According to U.S. News & World Report, nurse practitioner ranks as the top career in America, with an estimated 128,000 job openings expected in the next 10 years. Luckily, those jobs are available in a wide variety of settings outside of primary care.
With the job market expected to grow, there are exciting opportunities on the horizon for new and experienced NPs. Whether you want to stick with traditional jobs or cast a wider net, here’s what you need to know about the various types of nurse practitioners.
Where Can Nurse Practitioners Work?
Nurse practitioners are needed in many settings, including private practices, hospitals, and home health. In general, NP work environments include:
- Primary care clinics
- Emergency departments
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Urgent care
- Psychiatric health
- Hospice and palliative care
- Schools and colleges
Some nurse practitioners work in specialty facilities, such as:
- Women’s health
- Urology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Neonatal care
- Surgery centers
And for NPs in nontraditional career paths, work settings may include government offices, correctional facilities, and research labs.
Nurse Practitioner Specialties
With so many places for NPs to work, it’s no surprise that there are numerous fields they can specialize in. Here are some of the most common nurse practitioner careers:
- Family nurse practitioner (FNP): An FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse who provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages. They can diagnose and manage a variety of acute and chronic conditions. FNPs also play a significant role in preventive care and patient education.
- Pediatric NP (PNP): PNPs specialize in caring for children and teenagers. Aside from performing exams, they help patients (and their families) manage their health needs.
- Emergency NP (ENP): An ENP assesses, diagnoses, and manages injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention. They also educate patients, monitor their conditions, and help care teams identify whose needs are most urgent.
- Adult gerontology (ACNP): ACNPs care for adult and geriatric patients of any age. They may operate in primary care, emergency departments, ICUs, nursing homes, and home health settings.
- Psychiatric NP (PMHNP): PMHNPs collaborate with psychiatrists to help diagnose, manage, and treat mental health and substance use disorders. Work settings include private practice, schools, and community mental health centers.
Although a large number of NPs work in these specialties, keep in mind that how and where you can work varies depending on state licensing requirements.
Alternative Careers for Nurse Practitioners
Aside from traditional nursing roles, NPs have career opportunities in many other settings. If conventional bedside nursing isn’t right for you, here are some other fields to consider:
- Medical writer or researcher
- Aesthetic medicine
- Legal consultant
- Health policy advocate
- Developmental and behavioral nursing
- Telemedicine
- Correctional facilities
- Home health
- Nursing school educator
- Healthcare administration
- Travel nursing
As evidenced by their presence in many fields, nurse practitioners play a pivotal role in providing high-quality care to patients across the medical spectrum.
If you’re looking to advance your skillset as an NP, you’re in the right place. The AANPCP and ANCC accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME, such as American Medical Seminars. Browse our upcoming continuing medical education (CME) conferences to find relevant courses!
