How to Become an Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner
If you’d like to build long-term patient relationships and help manage complex illnesses over time, you might make a great endocrinology nurse practitioner. These advanced practice nurses (APRNs) must have a deep understanding of metabolism, hormone regulation, and chronic disease management. Learn more about this role and how to become an endocrinology NP.
Endocrinology focuses on hormones, which are messengers in the body released from glands and organs. They’re essential for controlling blood sugar, mood, heart rate, growth, and much more. When these delicate systems are imbalanced and the body can’t compensate, illness can result. Some patients go through temporary hormone issues, while other problems are chronic and require ongoing support from a medical provider.
Nurse practitioners in this specialty can work in a variety of settings, including the following:
- Primary care
- Specialty endocrine clinics
- Hospital endocrinology departments
- Endocrinology research
Endocrinology NP: Career Overview
Endocrinology nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing hormonal imbalances and endocrine disorders. They collaborate with endocrinologists, dietitians, and primary care providers to develop long-term treatment plans, adjust medications, and educate patients on lifestyle modifications. In many states, NPs have full practice authority, while in others they need supervision from a physician.
What can you expect to see if you work as this type of nurse practitioner? Here are some of the endocrine issues you might encounter in this role:
- Addison’s disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Diabetes
- Endocrine gland cancer
- Grave’s disease
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
- Menopause
- Prolactinoma
Endocrinology NP Career Outlook
This career offers strong job stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an expected 46% job growth for NPs — the third-highest of all occupations in the next decade. The need for clinicians with specialized endocrinology skills is also strong, with an increasing prevalence of hormonal conditions such as diabetes. An aging U.S. population may also signal a higher need for this specialty, as endocrine disorders are more common among older adults. If you’re looking for a career with potential for growth as well as stability, this could be a great choice.
Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner Salary Averages
The average annual salary for nurse practitioners is $128,490 per year. Your work setting, specialty, experience, and location all factor into what you make in this role. If you’re open to a move, you might consider relocating to states with the highest average incomes for NPs:
How to Become an Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner: 5 Steps
The role of a nurse practitioner — endocrinology specialist or otherwise — requires advanced training. The experience and education requirements take at least six years. View our breakdown of the steps to become an endocrinology NP below.
Step 1: Become an RN
Advanced practice nursing starts with acquiring an RN license. To do so, you’ll need to complete a prelicensure nursing program, which is between two and four years long. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will prepare you for entry-level practice quickly, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a longer track with greater growth potential. Learn more about choosing between ADN and BSN programs.
After graduation, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN and gain state licensure to begin working as a nurse. The NCLEX is an adaptive exam that assesses your readiness to practice in an entry-level nursing role. The process is governed by your state board of nursing and typically includes submitted application forms and a background check.
Step 2: Gain RN Experience
NP programs may prefer candidates with hands-on nursing experience, and one to two years of practice will also help you gain essential critical thinking and time management skills. Consider working in one or more of the following areas where you’ll likely be exposed to endocrinology cases:
- Diabetes management
- Endocrinology clinics
- Hospital endocrine units
Once you gain experience as an endocrinology nurse, certification could help you be a more competitive NP program candidate. The Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) certification can strengthen your expertise in this field. You might also want to become a member of the Society for Endocrinology and review their framework on adult endocrine nursing.
Step 3: Attend NP School
To become an NP, you’ll need to complete a graduate-level nurse practitioner degree. While there are no dedicated endocrinology nurse practitioner programs, NPs in this field tend to pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP) degree.
There are two academic tracks to choose from as you’re researching schools — a master’s program (MSN) or a doctoral degree (DNP). Either will prepare you for practice, but they have some key differences to be aware of as you’re choosing the program for you. Learn more about NP schooling requirements.
Step 4: Become Board-Certified and Gain State Licensure
National board certification is a requirement for practice as an NP, and the credentials you pursue will align with the degree path you chose. Endocrinology NPs tend to be certified with one of the following credentials:
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC or FNP-C)
- Certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC)
Once you pass the certification exam, you’ll also need to acquire state licensure through your board of nursing. Maintaining your license typically requires keeping your RN license active, renewing your board certification, and completing continuing education requirements.
Step 5: Step into Endocrinology
How can a nurse practitioner specialize in endocrinology when there isn’t a national APRN board certification in this specialty? Some institutions offer specialty post-graduate fellowships in endocrinology, which are designed to equip you with additional skills in this field. You can also gain experience through training programs offered by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE).
Endocrinology nurse practitioner conferences can also help you connect with other APRNs in this specialty. Check out events with these organizations:
Find Advanced Practice Nursing Roles on IntelyCare
Now that you know more about becoming an endocrinology nurse practitioner, why not check out nursing roles near you? Our personalized job notifications help you stay in the loop when roles open up in your specialty. Learn more today.
