Which U.S. States Have the Highest Demand for Nurse Practitioners?
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With an aging population, a rise in chronic disease, impending primary care physician shortages, and shifts in the primary care system toward team-based care, the demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) is going to be significant in the next decade —especially demand for nurse practitioners (NPs).
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP 2025) reports that 88.0 percent of the 355,000 licensed NPs are certified in primary care, and 70.3 percent of NPs are already delivering primary care—a trend that will continue through the next decade. With an average of nine years of practice experience and at least a master’s-level education, NPs are highly experienced medical providers with extensive formalized training.
With NPs equipped with the skills needed for the current and impending needs in healthcare, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS 2025) predicted that between 2023 and 2033, the demand for NPs will swell by 46 percent, making it the third fastest-growing occupation in the country. An incredible 135,500 new NP jobs are predicted during this time period. Overall for APRNs, this growth rate is 40 percent nationwide, including 10 percent nationwide for nurse anesthetists and 7 percent for nurse-midwives. Together, these APRN positions are slated to grow 10 times faster than the average growth rate for all occupations during the same decade (4 percent).
With this positive outlook for NPs across the nation, here are the top ten states for absolute job growth and the top ten states for percentage growth between 2022 and 2032, according to CareerOneStop, a project sponsored by the US Department of Labor (2025):
| Absolute Growth – Projected Annual Openings | Percentage Growth |
|---|---|
| California – 2,500 jobs added per year | Arizona – 71 percent |
| Texas – 2,240 | New Mexico – 65 |
| Florida – 2,190 | South Carolina – 61 |
| Tennessee – 1,570 | Arkansas- 61 |
| Ohio – 1,060 | Texas – 60 |
| North Carolina – 920 | Utah – 60 |
| Georgia – 910 | Idaho – 60 |
| Arizona – 860 | California – 59 |
| Illinois – 850 | Florida – 59 |
| Virginia – 800 | Tennessee – 58 |
NPs occupy such a high-growth occupation that several U.S. states have already surpassed their projected employment of NPs for 2033. The top five employing states for NPs are Florida, Texas, California, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee (BLS May 2024).
Keep reading to learn more about NP demand in the states offering the most absolute growth in the next decade, including the current NP job market, salary information, helpful local resources for NPs, and NP programs in the state available to RNs considering advancing their careers to the NP level.
California Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (June 2025) predicted that the employment rate for NPs in this state will rise to 34,100 between 2022 and 2032. At a growth rate of 59 percent, this equals 2,500 new NP jobs annually statewide over the decade.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In California Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 20,980 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $173,190 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Vallejo, CA – $184,590 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – 6,400 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $124,330 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $140,260 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $166,610 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $205,400 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $234,800 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), California is the third-most expensive region in terms of cost of living, with particularly high costs associated with housing. When comparing California and national salary points, the higher-than-average salaries may help NPs employed in the state with the high cost of living.
NPs interested in growing a career in California can join the NP community, thereby joining the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP). Benefits of membership include education and networking opportunities, access to provider insurance, access to academic journals, political representation, and more.
West Coast University offers an online CCNE-accredited master of science program in nursing with six specialization options: adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner; nurse educator; nurse leader; and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. The program comprises 30 to 53 credits, depending on the specialization.
The program’s core curriculum includes courses such as nursing roles in policy, ethics, & finance; scholarship for advanced nursing practice; advanced nursing technologies & collaborative care; and health promotion and disease management.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Texas Nurse Practitioners
In Texas, the CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted growth rate for NP jobs is 60 percent between 2022 and 2032. With a starting employment of 19,060 in 2022, the total number of additional jobs was predicted to be 2,240 for a total of 30,490 by 2032. As of May 2024, the BLS reported that 21,690 NPs were employed in the state of Texas.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Texas Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 21,690 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $130,930 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Sherman-Denison, TX – $139,550 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX – 5,300 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $96,140 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $110,570 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $129,880 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $143,860 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $165,530 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Texas is the 16th most affordable state, boasting savings in groceries, housing, transportation, and healthcare. With NP salaries in Texas almost on par with the national average, an NP’s salary may go much further in Texas than in other states.
NPs who want to engage fully in the professional community can consider membership in a professional NP organization like the North Texas Nurse Practitioners (NTNP). NTNP is an affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and member benefits include access to local dinner meetings, discounts on conferences, access to members-only content, and updates on changes to legislation and regulations affecting NPs in Texas.
Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas offers those looking to become NPs the opportunity to develop expertise in a mostly online format that minimizes campus visits. Students enrolled in this 49-credit CCNE-accredited MSN-FNP program need an unencumbered RN license in Texas and will be expected to complete clinical hours in Texas.
Courses include evidenced-based practice and theory for advanced nursing; informatics and health care technology for advanced nursing; health policy and ethics; pharmacotherapeutics; research foundations for advanced nursing; leadership and roles in advanced nursing; introduction to family primary care; and population health and epidemiology for advanced nursing.
The university also offers an online 39-credit MSN nurse educator program.
- Location: San Angelo, TX
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Florida Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted 59 percent growth in the NP job market in Florida between 2022 and 2032. There is an anticipated addition of 2,190 jobs for a total of 29,980 NPs in the state by 2032.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Florida Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 24,690 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $128,340 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Wildwood-The Villages, FL – $143,240 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL – 9,200 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $100,540 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $109,670 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $129,010 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $143,670 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $155,490 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Florida is the 35th most affordable state in the nation. With NP salaries in Florida almost on par with the national average, an NP’s salary may go much further than in other states.
To connect with the demand for jobs in Florida, NPs in the state can consider membership in the Florida Association of Nurse Practitioners (FLANP)—an organization working to improve access to healthcare in Florida. Membership in FLANP offers NPs access to the NP community in Florida, discounts on conference attendings, member discounts, and the possibility to become a part of FLANP leadership.
Florida is home to dozens of universities offering the possibility to become a nurse practitioner in various specialties. One such option is South University, with locations in West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Orlando. With both on-campus and online options, prospective NPs can earn a master of science online to become an FNP. In the 62-credit online MSN with a specialization in family nurse practitioner degree program, students will be expected to complete 750 clinical hours.
This online MSN program with an FNP specialization includes courses such as role of the advanced practice nurse: transformational leadership in advanced practice; health policy and health promotion in advanced nursing practice; nursing research methods; advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; and advanced health and physical assessment.
Notably, the university also offers this online MSN in several other specializations such as adult gerontology primary care; nurse administrator; nurse educator; and nursing informatics.
- Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Tennessee Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted that Tennessee would experience NP job growth of 58 percent, adding 1,570 jobs between 2022 and 2032, starting at a baseline of 13,620. The projection by CareerOneStop for 2032 was 21,500 and Tennessee already employed 14,300 NPs according to the BLS in 2024.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Tennessee Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 14,300 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $108,180 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN – $112,610 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN – 5,380 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $61,530 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $98,920 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $108,420 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $126,010 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $133,120 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Tennessee is the 10th most affordable state in the U.S., with particular savings in housing. Tennessee’s salaries are significantly lower than the national average. Still, because of the lower cost of living, lower salaries will stretch further in Tennessee than in other states.
NPs looking to connect to the professional community in Tennessee can join the Tennessee Nurse Practitioner Association (TNNPA). In addition to the networking opportunities, membership benefits in TNNPA include members-only dinners, conference and CE discounts, legislative and regulatory updates, and access to employment opportunities.
Austin Peay State University, in Clarksville offers a 100 percent online MSN degree for those RNs who are looking to become NPs in the state of Tennessee. Austin Peay’s online MSN-FNP program requires students to complete 43 credits with 600 required clinical hours.
In addition to the FNP specialization, the program also offers specializations in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (42 credits) and nurse educator (31 credits.)
- Location: Clarksville, TN
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); ACEN
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Ohio Nurse Practitioners
Ohio is another state on our list where the actual number of NPs employed in 2024, according to the BLS, almost matches the CareerOneStop (May 2025) predictions for 2032. Between 2022 and 2032, it was projected that Ohio would experience a 43 percent rate of growth for NP jobs over the decade. Starting from a baseline employment rate of 11,020, it was predicted that Ohio would add 1,060 jobs to create a total of 15,710 NP jobs by 2032.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Ohio Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 14,550 |
| Average Annual Wages | $132,000 | $121,250 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Cleveland, OH – $125,010 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Cleveland, OH – 3,660 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $98,380 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $106,270 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $126,740 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $132,740 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $154,280 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Ohio boasts deep savings in housing and ranks as the 20th most affordable state in the U.S. Despite salaries lower than national averages, NPs interested in home ownership will see their salaries stretch further in Ohio than in many other states in the U.S.
Ohio has a professional association that unifies the interests of CNPs, CRNAs, CNMs, and CNSs, known as the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN). For NPs hoping to practice in Ohio, membership in OAAPN provides benefits such as access to continuing education, timely news and legislative updates, and networking opportunities.
RNs interested in pursuing an NP education in Ohio can turn to Cedarville University located in Cedarville, Ohio. Cedarville offers an online MSN-FNP program preparing students to provide primary care across the human lifespan. The program includes diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management of common acute and chronic health problems, client and family education, health promotion, and use of evidence-based practice for meeting the needs for primary care and prevention. Students in this program will complete 800 hours of direct care clinical experience in various aspects of primary healthcare across the lifespan.
In addition to the FNP specialization, the program has several more options in nurse educator; nursing leadership in healthcare improvement; and pediatric nurse practitioner.
- Location: Cedarville, OH
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
North Carolina Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (May 2025) shows the rate of growth for NP jobs in North Carolina will grow by 56 percent between 2022 and 2032. With 8,200 jobs in 2022, there is an annual projected growth rate of 920, resulting in 12,750 new jobs by 2032. Interestingly, with a reported 8,020 NPs employed in North Carolina in 2024 (BLS May 2024), the state has employed fewer new positions than originally anticipated two years prior.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In North Carolina Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 8,020 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $124,830 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Winston-Salem, NC – $132,460 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC – 1,530 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $100,120 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $108,920 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $125,020 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $137,340 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $158,440 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), NC is the 28th most affordable state in the nation. With NP salaries in NC almost on par with the national average, an NP’s salary may go much further than in other states. This is important to keep in mind for those seeking jobs and considering salary offers in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) is a leading professional organization supporting NPs across this state. Founded in 1902, it serves as a strong advocate for nursing professionals by offering leadership development, policy representation, and continuing education. It provides valuable clinical resources, networking opportunities, and legislative updates to advance the role of NPs in healthcare. As a respected voice in the nursing community, this organization continues to shape the future of nursing practice in the region.
East Carolina University’s College of Nursing offers an online MSN with several concentration options in adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist; neonatal clinical nurse specialist; neonatal nurse practitioner; nurse-midwifery; nursing education; health systems leadership; and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Graduates of this program will be able to understand how to integrate the science and art of nursing, apply their knowledge in dynamic environments, and articulate the unique contributions of nursing. They will be ready for advanced roles in nursing such as neonatal nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and nurse educators.
- Location: Greenville, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Georgia Nurse Practitioners
Starting from a baseline of 7,900 employees in 2022, CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted that the growth rate for Georgia would be 58 percent in the subsequent decade. By 2032, there were expected to be 910 new jobs, for a total of 12,500 NPs statewide.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Georgia Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Georgia | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 10,580 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $125,490 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – $129,710 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – 6,280 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $99,920 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $107,090 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $126,060 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $136,770 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $163,970 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Georgia is the 12th most affordable state in the U.S., with particular savings in housing. Georgia’s salaries are lower than the national average, but because of the lower cost of living, lower salaries will stretch further in Georgia than in other states.
NPs in Georgia can connect to their local professional community by becoming a part of the United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Georgia (UAPRN). Benefits for members of UAPRN include regional conferences with discounts for current members, access to state-sponsored quarterly meetings, legislative and regulation updates, CE offerings, and more.
RNs looking for career advancement in Georgia have many options to choose from when it comes to NP programs. Clayton State University in Morrow, GA offers a CCNE-accredited, 100 percent online MSN where a student can choose a family NP concentration. This program has 47 credits with 585 hours of clinical experience. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months or four semesters. Graduates of this CCNE-accredited program are eligible to sit for national certification by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Courses include healthcare policy; theory & research for grad nursing; diagnostic & clinical reasoning; advanced health assessment for FNPs; advanced pharmacology for FNPs; health promotion of children and families; and health promotion of elderly and family.
- Location: Morrow, GA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Arizona Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted Arizona is slated for a staggering 71 percent growth rate between 2022 and 2032. This means 860 new jobs annually, starting at 6,540 in 2022, and going to 11,200 in 2032.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Arizona Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Arizona | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 7,540 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $132,920 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Tucson, AZ – $136,530 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ – 5,970 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $84,740 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $115,290 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $133,790 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $151,650 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $172,610 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Arizona ranked #37 on the list of most affordable states, with groceries and utilities being more affordable by comparison. Being the state with the highest growth percentage, opportunities to find jobs and comparably affordable housing are two attractive features for aspiring NPs.
The Arizona Nurse Practitioner Council (AzNPC) is a prominent professional organization for Nurse Practitioners in Arizona. As Chapter 9 of the Arizona Nurses Association, AzNPC is also an affiliate of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Its mission is to empower all nurse practitioners to advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities. In addition to AzNPC, there’s also the Arizona Advanced Practice Nurses Network (AAPNN), a non-profit organization committed to promoting the professional growth of Nurse Practitioners in Arizona. Both organizations aim to uplift nurse practitioners’ practice and professional stature through legislative impact and education. These organizations serve as vital resources for NPs in Arizona, providing them with opportunities for networking, professional development, and advocacy.
The University of Arizona in Tucson offers an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with a family nurse practitioner specialization. This hybrid program combines online didactic coursework with on-campus intensives and on-ground practicum and clinical placements. The focus of the program is innovative, evidence-based professional practice, reflecting the application and implementation of credible research findings.
Designed for registered nurses with a BSN or MSN, the College of Nursing provides both full-time and part-time study options. Part-time study is available only during the pre-clinical portion of the program and extends the duration of the program by a year. The program is recognized as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years
Focused on key competencies and transformational leadership, Arizona State University offers an online master of science in nursing program program preparing students to advance in the field as nurse leaders and impact patient quality and safety through evidence-based practice.
This 30-credit program includes courses such as advanced health assessment and health promotion; advanced human pathophysiology across lifespan; advanced pharmacotherapeutics across lifespan; collaboration for improving patient safety and health care quality outcomes; evaluating research for practice; health care evidence, informatics, and analysis; individual and innovation leadership in advanced nursing practice; and patient safety and health care quality principles, assessment, and methods.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Illinois Nurse Practitioners
The growth rate for NP jobs in Illinois was predicted to be 41 percent between 2022 and 2032. From a baseline of 8,970 jobs in 2022, CareerOneStop (May 2025) predicted an annual growth rate of 850 NP jobs for a total addition of 12,660 new jobs over the decade.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Illinois Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 9,560 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $128,880 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN – $131,580 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN – 6,930 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $102,280 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $111,450 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $128,620 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $138,420 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $158,680 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Illinois is the 21st most affordable state, with savings in housing. The lower-than-average annual cost of living in Illinois will go further than it might in more expensive states.
The Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN) is an organization that promotes and advocates for APRNs in the state of Illinois. With several different membership levels, NPs in Illinois can experience benefits as individual practitioners or as APRN business owners. Membership benefits include continuing education, access to a large professional network, leadership development opportunities, and career development resources.
For current RNs who are interested in becoming NPs, Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois offers an online master of science in nursing FNP program with no campus residency requirements. The CCNE-accredited program is 50 to 59 credits, requires the completion of 750 to 800 clinical hours, and takes eight to ten semesters to complete.
The program’s curriculum includes courses such as advanced pathophysiology; nursing theories: analysis and development; evidence-based practice; health informatics; advanced pharmacology; and professional aspects of advanced nursing practice.
In addition to the FNP specialization, the university also offers concentration options in psychiatric mental health; nursing administration; adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; and adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
- Location: Peoria, IL
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Virginia Nurse Practitioners
CareerOneStop (June 2025) predicts that between 2022 and 2032, there will be a 56 percent growth in the NP job market in Virginia. This translates to 800 new jobs added statewide annually, for 11,160 NP jobs by 2032 in the state.
NP Salaries, Job Market, and Most Promising Region In Virginia Compared to U.S. Averages (BLS May 2024)
| United States | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 307,390 | 6,470 |
| Average annual wages | $132,000 | $122,180 |
| Top-paying region (average annual salary) | California – $173,190 | Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA – $126,780 |
| Top-employing region | New York, Newark, Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – 19,850 jobs | Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC – 1,290 jobs |
| Annual 10th percentile wage | $97,960 | $85,020 |
| Annual 25th percentile wage | $109,940 | $106,690 |
| Annual median wage | $129,210 | $124,210 |
| Annual 75th percentile wage | $149,570 | $132,940 |
| Annual 90th percentile wage | $169,950 | $155,800 |
According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Virginia is the 29th most affordable state in the nation. With NP salaries in Virginia slightly lower than the national average, an NP’s salary may go much further than in other states. This is important to keep in mind for those seeking jobs and considering salary offers in Virginia.
The Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners (VCNP) is the professional organization representing NPs throughout Virginia. Established in 1980, this non-profit association is dedicated to promoting excellence in NP practice. VCNP actively works to improve healthcare delivery in Virginia. Through its commitment to policy advancement and leadership, VCNP remains a vital force in shaping healthcare in the Commonwealth.
George Mason University offers an online master of science in nursing program with a concentration in family nurse practitioner. Graduates of this program are eligible for certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
This 49-credit program includes courses such as foundations of public health; theoretical and ethical foundations related to nursing; organization of nursing and health care delivery systems; nursing informatics inquiry; nursing research and biostatistics; pharmacotherapeutics; family primary care; and physiology and pathophysiology in advanced practice.
- Location: Fairfax, VA
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); CCNE
- Expected Time to Completion: Two to three years
Becca Brewer, MEd
WriterBecca Brewer is building a better future on a thriving earth by healing herself into wholeness, divesting from separation, and walking the path of the loving heart. Previously to her journey as an adventurer for a just, meaningful, and regenerative world, Becca was a formally trained sexuality educator with a master of education.