In 2023, the number of professional nurses licensed to practice in the U.S. stood at around 5.4 million. From 2024 to 2028, there is a forecasted steady increase in the number of licensed professional nurses, with a projected growth from approximately 5.52 million in 2024 to 6.01 million in 2028. This represents a year-on-year increase averaging around 2.6%. Over the five-year period, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to be approximately 2.16%, indicating persistent growth in the licensing of professional nurses.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of healthcare policy changes, technological advancements in healthcare delivery, and demographic shifts such as aging population, which could further influence the demand and supply dynamics in the nursing workforce. Monitoring these factors will be crucial for shaping strategies in healthcare planning and workforce management.
