Tomorrow’s Health Care: The Future of Nurse Practitioners

What is your vision of nursing for the future? You may be aware of recent changes in the healthcare industry — from the aging American population that is creating more demand for qualified, experienced nurses and nurse practitioners, to the changing laws and technologies that affect the delivery of healthcare. All of these trends are impacting the role of nurse practitioners.

The future of nurse practitioners is evolving, and they are taking on new and more expansive responsibilities. Several trends in particular are impacting the role of nurses and nurse practitioners right now.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of nurse practitioners to grow 45% between 2019 and 2029, adding more than 117,700 jobs to the field. That’s a growth rate well above the national average for jobs across the nation (4%), and higher than the expected growth rate for nurse anesthetists (14%) and nurse midwives (12%), both of which have smaller job pools at 44,900 and 7,200 total positions in 2019, respectively.

By 2029, the BLS projects that nearly half of all nurse practitioners (47%) will be working in doctor’s offices. Another 27% will be working in hospitals, and 8% in outpatient care centers. But that still leaves a little less than 20% of members of the profession working in alternate environments. In 2029, the BLS predicts that these employment areas will include outpatient care centers, educations services, insurance carriers, scientific research facilities, retail environments, and more, with hundreds of jobs opening in each of those professional settings.

There is a growing shortage of doctors throughout the United States, which has led to the introduction of legislation on the state level that has expanded the role and the abilities of nurse practitioners in most settings. The Nurse Practitioner reports that, while 24 states require nurse practitioners to work under the supervision of a doctor, in 26 states and the District of Columbia, nurse practitioners may practice and prescribe medication without doctor oversight. In 13 of those states, nurse practitioners may only gain these responsibilities after completing a post-licensure period of collaboration, mentorship, or oversight with a doctor.

The growing number of states choosing to grant full practice authority to nurse practitioners is a testament to these professionals’ training and expertise. As a result of their extensive education, the many hours they spend earning certification, and the high standards of care expected of them, the healthcare community places significant trust in this role. It is likely that the laws will continue to evolve, especially in the face of a national shortage of physicians, affording those in this position more expansive opportunities.

Maryville University’s Catherine McAuley School of Nursing teaches nurses how to view patients holistically, and to consider who they are as people — their background, occupation, and unique health needs. Maryville University students benefit from learning from professors who are also practicing nurse practitioners, who understand what it takes to be a nurse practitioner in the 21st century, and who can speak to how the profession is changing and what skills students must gain.

With an eye on the future of nurse practitioners, highly competent instructors and a robust curriculum can provide students with an understanding of foundational healthcare strategies, as well as innovative ideas and techniques. These include considering each patient on an individual basis, as well as staying abreast of technological developments in healthcare. This equips students with the abilities and knowledge they need to enter the thriving healthcare industry and take advantage of the many opportunities afforded to those with the right skills and experience.

When you consider your own vision of nursing in the future, what does it look like? Do you envision yourself as a nurse practitioner? There’s no question that professionals in the role are leaders in the field of healthcare. They not only work directly with patients to provide compassionate, expert-level care, but they guide teams and help direct their units toward increased quality care and innovation.

By gaining an education that directly emulates the changes happening in the field of healthcare, you can prepare for a prospective career as a nurse practitioner that provides stability and opportunities for advancement. The 36% growth reported by the BLS is a strong indication that you will have the opportunity to enjoy a sustainable and rewarding future in this field. In addition, nurse practitioners earn an average of $103,880 per year, according to the BLS.

As you lean in to your own future in the field, consider enrolling in one of Maryville University’s online nursing degrees. The diverse curriculum at Maryville offers a variety of concentrations, including pediatric, family, psychiatric mental health, and adult-gerontology care. This affords you the opportunity to pursue your own unique areas of interest while gaining all the necessary skills to enter the workforce.