Nursing remains one of the most dynamic and impactful career paths in the healthcare industry. As patient needs evolve, advanced education enables nurses to expand their scope of practice, specialize in critical areas and qualify for leadership roles. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) paves the way for nurses to transition into advanced practice, education or administration.
St. Thomas University’s CCNE-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing programs include three high-demand specializations: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). By equipping graduates with career-relevant leadership skills, clinical expertise and evidence-based training, these programs prepare nurses to successfully lead in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Family Nurse Practitioner Career Path
Family nurse practitioners are among the most in-demand roles in advanced practice nursing. They provide primary and preventive care across the lifespan, treating patients from childhood through older adulthood. FNPs often serve in physician offices, clinics and community health centers, addressing both acute and chronic conditions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners, including FNPs, earn a median annual wage of $129,480, with employment projected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034. This growth rate is much faster than average, reflecting the increasing reliance on nurse practitioners to deliver primary care. For nurses considering the next step in their career, the FNP role offers strong demand, competitive pay and an opportunity to make a broad impact across diverse patient populations.
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner role focuses on the health of individuals from adolescents to older adults, with a particular focus on managing the unique challenges of aging populations. AGPCNPs provide comprehensive care that includes disease prevention, health promotion and management of chronic illnesses.
According to Indeed, responsibilities often include conducting physical exams, developing treatment plans, ordering diagnostic tests and coordinating long-term care. As the population of older adults continues to expand, the demand for AGPCNPs is expected to remain strong, especially in primary care practices, outpatient clinics and long-term care facilities. For nurses seeking a focused nursing career path that addresses one of the fastest-growing patient groups, this specialization provides meaningful clinical opportunities.
The Role of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners address one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare today: access to mental health services. PMHNPs provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medications and offer therapy.
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association highlights that PMHNPs are in high demand across a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient mental health clinics, veterans’ health services, correctional facilities and private practices. Becoming a PMHNP requires graduate-level education, national certification and a commitment to supporting individuals with complex behavioral health needs. This represents one of the most rewarding and in-demand career paths for nurses interested in combining clinical expertise with compassionate care.
Why Earn Your MSN From STU Online?
St. Thomas University’s CCNE-accredited online MSN programs provide a flexible pathway for working nurses to pursue advanced education without pausing their careers. With online delivery and a curriculum designed to blend evidence-based practice with leadership development, students gain practical skills they can immediately apply in the workplace. By choosing a specialization in FNP, AGPCNP or PMHNP, graduates can pursue a career path that aligns with their interests, enhances their earning potential and addresses critical healthcare needs.
MSN graduates qualify for impactful roles across the healthcare spectrum. In addition to treating patients, some may oversee clinical teams and develop policies that improve patient outcomes, while others may pursue careers as educators, training the next generation of nurses and contributing to the profession’s long-term growth. Whether focusing on clinical opportunities, advancing into leadership roles or contributing to education, MSN students complete the STU program equipped with the skills and expertise needed to positively influence the future of healthcare.
Learn more about St. Thomas University‘s online MSN programs.
