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Nurse Practitioners: Areas of Specialization

Nurse Practitioner with Elderly Patient

At Desert Medical Careers, we love Nurse Practitioners. Last month we talked about how much Arizona loves them too! Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is exciting because this profession holds so many opportunities. A Nurse Practitioner can practice in many settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, and their own private practices. The field also offers a wide variety of practice specializations and we are highlighting some of the most popular specialties in this month’s post.

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, also known as a Mental Health Practitioner

What they earn

The national median salary is $89,014. The national range is $68,474 – $114,877.

What type of patients do they see?

  • Patients with mental illness and their families

What kind of care can they provide?

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners work in a variety of environments including mental health clinics, correction facilities, and in their own practices. Typical roles are similar to that of a psychiatrist, such as diagnosing mental illnesses, conducting therapy, and prescribing medication.

If you would like to be placed in a healthcare job within the United States, please fill out the form below or call us at 602-468-6300.

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Adult Nurse Practitioner

What they earn

The national median salary is $86,642. The national range is $74,028 – $109,632.

What type of patients do they see?

  • Adult patients ranging in age from young adult to end of life

What kind of care can they provide?

An Adult Nurse Practitioner provides a full spectrum of standard care healthcare services. Additionally, preventative care, such as routine checkups, immunizations, and screenings are commonly performed. Some Adult Nurse Practitioners specialize in primary care while others specialize in acute care.

Family Nurse Practitioner

What they earn

The national median salary is $82,052. The national range is $64,868 – $101,000.

What type of patients do they see?

  • Individuals
  • Families
  • All ages
  • All genders

What kind of care can they provide?

A Family Nurse Practitioner’s range of treatment includes conducting exams, developing treatment plans, diagnostic screening, educating patients, and prescribing medications. They work in doctor’s offices, schools, hospitals, clinics, and more.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

What they earn

The national median salary is $78,507. The national range is $61,800 – $96,056.

What type of patients do they see?

  • Newborns
  • Infants
  • Toddlers
  • Pre-schoolers
  • School-aged children
  • Adolescents
  • Young adults

What kind of care can they provide?

A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner typically will practice in an acute care or primary care setting. They will do wellness checks, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medication.  Many Pediatric Nurse Practitioners serve as a primary care provider.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

What they earn

The national median salary is $77,874. The national range is $60,581 – $96,016.

What type of patients do they see?

  • Women of all ages

What kind of care can they provide?

A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner will work in their own practice, with physicians, in hospitals, prenatal clinics, women’s shelters, and women’s prisons. They perform well woman exams, health screenings, family planning services, prenatal and postnatal care, acute and chronic condition treatment, and menopausal care.

Nurse Practitioner Education

The level of education required includes all degrees and certifications listed below

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • National Council Licensure Examination (NXLEX-RN)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Receive a board certification for the specialty of choice

Arizona-based programs

There are many educational options for Nurse Practitioner programs in Arizona that are recognized by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.  They include:

How to Get a Nurse Practitioner Job in Arizona

Desert Medical Careers has a high demand for Nurse Practitioners in all specialties. We are typically able to easily place full-time and part-time Nurse Practitioners throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. With over 20 years experience placing healthcare employees throughout the Valley, DMC is an expert at matching healthcare workers with their ideal work environment. Contact DMC today at (602) 468-6300.

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