Post-Master's Certificate Nurse Practitioner Careers

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Nurse Practitioner Certificate Careers

Increase your capacity to serve.

By earning a post-master's certificate in nursing (PMC), you can show your employer—and other nursing leaders—that you’re dedicated to meeting industry demands. After all, furthering your education in a field that continues to grow because of dynamic changes in health care is one of the best ways to set yourself apart. Plus, adding another credential to your professional toolkit can unlock unique opportunities in a new specialization that can lead to a better career trajectory and a higher salary.

Nurse practitioner was ranked the top healthcare job for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report—landing two places ahead of physician—based on career longevity, annual salary, increased autonomy, personal fulfillment, and the opportunity for specialization. The data backs this up. Nurse practitioner job openings are expected to increase by 45% between 2020 and 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is being driven largely by the aging population, labor shortages in the health care workforce, and a greater emphasis on preventive care.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Careers and Median Salaries for Online NP Certificate Program Graduates

Family Nurse Practitioner

$114,510

Family nurse practitioners help fill the void in primary care, particularly in rural regions or areas with physician shortages. In an FNP role, you’ll provide infants, children, and adults with comprehensive care. You’ll also be responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with acute and chronic conditions, prescribing medications, and ordering lab tests.

As an FNP, you can work in settings such as:

  • Educational institutions
  • Hospitals and family care clinics
  • Private practices
  • Outpatient facilities
  • Community centers

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

$111,001

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in individuals, families, groups, and communities. In this specialty, you’ll explain the risks and benefits of treatments to your patients and their families, consult with healthcare providers, and advocate for patients’ medical and legal rights.

As a PMHNP, you can work in settings such as:

  • Hospitals and mental health clinics
  • Social service agencies
  • Private psychiatric practices
  • Public health departments
  • Correctional facilities

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

$100,701

Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners provide advanced acute and chronic care services to adults and elderly adults in acute and complex care settings, emergency rooms, and trauma units. You may also perform check-ups, conduct tests, analyze results, prescribe medications, and develop preventive care plans.

As an AGACNP, you can work in settings such as:

  • Inpatient hospitals
  • Acute care centers
  • Specialty labs
  • Emergency departments
  • Intensive care units

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

$111,088

Advanced practice registered nurses are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and follow up on patient problems, order tests, advise patients on health issues, and prescribe medications. If you’re an APRN, you may choose to specialize in a specific practice area, such as pediatrics, gerontology, women’s health, mental health, nephrology, neonatology, oncology, emergency medicine, or family medicine.

As an APRN, you can work in settings such as:

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Veteran's Administration (VA) faculties
  • Academic institutions
  • Long-term care facilities

Nurse Educator

$102,675

Nurse educators share professional knowledge and skills with registered nurses in training by developing lesson plans, teaching courses, supervising nurses in clinical practice, and acting as mentors. In this role, you’ll ensure nurses are up to date on the latest methods and technologies in patient care.

As a nurse educator, you can work in settings such as:

  • Hospitals
  • Doctor’s offices
  • Technical schools
  • Community colleges
  • Nursing schools

Median salaries courtesy of Salary.com