Written By: Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Are you a nurse considering an advanced degree—specifically, do you want to become a nurse practitioner but have a couple of concerns? Are you wondering if you are too old to advance your education and pursue a new career path? Or are you nervous you are too young and won’t be taken seriously? Fear not—over 235,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States are of all ages.
So, what is the average age of a nurse practitioner in the United States? Below I will answer this question and provide more information regarding the average age of a nurse practitioner in the U.S.
What is the Average Age of a Nurse Practitioner Currently Working in the Nation?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 235,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States. The average age of a nurse practitioner is 43.4 years old, but the nurse practitioner age range starts between 20 and 24 years to 65 years old and over. Most nurse practitioners are between 35 and 44 years old, equaling almost 39% of all nurse practitioners in the United States. This age bracket is followed by NPs between 45 years and 54 years old, making up just over 23% of all nurse practitioners. Roughly 20% of NPs are between 25 and 34 years old, and just under 15% of NPs are between 55 and 64 years old. 4% of NPs are 65 or older, and less than 1% are 20 to 24 years old.
| Age Range | 16 to 19 years | 20 to 24 years | 25 to 34 years | 35 to 44 years | 45 to 54 years | 55 to 64 years | 65 years and over | Average Age |
| Number of Nurse Practitioners | 0 | 1,077 | 45,216 | 91,508 | 54,905 | 33,373 | 9,689 | 43.4 |
| Percent | 0.00% | 0.46% | 19.27% | 38.99% | 23.39% | 14.22% | 4.13% |
| (Source: U.S.US Bureau of Labor Statistics) |
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1.What Is The Youngest Age To Be A Nurse Practitioner?
The youngest age to be a nurse practitioner is 22–saying you follow a relatively traditional path. A person would achieve this by applying to an associate's RN program at 17 years, which takes two years on average to complete. Next, apply to an RN to BSN program, which takes 18 to 24 months to complete—totaling 3.5 years to 4 years to get your BSN. Once you have your BSN, you can apply to an MSN NP program which takes two years—totaling 5.5 to 6 years.
2.What Is The Right Age To Become A Nurse Practitioner?
Is there a better age to become a nurse practitioner? Before I answer this question, it is essential to consider how much longer you plan on working. This is important to ask because you want to ensure the cost of obtaining an MSN or DNP will pay off.
The mid to late 20s is a great time to apply to NP school if you know, as a young nurse, this is the career path you want to pursue. I say this because it gives you time to gain experience as a nurse allowing your skills and knowledge to grow before applying to NP school. It also provides many years for you to work as an NP establishing your practice by joining another practice/organization or starting an independently run clinic. Remember, though—it is never too late to become an NP.
3. How Old Is Too Old To Start Working As A Nurse Practitioner?
No age is too old to start working as a nurse practitioner! If you complete the MSN or DNP program, perform the required job duties, and have a passion for healthcare and becoming an NP, go for it!
However, one thing to keep in mind is how long you plan to practice as an NP after graduation to ensure the cost of schooling makes sense for you and your family.
4. At What Age Do Nurse Practitioners Retire?
Nurse practitioners are practicing at all ages. While the average retirement age in the United States is 62 years old—there are no rules as to when the NP needs to retire, and many continue to work well past 62, especially if they love their job and can complete their duties.
My Final Thoughts
After reading the above, I hope you can now answer what the average age of a nurse practitioner is in the United States.
The need for excellent nurse practitioners is high in the United States—indicating a high demand for NPs nationwide. While the average age of a nurse practitioner in the U.S. is 43, nurses are becoming NPs at ages ranging from the early 20s to mid-60s—therefore, regardless of your age, if you want to become an NP and plan on working for the next several years, go for it!
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Kasee Wiesen is a practicing family nurse practitioner. Her nursing background includes emergency medicine, pediatrics and peri-op. Education is a passion of Kasee’s, and she has taught BSN, RN-BSN and DNP students, and has enjoyed every moment of it!
FAQs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 235,000 licensed nurse practitioners in the United States. The average age of a nurse practitioner is 43.4 years old, but the nurse practitioner age range starts between 20 and 24 years to 65 years old and over.
Is 30 too old to become a nurse practitioner? ›
You're not too old to get a degree and become a nurse practitioner at 30. You will find that many students in your master's or doctoral program are close to your age, and some may be older.
Is being a nurse practitioner harder than being a nurse? ›
In NP school, you'll deep dive into concepts you've already learned in nursing school and learn how to apply them in real-world situations. It is much more advanced and in-depth. Overall, both are complex and challenging, but in different ways.
Is being an NP better than RN? ›
Given their advanced level of education and skill, NPs naturally have a greater scope of work than RNs. For example, NPs are educated to diagnose patients or prescribe medications (depending on the state in which they reside), which RNs cannot. Still, registered nurses fulfill many crucial care duties.
What is the average age of a new grad nurse? ›
How old are nurses when they start? The average age of a new nurse ranges from mid twenties to late thirties and forties, depending on when the student started school. The youngest age someone could achieve RN status is 20,assuming the student graduated high school at 18 and immediately entered a2-year ADN program.
Is being an NP stressful? ›
Excessive workloads, the emotional weight of continuous patient care (especially in critical care situations), and a general lack of support from healthcare organizations compound the stress experienced by NPs.
What is the retirement age for NP? ›
While the average retirement age in the United States is 62 years old—there are no rules as to when the NP needs to retire, and many continue to work well past 62, especially if they love their job and can complete their duties.
Is NP higher than PA? ›
Is NP higher than PA? Neither profession ranks “higher” than the other. Both NPs and PAs work in the healthcare field but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.
Is it worth it to go from RN to NP? ›
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for an RN is $77,600, while an NP earns $123,780. While NPs are required to complete more schooling, which does come at a cost, becoming a nurse practitioner could be a worthwhile path.
Is NP school harder than PA school? ›
Is NP or PA school harder? PA and NP schools are challenging in their own ways. PA school does require more instructional and clinical hours than NP schools, but with the right study tool, you'll be okay no matter what you choose.
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
They work with patients to help improve their appearance through a variety of nonsurgical procedures. Aesthetic NPs earn the highest nurse practitioner salary in America. Salary: Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners earn an average base salary of approximately $138,817 annually.
What can an NP do that an RN cannot? ›
Although both registered nurses and nurse practitioners focus on patient observation and care, the largest difference between the two roles is that NPs are permitted to prescribe treatments, order tests, and diagnose patients—duties normally performed by physicians—whereas RNs are not.
Why choose an NP over a doctor? ›
Typically, it is easier to make an appointment with an NP vs. a doctor due to an NP's flexibility. Since they are able to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine, patients can book an appointment for urgent issues with an NP instead of waiting for a future appointment with a doctor.
Is 55 too old to become a nurse? ›
Becoming a nurse later in life is definitely possible. In fact, older nurses benefit from having the wisdom that is acquired through life experiences. They also tend to have better social skills.
What percentage of new grad nurses quit? ›
The First Year Is Difficult
Nearly 18% of newly licensed registered nurses quit the profession within the first year. Like with more advanced nurses, common causes for leaving include stressful working conditions, lack of leadership and supervision, and understaffed facilities.
What is the youngest nurse? ›
Elliana Tenenbaum is thought to be the youngest nurse in America, having earned her high school diploma in just a year-and-a-half and doubling up on college courses.
Can I start nursing school at 30? ›
Nursing is an excellent option to pursue at 30 or any age. Even for recent high school graduates, it is an extremely popular field to enter. If you are worried 30 is too old for nursing, it most definitely is not.
What is the easiest nurse practitioner to become? ›
The easiest nurse practitioner specialty to get into is psychiatric mental health, also called a PMHNP.
What is the shortest time to become a nurse practitioner? ›
Most MSN programs can be finished in 2-3 years. Hypothetically, students who do not experience any unexpected obstacles could complete the path to FNP within 6-7 years by first getting an ADN, completing two years of experience, and enrolling in an RN-to-MSN program.
Is 29 too late to become a nurse? ›
It is never too late to pursue a career in nursing, as there is no maximum age for enrolling in nursing school.
Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C 