Whether you’re a seasoned nurse eager for the next chapter in your career or an aspiring caregiver drawn to the ever-evolving healthcare field, becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) could be the perfect way to fulfill your vision for the future. This path not only provides the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives but also offers a variety of benefits that contribute to a fulfilling professional journey.
Why should I become a nurse practitioner?
When it comes to career satisfaction, becoming a nurse practitioner offers the perfect blend of flexibility, stability, and personal fulfillment. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, nurse practitioners hold the top-rated job of 2024—not only in healthcare, but among all career paths and industries. This is largely due to the fact that nurse practitioners enjoy tons of upward mobility, with opportunities to advance into impactful, autonomous, and high-paying positions.
Beyond experiencing career satisfaction and advancement opportunities, nurse practitioners are currently recognized as America’s fastest-growing profession, and therefore the most sought-after professionals in healthcare nationwide. This comes as no surprise, as nurse practitioners provide vital and comprehensive care to patients across various settings.
Nurse practitioners offer accessible, patient-centered, clinical expertise. This is all honed through professional experience and the advanced knowledge gained in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. MSN degree programs for nurse practitioners are typically offered in dedicated concentrations or clinical areas, such as the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) route.
As a nurse practitioner, your unique training will culminate into a career that is rewarding, impactful, and intellectually energizing — allowing you to grow as a leader in healthcare.
Key benefits to becoming a nurse practitioner include:
- Greater lifetime earning potential
- Increased flexibility
- Job stability in an in-demand field
- Opportunities for professional growth
- Personal and professional fulfillment
Let’s explore these benefits in more depth.
The Top Benefits to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner
1. Join a Stable, In-Demand Field
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a remarkable 45% growth in this field between 2022 and 2032, the need for skilled nurse practitioners is steadily rising. This surge is driven by several factors, including an aging population requiring more healthcare services, a growing emphasis on preventative care, and a shortage of primary care physicians.
With high demand comes job stability, offering the nurse practitioner benefits sought after by every professional. By pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner, you’ll make a reliable investment in your professional future.
2. Increase Your Lifetime Earning Potential
While financial compensation may not be the primary motivator for those entering the nursing field, a good salary is a consideration, especially after investing in an advanced degree.
Becoming a nurse practitioner offers a significant return on your educational investment. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for nurse practitioners is over $128,000 — translating to a career that not only is meaningful but helps support yourself and your loved ones.
Ready to take the next step? Begin your future as a nurse practitioner at Goodwin University today! With options to specialize as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) or a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Goodwin helps you pursue the nursing track that speaks to you.
3. Benefit from Opportunities for Professional Growth
Beyond the advantages of job security and competitive salaries, nurse practitioners enjoy a career path brimming with opportunities for ongoing professional development.
This field is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatment methods emerging regularly. As an NP, you’ll have the chance to teach in higher education, take on leadership roles in healthcare settings, and even specialize in a particular area of practice.
4. Enjoy Flexible Opportunities in the Field
One key benefit of the nurse practitioner’s career lies in its versatility. As a nurse practitioner, you can specialize in a specific area, such as Family Practice (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), or opt for a more general practice setting.
Likewise, nurse practitioners enjoy the flexibility to work in various environments, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and even telehealth settings. This flexibility allows you to find a work-life balance that suits your needs and preferences — potentially reducing professional burnout, a common challenge in the healthcare field.
5. Find Professional Satisfaction
The benefits we’ve explored all contribute to one key advantage: high professional satisfaction.
Across the country, nurse practitioners consistently rank high in job satisfaction surveys. US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Jobs list ranked Nurse Practitioner as the #1 best overall job, best STEM job, and best healthcare job. This satisfaction stems from the ability to combine your passion for patient care with the autonomy and leadership opportunities that come with being an NP.
Find Your Future as a Nurse Practitioner
Now that we’ve explored the key benefits of becoming a nurse practitioner, it’s time to chart your course to this rewarding career. Goodwin University can help you fast-track your journey with our Master of Science in Nursing programs. Whether you’re seeking to become a PMHNP or FNP, Goodwin’s flexible online programming, hands-on opportunities, and expert instruction will fast-track your journey to professional satisfaction — all while helping you build the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve a stable job in an ever-rewarding field.