According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the demand for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) will grow collectively by a staggering 45% from 2020 to 2030. This equates to approximately 29,400 more jobs annually.  The three APRN jobs expected to be in highest demand throughout the next decade include:

• Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) – anticipated 13% growth
• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) – anticipated 11% growth
• Certified Nurse Practitioners (NPs) – anticipated 52% growth

Certified Nurse Anesthetists

Certified nurse anesthetists play a critical role in the acute patient care setting. The Mayo Clinic’s description of the scope of practice for CRNAs includes administering anesthesia and conducting analgesic therapy in conjunction with medical and surgical procedures.  

According to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), CRNAs were among the top 20 in-person health care providers that served our communities at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Their training and skills offered invaluable support to the sickest patients, particularly in relation to oxygenation administration and ventilation methods. 

Nurse Journal reports that COVID-19 has led to certain regulatory changes, which have enabled nurse anesthetists to function independently in providing critical life-saving care.  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have also waived several physician supervision requirements to provide patients with easier access to healthcare. These factors have placed this specialty in higher demand. 

Certified Nurse Midwives

A certified nurse midwife can be a great choice for an advanced practice nurse with a desire to practice in women’s health.  CNMs support women’s reproductive health from adolescence through menopause, as well as during pregnancy and delivery for low-risk patients.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected the CNM role to increase 25% by 2024.  Nurse midwives are a particularly popular choice for mothers who want a more natural or holistic approach to gynecological care, pregnancy, and birth.  These elements, coupled with the great autonomy that nurse midwives enjoy in their practice, make this an in-demand profession with plenty of growth. 

Certified Nurse Practitioner

While nurse practitioners will see the greatest combined growth throughout the next decade, this role can be further broken down by specialties with the highest anticipated demand.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) conduct assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans for premature and neonatal infants up to 2 years of age with complex health issues.  NNPs are highly valued for their safe, high-quality level of care, and the need for these trained advanced practice nurses is becoming increasingly critical.

A 2016 survey by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses Council (NANNP) identified a 75% perceived shortage of trained NNPs by both administrators and clinicians.  This gap of qualified advanced practice nurses with the ability to care for our youngest population has been present for years and will only grow over time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 17% increase in this field by 2022. 

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) specialize in mental health treatment across all ages—from the young to the elderly.  There is often a need for emergency psychiatric care in the acute care setting, which typically goes unfulfilled or becomes delayed.  

Recently highlighted by the wide range of challenges experienced during  COVID-19, the mental health needs of our country have exceeded the capabilities of our workforce.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports a current shortage of nearly 6,500 mental health practitioners on a national scale. PMHNPs are anticipated to be one of the highest in-demand roles due to these factors.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) act as the primary care provider for individuals and families by diagnosing and treating both common and acute illnesses. While their primary focus is disease prevention, they also oversee the general health of their patients.

FNPs make up almost 67% of NPs nationally. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), primary care physician shortages are expected to fall between 17,800 and 48,000 by 2034.  With this demand for primary care physicians unmet, the need for qualified FNPs continues to grow. 

High Demand for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

From women’s health specialties to primary care, the career outlook for APRNs is bright. It is entirely possible to choose a field of practice that offers both growth potential and a highly satisfying work environment.  By filling the void left by an inadequate amount of physicians, APRNs have an undeniable positive impact on the health of our communities.  The demand for these practitioners will only continue to grow.