Top Advanced Practice Nursing Jobs in 2018
Feb 1, 2018
Make no mistake about it; nursing is a great career to be in right now and in the foreseeable future with plenty of nursing jobs available. There are not many fields where you can get a job before graduation and make over $50,000 in a year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurse jobs are expected to increase by 15% percent between 2016 and 2026. But it doesn’t stop there. Advance practice nurses are expected to be in even higher demand. Over the same period nurse anesthesiologists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are expected to see a 31% increase in jobs. Let's look ahead to some of the top advanced practice nurse jobs of 2018.
Ranked number 2 overall for best jobs in 2017 by U.S. News and World Reports, you can expect continued job growth next year for nurse practitioners. There are a few reasons why demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at such a rapid rate. Healthcare is trying to meet the increased needs for preventative care and access to care created by an aging population. As healthcare moves away from fee-for-service care and moves toward value-based care, nurse practitioners and physician assistants become even more valuable to meet the health needs of most patients. In this value-driven model, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors work together to provide a team-based approach to care.
"The demand for nurse practitioners has never been higher,” American Association of Nurse Practitioners President Cindy Cooke said. “With the rise of full practice authority in 22 states and the District of Columbia, more patients than ever have direct access to high-quality nurse practitioner care in every setting–including the veterans’ health system.”
Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) ranked number 5 overall in 2017 for best healthcare jobs according to U.S. News and World Reports, who also ranked nurse anesthetist number 6 overall for best jobs. Nurse anesthetists tend to be the highest paid APRN, helping to make this career path even more appealing. Research has shown that CRNAs can improve patient outcomes by lowering costs while still providing a high level of care. Given this research, it is expected that many healthcare organizations will move to a CRNA-only model rather than continue with the current model of one anesthesiologist leading every four CRNAs. The demand for more CRNA-only anesthesia services helps ensure a rosy job outlook for the future.
Coming in at number 15 on the US News and World Reports Best Jobs of 2017 list is Nurse Midwife. The number of certified midwives has been growing each year for the past ten years. In many cases, nurses are able to provide the highest level of patient care but at a reduced cost. This is particularly true in the areas of obstetrics and gynecology. Finding ways to provide quality care at an affordable price has led to an abundance of opportunity for nurse midwife positions. As with nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives can expect a favorable job outlook.
APRNs took three of the top 15 spots in the list of the 100 best jobs of 2017. With nursing job projections and the future of healthcare, expectations are likely to grow. These projections have many implications. If you are looking to determine your career or switch careers, consider becoming a nurse. With seemingly infinite opportunities and numerous career advancement options, one would be hard pressed to find a better career path. If you are already a registered nurse and are considering advancing your career by getting an advanced degree, why not? By every measure, you are likely to be satisfied with an advanced nursing degree. Move your career forward in 2018 by pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree.
Nurse Practitioner
Ranked number 2 overall for best jobs in 2017 by U.S. News and World Reports, you can expect continued job growth next year for nurse practitioners. There are a few reasons why demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow at such a rapid rate. Healthcare is trying to meet the increased needs for preventative care and access to care created by an aging population. As healthcare moves away from fee-for-service care and moves toward value-based care, nurse practitioners and physician assistants become even more valuable to meet the health needs of most patients. In this value-driven model, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors work together to provide a team-based approach to care.
"The demand for nurse practitioners has never been higher,” American Association of Nurse Practitioners President Cindy Cooke said. “With the rise of full practice authority in 22 states and the District of Columbia, more patients than ever have direct access to high-quality nurse practitioner care in every setting–including the veterans’ health system.”
Nurse Anesthetist
Nurse anesthetist (CRNA) ranked number 5 overall in 2017 for best healthcare jobs according to U.S. News and World Reports, who also ranked nurse anesthetist number 6 overall for best jobs. Nurse anesthetists tend to be the highest paid APRN, helping to make this career path even more appealing. Research has shown that CRNAs can improve patient outcomes by lowering costs while still providing a high level of care. Given this research, it is expected that many healthcare organizations will move to a CRNA-only model rather than continue with the current model of one anesthesiologist leading every four CRNAs. The demand for more CRNA-only anesthesia services helps ensure a rosy job outlook for the future.
Nurse Midwife
Coming in at number 15 on the US News and World Reports Best Jobs of 2017 list is Nurse Midwife. The number of certified midwives has been growing each year for the past ten years. In many cases, nurses are able to provide the highest level of patient care but at a reduced cost. This is particularly true in the areas of obstetrics and gynecology. Finding ways to provide quality care at an affordable price has led to an abundance of opportunity for nurse midwife positions. As with nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives can expect a favorable job outlook.
APRNs took three of the top 15 spots in the list of the 100 best jobs of 2017. With nursing job projections and the future of healthcare, expectations are likely to grow. These projections have many implications. If you are looking to determine your career or switch careers, consider becoming a nurse. With seemingly infinite opportunities and numerous career advancement options, one would be hard pressed to find a better career path. If you are already a registered nurse and are considering advancing your career by getting an advanced degree, why not? By every measure, you are likely to be satisfied with an advanced nursing degree. Move your career forward in 2018 by pursuing an advanced practice nursing degree.