Family Nurse Practitioner Salary

Family Nurse Practitioners

A family nurse practitioner can serve as a primary care provider for families and children. This includes delivering specialty care and advanced nursing services to patients. General responsibilities can include planning and implementing strategies that improve the health and wellness of children and families.

A family nurse practitioner is considered an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Nurse practitioners can take patients’ medical histories and perform physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, counseling patients and families on health management and, in some cases, prescribing medication.

Family nurse practitioners can serve patients in a wide age range. This includes children and the elderly. They can work in hospitals, private practices, community health centers, government agencies and other practice settings.

Career Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions for nurse practitioners will increase 35 percent by 2024, which is a substantial amount compared to the average rate. This is partially due to the large number of newly insured patients and an increased emphasis on preventative care. Many states are expanding the role of APRNs to meet the demand of healthcare needs in underserved areas specifically.

Salary Potential

According to the BLS, the average salary for a nurse practitioner is $98,190. The highest-paying industries for nurse practitioners are personal care services at $135,290, specialty care centers at $117,690 and hospitals at $111,080. Physicians’ offices employ the most nurse practitioners in the United States, followed by hospitals.

Most APRNs work full time and have benefits. Their schedules may be flexible and can include nights, weekends and holidays. In some cases, family nurse practitioners may be on call during their off hours.

Education Required

In order to become a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse must earn a master’s degree in nursing (Master of Science in Nursing). However, some APRNs choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree as well.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners offers certification for family nurse practitioners. Certification is granted for a period of five years and conveys competency in nurse practitioner knowledge and expertise. The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board also offers certification for family nurse practitioners who focus on children.

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