Regardless of where you are in the process — researching programs, searching for NP preceptors, or graduating, it may be a good time to think about which cities are the best for nurse practitioners.
Here are some of the best cities in the United States for nurse practitioners to find job opportunities after graduating:
- Phoenix, AZ – Rapid population growth and retiree influx is fueling demand, especially for primary care NPs. Arizona also allows full practice authority ,and a lot of np preceptors, too!
- Houston, TX – Major medical hub with a broad array of large healthcare systems constantly hiring NPs. Cost of living is reasonable.
- Atlanta, GA – Home to top hospitals like Emory and demand for NPs in primary care and specialty areas. Urban and rural options.
- St. Louis, MO – Population losing primary care doctors, opening jobs for NPs. Low cost of living and range of employer options.
- Portland, OR – Fast-growing metro with a focus on holistic care aligning with NP training. Large healthcare job market. Tough place to find np preceptors unless you use services like Preceptor Tree or Clerkship America.
- Minneapolis, MN – Home to world-famous Mayo Clinic and need for nurses. High quality of life and good salaries.
- Pittsburgh, PA – World-class medical centers, aging population, and affordable Midwest living create many NP opportunities.
- Orlando, FL – Retirement boom coupled with hospital expansion means growing NP demand. No state income tax.
- Seattle, WA – Major hospitals, medical research centers, and large population spur NP hiring. High salaries.
- Denver, CO – Vibrant city with expanding healthcare sector, innovative employers, and outdoor-loving residents.
Thriving cities with major medical centers, aging populations, and expanding economies offer new NPs exciting job prospects, competitive salaries, and vibrant communities. Location is key for launching an NP career. First you must find np preceptors! And after that, the sky is the limit.
