News and briefs: Number of NPs will double by 2025

In 2008, there were approximately 128,000 nurse practitioners (NP) in the United States. This number is expected to grow significantly, to about 244,000 in 2025, according to research published by Med Care. With shorter training programs than physicians, high wages, and a job market that is also growing, becoming an NP is an appealing choice.

“People have gotten the message that becoming a nurse, and especially an NP, is a very good, solid career choice,” says David Auerbach, PhD, author of the research, in an article with amednews.com.

The increase in NPs and other midlevel providers falls in line with the need to supplement physicians, of which there is a shortage. According to amednews.com, a report from the Health Resources and Services Administration found that by 2020, there will be about 50,000 less physicians than needed to provide care. By using midlevel providers to perform some basic patient care duties typically performed by physicians, physicians can focus on high level care. The American Medical Association says it supports teams of physicians, NPs, and physician assistants, in which the midlevel providers practice under the supervision of a physician.