March 11, 2025
02:40
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Table of Contents
Where are nurse practitioners most in demand?
1. Tennessee
Tennessee has the highest demand for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the U.S., with 4.36 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
It's great need for NPs is driven by the state's growing aging population, high rates of chronic diseases, and significant healthcare access challenges, especially in rural areas.
Additionally, Tennessee faces a severe shortage of primary care physicians.
A 2024 report by the Tennessee Medical Association noted that the state is projected to experience a shortfall of 6,000 physicians by 2030, with rural areas particularly affected.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi ranks second in NP demand, with 3.49 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the BLS.
The state struggles with severe healthcare disparities, including high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state has a significant shortage of primary care physicians, especially in rural areas where over half of the counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).
3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire ranks third in NP demand, with 2.77 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state faces significant healthcare challenges, including the projected addition of more than 9,100 healthcare jobs from 2022 to 2032, with a growth rate of nearly 10%. This growth reflects the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, to care for an aging population.
Additionally, 27% of primary care physicians and 24% of nurse practitioners in New Hampshire are over the age of 60, indicating an aging workforce.
4. West Virginia
West Virginia ranks fourth in NP demand, with 2.71 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The state faces significant healthcare challenges, including a high demand for healthcare workers due to its aging population and widespread rural areas. West Virginia has one of the highest percentage of residents aged 65 and older in the nation, with nearly 20% of the population in this age group.
The state also faces a shortage of primary care physicians, with a growing need for NPs to fill the gap. A report from the West Virginia Center for Rural Health suggests that nearly 44% of West Virginia’s counties are federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for primary care, reinforcing the essential role of NPs in rural healthcare.
5. Arkansas
Arkansas ranks fifth in NP demand, with 2.59 NP jobs per 1,000 total jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.The state faces significant healthcare challenges, including a projected addition of nearly 90,000 jobs across various sectors between 2022 and 2032, with healthcare and social assistance sectors expected to experience some of the fastest growth.
Additionally, Arkansas has one of the fewest physicians per 100,000 people in the country.
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