Nurse Practitioner career guide
What nurse practitioners do, where they work and how to become one.
What it covers
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses who assess patients, diagnose conditions, order tests and manage treatment. How independently a nurse practitioner can work depends on the state.
Common specialties
Typical work settings
- Primary care and family practice
- Hospitals and specialty clinics
- Urgent care
- Mental health services
- Telehealth
How to start
- Earn a registered nurse license.
- Complete a graduate nurse practitioner program in a patient population, such as family or adult-gerontology.
- Pass the national certification exam for that population.
- Apply for APRN authorization in each state where you will practice. The Nurse Licensure Compact does not cover APRN licenses.
Requirements vary by state and role, so confirm the details with your state's licensing board or the certifying organization.