Tap Healthcare Solutions is your trusted partner for permanent nursing placements across the healthcare spectrum. Here’s a refreshed take on current demand trends that highlights the roles we recruit for and the expertise we place.
As of 2025, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), especially Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs), are among the most sought-after nursing professionals. The broader field of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN), which includes NPs, remains the top path for nurses advancing their careers.
The most in-demand nursing roles (in order):
- Nurse Practitioner (NP) consistently ranked among the best overall careers and at the forefront of healthcare. Key drivers:
Aging population with complex healthcare needs
Persistent physician shortages, notably in primary care and rural regions
Growing recognition that NPs deliver high-quality, cost-effective care comparable to physicians
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) high salary potential and autonomy. Drivers:
Increasing surgical volumes from an aging population
Demand across both rural and urban facilities
- Nurse Administrator as healthcare systems grow more complex, experienced nurses with leadership capabilities are essential for governance and operations. Strong job outlook.
- Nurse Educator with aging faculty and nursing school shortages, qualified educators are critical to training the next generation of nurses.
The most pursued nursing discipline:
Advanced Practice Nursing (APRN). The typical pathway involves earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees prepare nurses for in-demand roles, including the roles listed above.
Top APRN specializations:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) primary care for patients of all ages; the most common NP specialization
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) rising demand for mental health services
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) addresses healthcare needs of aging populations
Other high-demand nursing specialties:
Geriatric and Long-Term Care Nursing surging demand with a growing senior population
Home Health Nursing flexible, growth-oriented as care shifts to home settings
Informatics Nursing blending nursing expertise with health IT to optimize care delivery
Critical Care and ICU Nursing — high-acuity roles consistently in demand
Where are most nurses employed?
- Hospitals (inpatient) remain the largest employers for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses.
- Ambulatory care settings, including clinics and private practices.
- Long-term care facilities and skilled nursing facilities.
- Home health care agencies, providing in-home nursing services.
- Other settings include academic/education, government, and public health, but hospitals and outpatient clinics account for the majority of nursing roles.
