Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Career Guide

Looking for a different career guide?

Overview

A Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained healthcare professional who specializes in providing comprehensive and personalized care to patients of all ages. These NPs play a pivotal role in promoting health, preventing diseases and managing chronic conditions within a primary care setting. They serve as a bridge between patients and physicians, offering a holistic approach

Education

To become a Primary Care NP, individuals typically need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The program focuses on advanced clinical knowledge, pathophysiology, pharmacology and primary care principles.

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

As a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP), Primary Care NPs must obtain certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). While prior nursing experience is beneficial, some programs offer direct entry options for individuals with non-nursing backgrounds.

Skills

This role demands a wide range of skills, including clinical assessment, critical thinking, communication, patient education and collaboration. Primary Care NPs need to excel in diagnosing and managing acute and chronic conditions, as well as in fostering strong patient-provider relationships.

Thousands of
healthcare jobs in
your pocket.

4.8

13.6k Ratings

4.4

1.5k Ratings

Responsibilities

Primary Care NPs have a diverse set of responsibilities, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension), promoting health and preventive care and coordinating referrals to specialists when needed.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
$2,401-3,963/week

The average salary for a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is $3,294.82 per week.

Last updated on May 9, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a Primary Care NP offers numerous benefits. NPs enjoy a high level of autonomy and the opportunity to build strong patient relationships. The demand for primary care services is growing, ensuring stable job prospects. Primary Care NPs also have the satisfaction of playing a central role in patients' healthcare journeys.

However, challenges exist in this specialty. The workload can be

Was this page helpful?

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Jobs


View job details for Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Staff Position

Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

  • Mary Washington Healthcare
  • Primary Care - Kilarney Dr, VA

$52-65/hour

View job details for Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Staff Position

Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

  • Mary Washington Healthcare
  • Embrey Mill, VA

$52-65/hour

View job details for Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Staff Position

Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

  • Mary Washington Healthcare
  • King George, VA

$52-65/hour

View job details for Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care
Staff Position

Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care

  • Matrix Providers
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 3x16 hrs, Days

$72-85/hour

Get alerts about new jobs

Be the first to know about new jobs for Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.

Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.

Join over 1 million healthcare workers that are getting a head start with Vivian.

Join Vivian
A group of healthcare professionals.