For the second year in a row, nurse practitioners were named the No. 1 “Best Job,” No. 1 “Best Health Care Job,” and No. 1 “Best STEM Job” by U.S. News & Word Report.
Why Nurse Practitioner is the No. 1 Job of 2025
Nurse anesthetists and RNs were also named among the top jobs. The rankings are determined through a methodology that weighs high salaries, ample job opportunities, and avenues for promotion. Nurse practitioners also help the health care system thrive — they step in to relieve the shortage of providers in specialties like primary care and mental health.
Here’s why nurse practitioners are the best of the best.
- Nurse practitioners have a strong career outlook, with job growth projected to increase by 46 percent by 2033.
- The median annual salary for nurse practitioners was $126,260 in 2023, with the top 25 percent of earners making $14,610 in 2023.
- Nurse practitioners also present a very accessible health care career path with a variety of educational entry points.
How to become a nurse practitioner
First, what is a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners (or NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed additional education and training beyond that of a registered nurse (RN). Nurse practitioners are licensed clinicians who can diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses.
What is a nurse practitioner from the ANA
They can specialize in different areas of health care, such as primary care, mental health, women’s health, geriatric care, acute care, or pediatric care, to name a few.
How to become an NP
- Become a registered nurse (RN) with bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or another related field.
- At least one year of experience in an intensive care unit (ICU).
- Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). According to the ANA, DNP-prepared NPs tend to have better career opportunities; many employers and state licensing boards now require a DNP degree.
Johns Hopkins prepares NPs through a three-year DNP program that offer specialties in:
- Adult-Gerontological Acute Care
- Adult-Gerontological Primary Care
- Family Primary Care
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care
- Psychiatric Mental Health
- Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health NP Certificate (for alternatively prepared NPs)
What are the licensing and certification requirements to become an NP?
Students who complete nurse practitioner programs must pass the certification exam and, in the case of a specialty certification, must pass the certification exam from a specialty board as well to earn a license to practice. Each state issues licenses independently, so aspiring NPs should be sure to review licensure requirements in their state.