Breast Center Nurse Practitioner Jobs, Employment
Nurse practitioners (NPs) working in breast centers play a vital role in the early detection, treatment, and long-term care of patients facing breast health concerns. These roles combine clinical expertise in oncology, women's health, and surgical care, often within multidisciplinary teams. Whether it's supporting patients through breast cancer treatment, delivering preventive education, or coordinating biopsies and follow-ups, breast center NPs help guide patients through some of the most critical moments in their health journey.
Breast health continues to be a national priority, particularly with increasing rates of early screening and survivorship. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in 2025. The complexity of care required, from diagnosis through survivorship, has elevated the demand for advanced practice providers in breast centers across the country.
This guide explores current employment trends, common job responsibilities, educational requirements, and what to expect in a breast center NP role. If you're an NP with a background in women's health, oncology, or surgical care, this may be a rewarding path for your next career move.
What Does a Breast Center Nurse Practitioner Do?
Breast center nurse practitioners support comprehensive patient care in diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up services. These NPs are often embedded in breast cancer programs, surgical oncology departments, or imaging centers and may work closely with radiologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, and nurse navigators.
Typical Responsibilities:
Before exploring job opportunities, it helps to understand the range of responsibilities these roles involve. Breast center NPs function as both clinical providers and coordinators within a complex continuum of care.
- Conduct clinical breast exams and assess abnormalities
- Coordinate imaging studies, biopsies, and referrals
- Deliver patient education on screening, treatment, and survivorship
- Manage pre- and post-operative care
- Assist with symptom management and medication reconciliation
- Participate in tumor board meetings and multidisciplinary care planning
In many settings, NPs act as a consistent point of contact for patients, ensuring continuity across multiple specialties and visits.
Skills and Experience Needed
To succeed in a breast center setting, NPs must bring more than clinical acumen. These roles demand empathy, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate complex information with compassion and clarity.
Preferred Qualifications:
Breast center NP roles often call for a unique blend of advanced clinical training and specialty experience in oncology, imaging, or women's health. In addition to academic and clinical credentials, employers look for NPs who demonstrate empathy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and proactive patient education.
- MSN or DNP with national NP certification (FNP, AGNP, or WHNP)
- Oncology experience (2+ years preferred), particularly in surgical or outpatient settings
- Familiarity with breast imaging technologies (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) and interpretation workflows
- Training in genetic counseling or high-risk screening (a plus), especially for patients with familial cancer syndromes
- Strong communication and coordination skills with both patients and multi-specialty teams
- Experience with survivorship care planning, clinical documentation systems, and patient navigation tools
Certifications such as the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®) from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) can enhance employability.
Common Work Settings
Breast center NPs are employed in a variety of healthcare systems and organizations. These roles span outpatient and inpatient care, offering flexibility and variety depending on the setting.
Where You Might Work:
These nurse practitioner roles span a broad range of care settings, allowing you to align your skills with an environment that suits your interests and patient population.
- Comprehensive breast centers and breast imaging facilities
- Hospital-based cancer centers
- Academic medical centers with oncology programs
- Private oncology or surgical practices
- Women's health clinics with breast cancer screening programs
Many centers emphasize a team-based care model, with NPs playing a key role in navigation, education, and follow-up.
Sample Breast Center NP Job Titles
Understanding how job titles differ can help you search more effectively. The following table shows common job titles along with their primary areas of focus.
| Job Title | Primary Focus |
| Breast Health Nurse Practitioner | Screening, diagnostics, risk assessments |
| Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner | Pre/post-op care, surgical consults |
| Breast Cancer Survivorship NP | Long-term monitoring, wellness plans |
| Oncology NP – Breast Program | Care coordination during treatment |
| Breast Imaging Advanced Practice Provider | Procedure planning, follow-up for imaging results |
NPs interested in this field should also consider roles titled "women's health NP," "oncology NP," or "high-risk clinic NP," which may involve similar responsibilities.
Employment Outlook and Salary
With an aging population and greater emphasis on preventative care, breast health services are growing across health systems nationwide. This has increased the number of job openings for NPs with relevant expertise.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner employment is projected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, with growing demand in oncology and women's health.
Estimated Salary Range:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Estimate |
| Entry-Level NP | $95,000 – $105,000 |
| Mid-Career NP | $110,000 – $120,000 |
| Senior/Experienced NP | $125,000 – $140,000+ |
Salaries vary based on geographic region, employer type, and whether the NP holds advanced oncology certification.
How to Get Hired
Job candidates can stand out by showcasing both clinical qualifications and a commitment to patient-centered oncology care. Consider the following strategies to boost your application.
Application Tips:
- Highlight breast or oncology-related experience on your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to emphasize interest in women's health or survivorship
- Obtain references from prior surgical or oncology colleagues
- Consider shadowing or networking at local cancer centers
Joining professional associations such as the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), or seeking CE through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) can also provide networking and continuing education opportunities.
A Meaningful Career Path
Breast center nurse practitioner roles offer a deeply rewarding way to support patients through challenging and life-affirming experiences. Whether providing preventive care, guiding someone through a new diagnosis, or supporting a survivor's long-term wellness, NPs in this specialty have the opportunity to build lasting, impactful relationships.
For nurse practitioners with a calling to serve in oncology or women's health, this path offers both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Nurse Practitioners
- American Cancer Society
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
- Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
- American Society of Breast Surgeons
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