There’s a shortage of primary care health professionals in the United States—according to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, around 74 million Americans live in areas lacking adequate numbers of these important medical providers. To make matters even more dire, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) estimates that the country could see a shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. In response to the widening gap in primary care access, states have been expanding scope of practice laws for nurse practitioners (NPs), relying on them to take on some of the responsibilities previously held by physicians. In this blog, we dive into the overall job outlook for NPs and why you should consider taking a locum tenens assignment with us.
BLS Projections of NP Employment
As the roles and responsibilities of NPs continue to expand, so does their projected employment; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NP employment is forecast to grow 45% between 2022 and 2032, from 266,300 providers to 384,900. That’s much faster than the average employment growth rate for all other occupations for the same time period, which stands at 3%.
These numbers include NPs across all specialties, however it’s important to consider that the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that 88% of all licensed NPs are educated in primary care and 70% of clinically practicing providers work in that specialty. When taken alongside the gap in primary care access and the fact that NPs are assuming some of the responsibilities doctors normally hold, many of the new NP jobs may be in primary care settings.
What States Have the Highest NP Employment Rates?
According to the BLS, California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Tennessee employ the most NPs in the entire U.S. as of May 2022. The BLS also reports that Tennessee, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Missouri have the highest shares of NP employment when compared to the national average.
What is the Unemployment Rate for NPs in the United States?
When it comes to unemployment, NPs have one of the lowest rates in the country. According to the 100 Best Jobs list released by the U.S. News & World Report in 2024, the unemployment rate for NPs rests at 0.6%, much lower than the national average, which was 3.7% in December 2023.
Where do NPs Commonly Work?
While most NPs work in primary care specialties, these critical medical providers can be found in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Here are the industries that have the highest levels of NP employment, in order from most to least, according to the BLS:
- Physician Offices
- General Hospitals
- Outpatient Healthcare Centers
- Offices of Other Healthcare Professionals
- Home Healthcare
Why are NPs in Demand?
As mentioned above, NPs are increasingly taking on the role of primary care providers as the physician shortage continues. In fact, 27 states grant NPs full practice authority, which means they can “evaluate patients; diagnose, order and interpret diagnostic tests; and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications and controlled substances, under the exclusive licensure authority of the state board of nursing,” according to the AANP.
But why is the physician shortage occurring in the first place? One of the main reasons is that the Baby Boomer generation, which many doctors are a part of, are retiring at growing rates. Not only does this affect the number of physicians; it also increases demand for quality healthcare, as the older population often requires more complex and frequent care.
FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS ABOUT AN NP’S SCOPE OF PRACTICE, SEE OUR INFOGRAPHIC, “CAN AN NP DO THAT?”
Why Become a Locum Tenens NP?
Locum tenens is a Latin phrase meaning “holding one’s place,” but in healthcare the term refers to a temporary travel medical professional who substitutes for a provider or works an open job until it can be filled with a permanent worker.
There are many benefits to taking a locum tenens assignment that aren’t available to those in permanent positions at a clinic or private practice. For example, locum tenens NPs have the flexibility to choose when and where they work. The earning potential for locum tenens NPs is also often much higher than their permanent counterparts due to demand.
Work With Us
Interested in diving into becoming a locum tenens NP? We connect skilled NPs with facilities that are short-staffed across the country for temporary assignments. Check out our job board and apply today to get started.
