[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Does an APRN Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The role of an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) falls between [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]an RN[/hen-ui-link] and a physician in areas like training, independence, responsibilities, and earnings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced practice registered nurses have considerable autonomy since they can diagnose and treat conditions. They can also prescribe medications. In some states, they must work under the supervision of or in collaboration with a physician. They often supervise RNs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs typically hold the following key skills and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Where Do APRNs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on their specialty, advanced practice nurses may work in hospitals, private physicians’ offices, birth centers, surgical centers, clinics, or residential care settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs might find work in these common settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Private Practices[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs can act as a primary care provider, diagnose and treat health conditions, and supervise RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced practice nurses might administer medication, lead nursing departments, and diagnose and treat health conditions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Outpatient Care Facilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs, such as nurse practitioners (NPs), are valuable members of healthcare teams at outpatient care facilities and clinics where they may provide primary care services to patients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become an APRN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced practice nurses must have an RN license, a graduate degree in nursing, and, in the majority of states, national or state certification. Most graduate schools require RN experience before admission. Specific requirements vary by state and the certifying board.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Learn More About How To Become an APRN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-button variant=”textOnly” href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/how-to-become/”]Become an APRN[/hen-ui-button][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Four Types of APRN Roles[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is the Average APRN Salary?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]APRN salaries[/hen-ui-link] vary by specialization, experience, education, and certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advanced practice nurse salaries are considerably above the national average annual salary of $75,330. The highest paid APRN specialization is nurse anesthetist with an average annual salary of $202,470. Nurse practitioners can earn an average annual salary of $118,040. The median salary for all APRNs is $117,670.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Demand for advanced practice nurses is growing. The BLS projects a 45% growth between 2020 and 2030.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find State-Specific Salary Data[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”44511,34307,34368″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is the Difference Between an APRN and RN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Advanced Practice Nurse versus Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nurse practitioner is a type of APRN. An APRN is a nurse who holds at least an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/”]MSN degree[/hen-ui-link] in an APRN specialty. APRN specializations include nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and [hen-ui-link href=”/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]clinical nurse specialists[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs, including NPs, may work across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, ambulatory clinics, or long-term care facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are APRNs who are independent, organized, and want to work closely with patients, often seeing the same families over the span of many years. Nurse practitioners may also specialize further in a specific population such as women, infants, or adults throughout their lifespans.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table includes important differences between the two.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NPs vs. APRNs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Advanced Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Education[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Currently an MSN is required at minimum. A DNP may be required in the future.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]APRNs must have at least a master’s degree to sit for one of the APRN specialization exams.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Typical duties[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Take health histories[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assess, diagnose, and treat acute and chronic illnesses, often acting as primary care medical provider[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offer referrals for specialized care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Typical APRN duties vary depending on the nurse’s specialization. Nurse midwives, for example, focus on women’s healthcare, while nurse anesthetists work primarily in surgical settings.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Can prescribe medications?[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Yes, but the types of medicines and level of supervision is determined by state laws.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Some, but not all, APRNs have prescriptive authority depending on their specialization and the state where they work.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Common practice settings[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ambulatory clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Long-term care facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Any healthcare setting including hospitals, private practice clinics, and long-term care facilities. APRNs may also work in educational or healthcare policy settings.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Licensing and certification[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Certification for nurse practitioners in various specialties is available through both the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Nurses must also register with their [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] in the state where they choose to work.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Certification for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Certification for nurse anesthetists is available from the National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. Certification for nurse midwives is available through the American Midwifery Certification Board.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Continuing education requirements[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]NPs must recertify with AANP every five years. Recertification requires at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice over the past five years and 75 contact hours of [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education for nurses[/hen-ui-link], relevant to the NP’s role and focus. This means an NP who works in pediatrics must focus their continuing education on that population. ANCC recertification is also required every five years. As of 2018, the ANCC requires 150 continuing education hours, including at least 51% directly related to the NP’s focus and at least 25 hours in pharmacotherapeutics.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]The continuing education requirements for APRNs depends on the nurse’s specialization. To recertify in any specialty there will be both clinical and classroom work in that nurse’s specialty.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Specialization or population focus[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-gerontology acute care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-gerontology primary care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric mental health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neonatal[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric acute care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric primary care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Women’s health and gender-related[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]The four main APRN roles are CRNA, certified nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, and nurse practitioner. Every NP is an APRN but the opposite is not true. The clinical nurse specialist may specialize like an NP and shares some of the same specializations (pediatric and adult gerontology being the most common).[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Successful personalities[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Like all nurses, NPs are dedicated to patient care. In many states, NPs are free to work without the direct supervision of a physician, meaning the most successful NPs are independent and organized. Patient communication is also integral to an NP’s job. These skills, along with empathy and the ability to interact with a diverse population, are also important.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]An APRN must be committed to providing excellent patient care. Some APRNs work in patient-facing positions, and others work in policy or educational settings. In all roles, patient communication skills are essential. This means the ability to consult with a patient and families on sensitive and emotional subjects. APRNs are most successful when they are organized and can handle stress without becoming overwhelmed.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell]Common clinical collaborators[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Some NPs must have collaborative agreements with physicians (e.g., medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine) to practice in some states. Whether or not this supervision is required depends on the state in which they practice.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Advanced Nurse Practitioner”]In the hospital setting, APRNs will collaborate with other nurses and physicians as well as hospital administrators. APRNs have more professional autonomy in full-practice authority states.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About APRNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become an APRN?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes at least six years of education to become an advanced practice nurse and seven for the DNP option. Some graduate schools and certification boards require or prefer at least 1-2 years of clinical experience as an RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A DNP typically requires three years, whereas an MSN takes two.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Do APRNs need to earn their doctorate?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A doctorate is not a degree requirement for most advanced practice nurse roles. [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]To become a CRNA[/hen-ui-link], the minimum degree requirement is a DNP or doctor of nurse anesthesia practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some practitioners and organizations support making the DNP the minimum academic degree for all advanced practice nurses. Some fear this will further limit the number of APRNs, specifically nurse practitioners, and raise the cost of becoming an advanced practice nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the highest-paying APRN role?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse anesthetists earn the highest advanced practice nurse salary at a median $183,580 annually. Other than the speciality, factors that affect [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]advanced practice nurse salaries[/hen-ui-link] include geography, experience, and type of employer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is an APRN considered a medical doctor?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No, APRNs hold either an MSN or a DNP which are nonmedical degrees. An advanced practice nurse with a DNP is a doctor of nursing practice but not a medical doctor or physician. In many healthcare settings, only physicians are referred to as doctors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for APRNs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34248,34145,34242,33951″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed November 23, 2021[/hen-ui-text]