How to Become a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner
A rheumatology nurse practitioner (NP) specializes in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with inflammatory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and other chronic conditions that impact joints, bones, muscles, and connective tissue. If you’re looking for an advanced practice NP role with the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, consider this career path.
Autoimmune and chronic musculoskeletal conditions are very prevalent — some estimates show that around 30% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 have symptoms of arthritis alone. Rheumatoid illnesses are often debilitating and chronic, and NPs are essential in helping patients maintain quality of life and independence.
Patients who need attention from rheumatology NPs may have these diagnoses and more:
- Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Tendonitis
What Does a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner Do?
Rheumatology NPs work under an expanded scope of practice, so their duties revolve around advanced assessments, ordering tests and medications, and evaluating outcomes. They work in outpatient specialty clinics, hospitals, academic medical centers, and sometimes in research or pharmaceutical roles.
Check out specific job duties associated with this role:
- Perform physical exams and joint assessments to evaluate pain, swelling, or range of motion.
- Order and interpret labs (e.g., antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and imaging (e.g., X-rays and MRIs).
- Prescribe and manage medications, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Provide patient education on lifestyle modifications, exercise, supplements, and self-management strategies.
- Collaborate with rheumatologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other providers.
- Monitor long-term outcomes and adjust care plans for chronic disease progression.
Essential Qualities in a Great Rheumatology NP
Beyond a clinical skill set, these qualities set rheumatology NPs apart:
- Patience: Rheumatologic diseases may progress sporadically and be resistant to treatment. Outcomes may take months to years to determine, and patients may feel frustrated by their disease.
- Detail-orientation: Subtle physical or lab changes can signal significant disease progression, so clinicians in this role must be attuned to small shifts.
- Empathy: Chronic pain and fatigue often affect a patient’s mental health and daily life. Compassionate support is essential for this patient population.
- Communication skills: Patients need help navigating complex treatment regimens and understanding their long-term care plans. NPs in this role may also coordinate with primary care providers and other specialists.
Pros and Cons of a Career as a Rheumatology NP
What might you like and dislike about this job path? Find insights on the potential benefits and drawbacks below.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many providers are able to form long-term, meaningful patient relationships. | The course of patient conditions can be frustrating for providers and patients alike. |
| There is a growing demand for rheumatology specialists due to aging populations and rising autoimmune disease rates. | Specialty-specific training can be limited; many skills are learned on the job. |
| The field offers opportunities to engage in research and cutting-edge biologic therapies. | Patients may face high costs for medications and treatment, which can complicate care planning. |
Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook
Nurse practitioners make $132,000 per year on average, but what you make in this role can vary based on specialty, schedule, location, and much more. Like other NP specialties, salaries may be higher in urban centers, academic hospitals, or private practices.
Curious about the areas where NPs earn the most? Find roles in the states with the highest salary averages for NPs:
The NP field is projected to grow quickly in the next several years, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 46% growth in jobs — one of the fastest growth rates of all industries. As demand for rheumatology services increases, this specialty may offer great career security and fulfillment.
How to Become a Rheumatology NP: 5 Steps
This career requires a combination of nursing education, experience, and specialty training. If you plan to pursue the traditional path, it takes at least six years to complete these requirements. Some direct-entry NP programs may shorten this timeline.
Step 1: Become an RN
First, you’ll need to attend a prelicensure program to be trained as an RN. There are two degree tracks — an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN is longer, but generally preferred, and it may give you more options when it comes to NP school because it’s more widely accepted. Learn about comparing ADN vs. BSN programs.
Once you graduate, you’ll need to apply for licensure with your state nursing board and pass the NCLEX-RN. This exam assesses your ability to think like a nurse and care for patients at the entry level.
Step 2: Gain Experience
Many NP programs prefer at least one to two years of RN experience. While they’re not a requirement, many new RNs begin their career in residency programs.These are typically run by acute care hospitals and give structure to a new nurse’s training.
Where should you gain experience if you know you want to work in rheumatology? You’ll see patients with autoimmune diseases in multiple specialties. Relevant units for aspiring rheumatology NPs include:
Step 3: Attend NP School
Once you’ve gotten some experience under your belt, check out and apply for NP programs in your area. NPs can either be trained with a master’s degree or a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP).
Check out potential degree tracks for rheumatology NPs:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (AGPCNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP)
Step 4: Become Certified and Licensed
Can a family nurse practitioner work in rheumatology? Yes, and most NPs are trained and certified in family medicine before gaining specialty experience. After graduation, you’ll pursue a national certification that pertains to your degree track. Your state will also have a licensure application process in order to begin practicing.
Step 5: Grow in the Rheumatology Specialty
Once you’re officially an NP, it’s time to pursue NP jobs in rheumatology. New rheumatology NPs might further their training with a rheumatology fellowship, which typically lasts a year or two. Fellowships can also be a great opportunity to get your foot in the door at an academic medical center.
Is there a rheumatology nurse practitioner certification? Not currently, however, there are several professional development options for NPs in this specialty:
- Join the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) to get access to guidelines, conferences, and continuing education. You might also attend one of their Training Rheums to gain more specialty knowledge.
- Consider joining the Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS), a professional group for nurses working in rheumatology care.
- Stay updated on new research, biologics, and immunotherapies by subscribing to the Journal of Rheumatology.
Rheumatology NP FAQ
Is rheumatology a hard specialty?
It can be challenging because many rheumatic diseases are chronic and require lifelong management. However, NPs who enjoy building long-term patient relationships may find this field deeply rewarding.
What age groups do rheumatology NPs see the most?
Most autoimmune patients are adults or older adults, but children can be affected as well. Many rheumatic disorders affect slightly different populations, so if you choose to specialize, you might see more of one population than the other. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is most common in older women, while gout is most commonly seen in men.
Find Roles for Rheumatology APRNs
Interested in rheumatology nurse practitioner jobs? We can help you find jobs in specialty clinics, outpatient practices, and academic centers. Set up personalized job alerts to discover opportunities that fit your goals.