Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
Job Outlook
Employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 31 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur because of an increase in the demand for healthcare services. Several factors will contribute to this demand, including a large number of newly insured patients resulting from healthcare legislation, an increased emphasis on preventive care, and the large, aging baby-boom population.
The number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can perform many of the same services as physicians. APRNs will be needed to provide preventive and primary care, particularly in offices of physicians, clinics, and other ambulatory care settings.
APRNs will also be needed to care for the aging baby-boom generation. As baby boomers age, they will experience ailments and complex conditions that require medical care. APRNs will be needed to keep these patients healthy and to treat the growing number of patients with chronic and acute conditions.
As states change their laws governing APRN practice authority, APRNs are being allowed to perform more services. They are also becoming more widely recognized by the public as a source for primary healthcare.
Job Prospects
Overall, job opportunities for advanced practice registered nurses are likely to be excellent. APRNs will be in high demand, particularly in medically underserved areas such as inner cities and rural areas. Job opportunities may exist from attrition.
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners
31%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
17%
Total, all occupations
7%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program