For many nurses, becoming a nurse practitioner is the ultimate career goal. But with so many different specialties to choose from, deciding which nurse practitioner you want to be can be a challenge. In this guide, we'll explore what an orthopedic nurse practitioner is, what it takes to become one, and how much you can earn.

What is an orthopedic nurse practitioner?

An orthopedic nurse practitioner is a nurse practitioner who specializes in caring for and treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include diseases and/or injuries of the bones, muscles, joints, and supporting connective tissues.

Problems with the musculoskeletal system include genetic abnormalities and deformities, diseases, and injuries. Some common musculoskeletal problems an orthopedic nurse may encounter on a daily basis include arthritis, fractures, sprains, muscular dystrophy, temporomandibular joint disorder, and fibromyalgia.

Orthopedic nurse practitioners make up a small percentage of nurse practitioners in the United States, but require very advanced training. We'll dive deeper into how to become a nurse practitioner in Part Three.

Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Salary

According to Payscale, the average salary for an orthopedic nurse practitioner is $100,035 or $43.90 per hour as of August 2022, making it a very lucrative nursing career.(https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Orthopedic_Nurse_Practitioner/Salary)

Orthopedic nurses can be paid either a monthly salary or an hourly wage. The exact salary depends on the location of the job. Nurses who are paid an hourly wage can receive overtime pay, while nurses who are paid a monthly salary will need to discuss this with the hiring committee. As with all jobs in the nursing field, earning potential increases with education and experience.

How to Become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner can be a long and arduous journey; however, it is possible and worth it. To become an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner, you will need to complete the following steps.

Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse

Step 2: Gain Experience

Step 3: Earn an MSN or DNP

Step 4: Get Certified

What Does an Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner Do?

Orthopedic nurse practitioners have a variety of skills that often work with a patient’s bones, muscles, joints, and supporting connective tissues. They can work as generalists, covering all aspects of orthopedic care, or they can further specialize in one of the following orthopedic interventions, areas, or conditions

Where Do Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners Work?

Orthopedic NPs work in a variety of settings. Their most common areas of application are as follows:

· Hospitals

· Operating Rooms

· Pain Clinics

· Emergency Rooms

· Military

· Occupational Medicine

· Rehabilitation Medicine

What Are the Career Outlooks for Orthopedic Nurse Practitioners?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the career outlook for NPs is excellent, with a projected growth rate of 38% between 2022 and 2032.

While the BLS does not distinguish between different types of NPs, there will always be a need for orthopedic NPs as the baby boom generation continues to age. Additionally, the National Center for Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) reports that by 2025, there will be an estimated 20,000 primary care physician shortages. Orthopedic NPs will be needed to help fill this gap.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, musculoskeletal issues are one of the leading causes of primary care visits, and more than half of chronic illnesses in the United States are related to underlying musculoskeletal issues. As obesity becomes an ongoing problem in the United States, the extra weight puts a strain on the musculoskeletal system. The need for orthopedic nurse practitioners will continue to exist.