You worked hard to become a nurse practitioner, with years of school, clinical hours and board exams. You help manage chronic disease, calm anxious patients, juggle insurance barriers and explain complex treatment plans in a way real people can understand.
That kind of training doesn’t just make you a strong clinician, but also a problem-solver, communicator and an educator—skills that are valuable outside the exam room. So, if you’ve ever questioned whether your career must remain confined to traditional clinical practice, rest assured, there are many fulfilling alternatives to explore.
This guide will break down the most promising alternative career options for nurse practitioners, offering a help resource to explore if you’re ready for something new.
Why do nurse practitioners seek alternative careers?
For many NPs, the desire for a career change stems from the challenges they face within the clinical environment.
Scope of practice frustration
One of the most significant factors is scope of practice laws across different states. In states with restrictive laws, NPs may be required to work under the direct supervision of a physician, limiting their autonomy in diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications.
These regulations can vary by state and may range from direct supervision to more autonomous models, creating frustrating limitations on an NP’s ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training. In an internal poll of over 300 Sermo members, while 34% of APPs—including fellow nurse practitioners— reported being “very satisfied” with their state’s scope of practice, a combined 27% were either somewhat or very dissatisfied. In response to a separate poll question, respondents selected the requirement for collaborative agreements with physicians as the most significant barrier preventing NPs from providing effective care.
Sermo members have shared their perspectives on regulations in different U.S. states. “I am in Texas, one of the holdouts on allowing independent practice for NPs,” writes one NP. Another NP cited confusion around variation between regions. “I do feel like the lack of uniformity from state to state prevents patients from understanding what we do and how Nurse Practitioners fit in the healthcare environment,” they write.
High clinical demands and burnout
As with physicians, NPs often deal with high clinical demands which can lead to burnout, as detailed in a 2024 study.
Commentary from nurse practitioners on Sermo further suggests that burnout is a significant problem within the field. “Everyone I know in primary care is burnt out… Most of my primary care colleagues have left for specialty care or teaching,” writes one member. Another NP shares a similar viewpoint: “Working 5 days and off 2 is just not enough time to recuperate from my busy schedule.” For many, a career change isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity for their well-being.
Monetizing advanced training
Your advanced clinical training as an NP is an asset, and not just in a hospital or clinic. Industries like pharmaceuticals, insurance and health technology are willing to pay a premium for this expertise. Consequently, alternative careers for nurse practitioners often come with compensation packages that exceed what they might earn in a traditional clinical role, which can make a transition appealing.
Influence on policy and systems
Some NPs transition into non-clinical roles to have a broader impact on the healthcare system. By moving into policy, advocacy or administrative positions, you can influence legislation, shape healthcare delivery models and advocate for changes that benefit both patients and providers.
10 Alternative careers for nurse practitioners
Below are some considerations for alternative careers for nurse practitioners, and their average salaries among NPs in the U.S. Note that salary ranges are estimates and will vary based on experience, location, specialty, and employer.
Memory care director
A memory care director oversees the clinical and operational aspects of a specialized care facility for individuals with cognitive impairments. NPs in this role develop and implement patient care policies, manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance and work with families to create personalized care plans. Your advanced knowledge of geriatric care and chronic disease management can qualify you for this leadership position, although it may also require additional leadership or administrative experience or training.
Median salary: $94,000, according to Glassdoor
Research nurse
Research nurses, or clinical research associates, are integral to the development of new medical treatments, drugs, and devices. They work in pharmaceutical companies, universities and research organizations, managing clinical trials, collecting and analyzing data and ensuring studies adhere to ethical and regulatory standards. If you possess a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), this path can lead to principal investigator roles, offering even greater autonomy and earning potential. As one NP on Sermo excitedly shared, “I recently got my DNP to try and advance my career!”
Median salary: $109,000, according to Glassdoor
Healthcare facility surveyor
Healthcare facility surveyors work for government agencies or accrediting bodies like Joint Commission to inspect healthcare facilities. They assess whether these facilities meet state and federal standards. As an NP you have an understanding of clinical workflows, infection control and patient safety protocols that can aid you in the role. You may need to undergo specific training or certifications to land an inspection role such as this.
Median salary: $74,746, according to ZipRecruiter
Foreign service medical provider
For the adventurous NP, a role as a Foreign Service Medical Provider with the U.S. Department of State offers a unique opportunity to provide healthcare to American diplomats and their families serving abroad. In this role you may act as primary care provider for the embassy community, managing everything from routine health concerns to medical emergencies. Candidates must meet specific requirements including U.S. citizenship, advanced clinical experience, current licensure, and the ability to obtain necessary security clearances. Be sure to review all qualification criteria carefully to assess your eligibility and prepare a competitive application. Ensure to familiarize yourself with the requirements for the role to see if you qualify. Salary Range: $100,000 – $150,000+ (plus benefits)
Flexible and remote careers for nurse practitioners
A flexible role can allow you to achieve a sense of work-life balance. Advances in technology have made it possible to leverage clinical skills from anywhere, opening up a new frontier of alternative jobs for nurse practitioners.
Telemedicine/virtual consults
In states with full practice authority—such as New York and Arizona—NPs can conduct virtual consultations, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and manage patient care entirely online. This offers flexibility in terms of work hours and location. If you hold licenses in multiple states, particularly those in the APRN Compact, that can expand your opportunities in telemedicine. “Remote jobs can be tough depending on which state(s) you are licensed in,” one NP explains. “The more states the better, especially states that don’t require supervision.”
Average salary: $130,000 according to ZipRecruiter
Locum tenens
Locum tenens (Latin for “one holding the place”) involves taking on temporary assignments to fill in for other healthcare providers. While it often requires travel, it offers flexibility and the chance to experience different practice settings without committing to something longterm. One NP on Sermo who switched to locum tenens work describes it as “the best thing” they’ve ever done. “Any ‘drama’ or ongoing issues that the organization has is ultimately not my problem… I know that essentially I just have to get through 3 months and go about my way,” they shared.
Average salary: $130,280, according to ZipRecruiter
NCLEX Tutor
As an NCLEX tutor, you can provide one-on-one or group instruction to nursing students preparing for their licensure exams. You can do this on a freelance basis or by working for a test prep company. It’s a flexible and rewarding way to share knowledge and mentor future colleagues.
Average rate: $28-48 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter
Medical writer/editor
In this role, you can write or edit regulatory documents, educational materials for patients and healthcare professionals and articles for medical journals. Medical writing roles are often remote. Freelance medical writers have the freedom to set their own hours and choose projects that interest them, making this one of the most flexible career paths for a nurse practitioner.
Average rate: $46 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter, though some clients pay on a project basis.
Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) specialist
CDI specialists review patient medical records to ensure they are accurate, complete and compliant with regulations. This role is crucial for healthcare billing, quality reporting, and data analysis. CDI specialist jobs are often remote, offering a stable and flexible non-clinical career.
Average salary: $81,742, according to ZipRecruiter
Health informatics specialist
Health informatics is a field that blends healthcare, information technology and data science. Specialists in this area work on optimizing electronic health records (EHRs), analyzing health data to improve patient outcomes and developing new health IT solutions. Your firsthand experience with clinical workflows and EHR systems provides a perspective that is valued in this field.
Median salary: $96,000, according to Glassdoor
Sermo paid medical surveys as a means to reach your goals
Career transitions can be challenging, but supplemental income can provide a financial cushion as you explore new paths. Whether you’re considering going back to school for a new certification or attending professional development workshops, having extra funds can make all the difference.
Sermo offers nurse practitioners a simple way to earn supplemental income by participating in paid medical surveys. By sharing your valuable insights, you not only contribute to medical research but also get compensated for your expertise. This income can be a powerful tool, providing the means to invest in your professional growth and achieve your long-term career goals.
Chart your own course
The journey of being a nurse practitioner is not confined to a single track. Your unique blend of clinical expertise, critical thinking and patient advocacy is an asset. Whether you’re seeking relief from the constraints of clinical practice, greater financial reward or the flexibility to design your own work-life balance, you can choose from a variety of opportunities available to nurse practitioners.If you are exploring a career change, you can make the move alongside your peers on Sermo. In the words of one NP in the Sermo community, “Reaching out to fellow healthcare providers (particularly through social media) helps through humor and shared experiences”. Share resources, experiences and support with industry peers as you navigate the transition and build the career you’ve always envisioned.
