Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary, acute, and specialty healthcare services. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and undertake patient management plans.
Education: Master's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 44.5% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 29 500
Direct AI exposure: 7% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 56% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Nurse Practitioners. According to the wage tables, average income is $128K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $87K per year | $112K per year | $128K per year | $140K per year | $156K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $63K above the national average. | ||||
Nurse Practitioners work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practices, clinics, schools, and nursing homes. They may also work in research, academic settings, or in healthcare administration.
Nurse Practitioners play a critical role in the healthcare system, often serving as a patient's primary healthcare provider. They combine clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an emphasis on disease prevention and health management. NPs bring a comprehensive perspective to health care, looking at the whole patient, including their environment, lifestyle, and mental health, and not just their physical symptoms.
The role requires excellent communication skills, as NPs are often the primary point of contact for patient education and counseling. They must be able to explain complex medical information in understandable terms and provide empathetic support. NPs often serve specific populations, which requires specialized knowledge and cultural competence.
This career offers autonomy, with many NPs having the authority to prescribe medications and manage patient care independently. It also requires a commitment to lifelong learning, as the medical field is constantly evolving. NPs must stay current with healthcare research and best practices to provide the highest quality care.
In Canada, Nurse Practitioners typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), a four-year program, followed by a master's degree in nursing (MN or MScN) with a Nurse Practitioner specialization, which usually takes 2-3 additional years. While doctoral education such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD is available in limited settings, it is not required for clinical practice and is most often pursued for leadership, research, or academic roles.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
