Thirty years ago, most patients could schedule an appointment with their primary care physician and be seen within a few days. Today, that is rarely the case.
In 2024, the Association of Health Care Journalists noted that many patients now wait between 27 to 70 days for a doctor’s appointment. Those who need to see their physician for a health concern often face an average wait of 31 days. The reasons: an aging population and a shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are helping bridge that gap.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NPs in every state can assess patients, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses and provide treatment—including prescribing medications. They work in settings such as clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nurse practitioners are the fastest-growing occupation in the nation, with a projected 45% job growth by 2032. The median annual salary for NPs is $124,680.
To address the shortage of health care provides, Immaculata University launched its Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program in 2023. While NPs can work in a variety of specialties, nearly 70% choose to become family nurse practitioners. Immaculata’s 44-credit program includes four practicums, which provide 825 hours of supervised clinical practice at sites throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Students can complete the degree in 2 ½ years of part-time study, with courses offered in a hybrid format, blending online learning with face-to-face instruction.
The program prepares students for the FNP certification exam and expands their clinical knowledge of primary care for patients across their lifespan—from prenatal and pediatric care to adult and elder care.
Pamela Hudson, D.M., M.S.N., M.B.A., RN, professor and chair of Immaculata’s Division of Nursing, said graduates learn “the bedrock of clinical skills,” including advanced courses in pharmacology, physical assessment and pathophysiology. “This advanced training enables graduates to provide a variety of acute, primary and specialty care, either with support from a doctor or independently,” she said.
Sher Abbas, a member of Immaculata’s first FNP cohort, is set to graduate in 2027. As a child, he wanted to be a physician, but the dedication he saw from nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his perspective.
“I realized I could still achieve the same goal—delivering high-quality care and making a meaningful impact—through the nursing profession,” Abbas said.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Abbas began working in a short- and long-term rehabilitation facility while pursuing his master’s degree. He chose Immaculata because of its reputation for excellence in nursing education.
“Some of my most respected professors, individuals who have deeply influenced my learning and professional growth, graduated from this institution,” he said. “Knowing the quality of education and mentorship it provides made my decision an easy one.”
When nursing students ask Hudson about career paths, she first asks if they are interested in clinical and bedside nursing. “Nurses who really want to work at the bedside and be more clinical should definitely be looking at the nurse practitioner program,” she stated.
In a health care system where wait times can stretch for weeks or even months, nurse practitioners are closing the gap between patients and the care they need. Programs like Immaculata’s FNP not only prepare graduates to diagnose, treat and lead in a variety of settings, but also train them to address widening access gaps—especially in underserved communities. By combining clinical expertise with a holistic, patient-centered approach, NPs are proving to be a vital link in making sure no one waits months for the care they deserve.
Top Reasons to Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- More Autonomy
NPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication (in many states, independently). - Higher Earning Potential
NPs typically earn significantly more than registered nurses (RNs). In the U.S., median NP salaries range from $110,000–$150,000+ annually. - Deeper Patient Relationships
NPs often provide primary care, so they build long-term relationships with patients—focusing on holistic, preventive care. - Broader Scope of Practice
Similar to physicians in many settings, you can specialize (e.g., family, pediatric, psychiatric, acute care) and manage a wide range of conditions. - Growing Demand
The NP role is one of the fastest-growing health care roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects ~45% job growth from 2020–2030. - Work-Life Balance (Often Better than MDs)
Compared to physicians, many NPs report better work-life balance, especially in outpatient or clinic settings. - Impact and Leadership
NPs often work in leadership roles in public health, education and policy. You can make a systemic difference beyond individual patient care.
Content provided by Pamela Hudson, D.M., M.S.N., M.B.A., RN, professor and chair of the Division of Nursing.