The Nurse Practitioner Role: Celebrated Ranking vs. Real-World Concerns

Once again, nurse practitioners (NPs) are in the spotlight, taking the No. 1 slot in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Jobs” list for two consecutive years. I hear a collective moan from many and an excited squeal from others. I get it! Things are not always as they seem! 

This lofty ranking demonstrates how NPs continue to capture national attention. But in reality, the conversation around this growing profession is a bit more nuanced. While the numbers look impressive and growth potential looks promising, it’s more complicated than that. There are many who say that the NP field has become oversaturated. Others question whether current educational models truly deliver the high-quality training needed to ensure new nurse practitioners are fully prepared for the demands and complexities of modern healthcare.

I have so much I could say on this subject…but I’ll bite my tongue a bit! After nearly three decades in the NP profession and a deep commitment to quality education, I’ve gained some insight.

An Overview of the Rankings

U.S. News & World Report uses metrics like job growth, wage potential, and work-life balance to formulate these rankings. For NPs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (reporting numbers from 2023), the median national salary hovers around $124,680. This makes it an attractive path for many aspiring clinicians…oftentimes burned-out floor nurses.  Physician assistants/associates (PAs) had a similar, high ranking.  Advanced Practice Providers (APP) are part of the growing healthcare workforce. 
Interestingly, physician roles ranked lower on the overall list (e.g., anesthesiologists at No. 33 and psychiatrists at No. 34 in 2023). Some are quick to interpret this as a broader shift in how healthcare is delivered. Advanced practice providers often serve as primary care providers, reaching underserved communities and filling gaps left by physician shortages.

Addressing the Saturation Debate

Those who claim the NP market is oversaturated often point to the growing list of NP programs. As of January 2025, there are approximately 500 nurse practitioner programs in the United States. This figure encompasses both Master's (MSN) and Doctoral (DNP) programs, which may offer various NP specialties. Schools of nursing have varying admissions standards, and some assert that many schools “take anyone and everyone,” leading to questions about consistent quality in training. There is also worry that the number of new graduates could outpace the availability of quality preceptorships, robust clinical experiences, and full-time employment opportunities.

In truth, the market saturation question doesn’t have a simple answer. Geography matters immensely. Some regions continue to face severe provider shortages—mainly rural and underserved urban areas—while others are growing more competitive. Reimbursement policies, differing state regulations, professional autonomy, and a clinician’s specialty also shape how saturated an NP or APP market might appear. RNs considering the NP profession, new graduates, and relocating NPs must be strategic about their job searches and consider geographic factors and local market needs when looking for employment. 

One thing I have seen and heard is that there are new grads who want to work in primary care, but all the jobs require experience. They can’t get the experience without getting a new grad job! It’s a real catch-twenty-two. Many end up going back to floor nursing! 

The Evolving Education Model

Debate persists around NP education because of the wide variability in education models and clinical training. Some argue that, compared to physicians, NP programs lack standardization in clinical hours, potentially leading to competence gaps. Others counter that NP education does not need to replicate the physician model; instead, it should remain outcome-focused or competency-based and adapt to patient and system demands.

Key Considerations

1. Quality Over Quantity: As NP programs expand, admissions criteria and clinical rigor should be robust. Improving and standardizing clinical experiences will uphold the profession’s credibility. Ensuring there are enough faculty, support staff, and preceptors for the number of students is vital. We owe it to our profession and our patients. 
2. Mentorship and Preceptorship: Ensuring that new and existing NPs receive ongoing mentorship—regardless of the state or practice setting—helps maintain quality care.
3. Collaboration: NPs, physicians, PAs, and other healthcare professionals thrive best in team-based care environments. Interdisciplinary collaboration remains key to success. 
4. Adaptability: Healthcare systems will keep evolving. NPs who pivot efficiently—by earning post-masters certificates, specialized certifications, or doctoral degrees— may be better positioned to meet market needs. But look before you leap to this next step, too! It may or may not be worth the additional education. 

Striking a Balance

It’s easy to get caught up in the “Best Job” hype, but every profession has challenges. For NPs, that means bridging the gap between celebrating a booming career path and recognizing the need for more robust and standardized education. It means acknowledging the potential for oversaturation in some regions while also directing new graduates to areas that need their expertise most.
At the end of the day, the excitement over high rankings shouldn’t overshadow the reality that each NP must demonstrate strong clinical acumen, cultural competence, and a commitment to continuous learning. Growth is great, but sustainable and ethical growth is better.

Final Words:

While the nurse practitioner profession continues to get well-deserved recognition, it’s clear that challenges remain. From concerns about oversaturation to inconsistencies in education and training, the road ahead requires more than just celebrating rankings—it demands action. Ensuring quality education in both the classroom and clinical setting, and strategically addressing gaps in the system will be key to sustaining the profession’s credibility and impact. Rankings may draw attention, but true success lies in our ability to navigate these complexities while delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.

About the Author

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.