an RN. Before you can qualify for a role as a nurse practitioner, it’s important to pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. This allows you to become an RN, and after receiving this credential, you can decide whether you want to pursue a position as an NP.
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Choose your specialization. Once you’ve gained the necessary credentials to become a nurse practitioner, you can choose your specialization based on your interests and skill set. You can then earn a Master of Science in nursing that allows you to develop your technical knowledge in this area and gain hands-on experience.
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Become licensed in your field. After identifying your area of specialization, you can pursue certification and licensure. These programs typically have specific prerequisites, including experience as an RN or APRN, a particular number of years in. the field, and a relevant master’s degree that has prepared you for licensure.
I hope you find this article helpful.
