In healthcare today, nurses have a variety of options in terms of where they work and what they do, from the type of medical facility they work in to their specialization. There are even more options available to nurses who continue their education and enter into advanced practice.

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses that hold graduate degrees, either a Master of Science in Nursing or, soon to be required, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). As a result, nurse practitioners have significantly more job responsibilities than a registered nurse (RN), including independent practice in some states, as well as higher salaries and more intensive job requirements.

According to 2016 research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas is one of the largest employers of nurse practitioners and among the highest paying, with an annual mean wage of $110,060. Additionally, a 2015 Medscape report found that doctoral-prepared nurse practitioners earned an average of $9k more per year than master’s-prepared nurse practitioners.

Of course, these numbers vary depending on the medical facility, educational background, specialization and other factors. For example, a family nurse practitioner (FNP) might earn more than a cardiology nurse practitioner, while an urgent care nurse practitioner will almost certainly earn more than a women’s health nurse practitioner.

Comparatively, the median RN salary in Texas is $68,680, roughly $21.56 less per hour than the state’s average nurse practitioner salary­­­—but you don’t have to settle for less. Go from RN to DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner with Texas Wesleyan’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.

It’s time to put the care back in healthcare the “Smaller. Smarter.” way. Apply now for your online DNP-FNP degree at Texas Wesleyan.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program is pending SACSCOC approval.