Healthcare is adding more new jobs than any other major industry. The demand for family nurse practitioners (FNPs), for example, is booming. This can make landing top jobs a breeze. It also means that FNPs have some of the best job security around. Not having to worry about unemployment is just one of many advantages FNPs enjoy.
FNPs provide a level of care that requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). St. Thomas University (STU) offers an MSN — FNP program in a convenient online format — ideal for working nurses who want to advance their careers while they continue to gain valuable experience. STU’s MSN – FNP program prepares graduates for the national certification exam, a requirement in most states.
Why Is the Demand for FNPs So High?
Nurse Practitioner is one of the fastest-growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average job growth for all occupations is 3% from 2024 to 2034. The job outlook for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 35% over that same period — more than 10 times the national average.
A growing population and an increase in the number of older adults is putting a serious strain on the nation’s healthcare system. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the U.S. could face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, including a shortfall of between 20,200 and 40,400 primary care physicians. More than a third of currently active physicians are expected to reach retirement age within the next decade, further widening the gap in primary care access.
FNPs are being called on to help fill the growing gap. Research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that NPs can deliver 80 to 90% of the same care that primary care physicians provide. For example, they can conduct exams and order and interpret diagnostic tests such as X-rays. FNPs can also prescribe medications in all 50 states, although some states require physician oversight.
Not only can FNPs increase access to primary care, but their services are also cost-effective. As the American Association of Nurse Practitioners points out, some of the savings comes from compensation differences. As of May 2024, BLS reports a median yearly salary of at least $239,200 for physicians, compared with $132,050 for NPs.
Where Are FNPs Needed?
The shortage of primary care is seen in both rural and urban areas. However, it can be especially challenging in rural areas. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as of September 2024, 66.33% of all designated primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) are located in rural areas. A closer look at rural health needs reveals:
- Approximately 46 million Americans — nearly 15% of the U.S. population — live in rural areas.
- More than 90% of rural counties were designated primary care HPSAs in 2023, affecting 42 million residents.
- Only about 11% of physicians practice in rural areas, despite 20% of the population living there.
As of June 2024, HRSA had designated 7,501 primary care HPSAs nationwide, with nearly 75 million residents — approximately 22% of the U.S. population — living in areas without adequate primary care access. These gaps underscore the critical need for primary care providers like FNPs, who are increasingly stepping in to serve patients in both rural and urban shortage areas.
How FNPs Are Closing the Primary Care Gap
FNPs are increasingly making a difference in these underserved communities. Research shows that NPs are more likely than their physician counterparts to practice in rural areas. Those trained in primary and family care are particularly well suited to meet rural residents’ complex and chronic healthcare needs.
The nursing profession offers hundreds of opportunities for career growth. For nurses who pursue an advanced practice path, an FNP specialization is a top choice. With advanced clinical training and a nurse’s compassionate approach to care, FNPs play a key role in closing the primary care gap. As the demand for FNPs continues to grow, this career offers a level of job security that is tough to beat.
Learn more about STU’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program.
