Easiest Nurse Practitioner Specialty: Which Is the Best to Get Into?

1. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

The easiest nurse practitioner specialty to get into and find a job after graduation is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) due to shortage of mental health professionals, increasing program availability, and growing job market.

Key stats:

• Mental Health professional shortage – The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reports that 122 million U.S. residents live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.
• Increasing program availability – According to the AACN’s 2023-2024 Enrollment and Graduation Report, there are 374 PMHNP programs offering MSN, MSN-to-DNP, and BS-to-DNP degrees this academic year.
• Growing job market – According to Zippia, the U.S. is projected to add 118,600 new PMHNP jobs in the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing NP specialties.

PMHNPs play a crucial role in bridging the mental health provider gap by diagnosing, treating, and managing psychiatric conditions across various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and telehealth practices.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Explore accredited online PMHNP programs that offer flexible learning options to fit your schedule.
• Check out some of our best np review course for various NP specialties to understand the core knowledge and skills you’ll be expected to master.

2. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)

The Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) specialty is a popular choice for those looking to care for adults and older adults, especially with the increasing aging population. It offers a relatively smooth pathway into the workforce with strong demand, diverse career options, and the ability to work in both primary and acute care settings.

Here are some online AGNP programs for your consideration.

3. Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNP)

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) focus on delivering primary and specialized healthcare to children, from infants to adolescents. This specialty offers high job satisfaction and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the health of future generations

Here are some online PNP programs for your consideration.

4. Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide comprehensive healthcare to individuals of all ages, from children to the elderly. The FNP specialty is one of the most versatile and widely recognized, with a broad range of opportunities across different healthcare settings.

Here are some online FNP programs for your consideration.

5. Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner (ANP)

Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners focus on cosmetic procedures like Botox injections, laser treatments, and dermal fillers. While this is a growing and lucrative specialty, it requires a unique path. To become an Aesthetic NP, you’ll first need to earn your Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree and then undergo additional training in aesthetic procedures.

Also, check out our article to find out which NP exam is easier: ANCC vs AANP? and which are the highest paid nurse practitioners salary.