[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working as a registered nurse (RN) can be a rewarding profession. After gaining experience as an RN, many nurses choose to advance their careers by [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-go-from-rn-to-np/”]becoming nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link]. While returning to school can seem daunting, becoming an NP may prove worthwhile.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for more primary care providers continues to grow, allowing for many opportunities for NPs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN 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″]RN vs NP: Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]Nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] are advanced practice registered nurses (APRN). RNs and NPs have some similar responsibilities. Both complete physical assessments, take a holistic view of the patient’s health and consider outside factors impacting the patient’s well-being.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]Registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] carry out the provider’s orders, administer medications, take vital signs, follow through on diagnostic testing, provide wound care and dressing changes, and can assist with procedures. RNs cannot practice independently and must have orders from a provider.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can prescribe medication, order diagnostic testing and treatments, refer patients to specialty care providers, and practice independently in many states. NPs can specialize in a specific population, like pediatrics or adult gerontology, and must be certified and licensed to care for that population. RNs are generalists and can care for any patient within the unit they have been trained.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another key difference between an RN and an NP is the amount of education. The minimum degree requirement for an RN is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), while an NP must have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN).[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]RN vs. NP[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Factor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Registered Nurse [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]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”]Time to Become [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]2-4 years, depending on ADN vs. bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) [/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]2-3 years, depending on part-time or full-time enrollment, plus at least one year of relevant RN experience[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]ADN[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]MSN [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Duties and Responsibilities [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administering medication administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Taking vital signs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Head-to-toe physical assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Carrying out provider orders[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Inserting and maintaining IV access[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physical assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creating a list of differential diagnoses based on the presenting problem[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing appropriate medications and treatment plans[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ordering tests, labs, radiological studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Referring to specialty providers based on the physical exam and identified differential diagnoses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Scope of Practice [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Limited to only things listed in their state’s nurse practice act. Cannot practice independently (cannot prescribe, order medications, or complete procedures).[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]State-dependent. It can be restricted (must have a supervising physician) or full (no supervising physician required). [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Most Common Work Setting [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]Hospitals (59%)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]Offices of Physicians (47%)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Total Projected New Jobs Between 2022-2032 (BLS, May 2022) [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]177,400[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]118,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary (BLS, May 2022)[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Factor”]$89,010[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Registered Nurse”]$124,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN vs. NP: Roles and Responsibilities Compared[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an RN, I followed the orders of the provider as instructed in the patient’s chart. This could mean administering a medication, starting an IV drip, prepping a patient for a procedure, or sending them for a diagnostic study. I would give a nursing assessment to the provider, updating them on how the patient was doing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an NP, I provide the orders rather than carrying them out. While I still assess and provide care, I decide on what diagnostic studies to order or medications to prescribe.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Benefits of Staying an RN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Schedule:[/hen-ui-text] Most RNs work three 12-hour shifts per week, while NPs often work Monday-Friday in eight-hour shifts. When looking at job postings of RNs and NPs, most RNs offer several shift options compared to the NP’s fixed schedule.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Practice Flexibility:[/hen-ui-text] RNs are generalists and not tied to a specific population unless they specialize and earn post-degree certification (e.g., CEN, OCN).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC):[/hen-ui-text] The NLC allows RNs to be licensed in multiple states, meaning an RN can easily move to a different state or live in one state and work in another without needing multiple state licenses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Direct Patient Care:[/hen-ui-text] RNs provide more direct patient care and do not have the same pressures as an NP to meet billing code requirements or the number of patients seen per day quotas). Less autonomy can be more freeing for RNs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary and Education:[/hen-ui-text] RNs can still earn a high salary with an ADN or a BSN, rather than having to pay for a higher degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Benefits of Becoming an NP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Less Physical Demand:[/hen-ui-text] NPs very rarely have to move, turn, or ambulate patients.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Schedule:[/hen-ui-text] Most NPs work in outpatient settings, with weekends and major holidays off.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] NPs earn higher salaries because of their advanced degrees and levels of professional autonomy.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Professional Autonomy:[/hen-ui-text] Some states allow the NP to practice independently.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Relationship Building:[/hen-ui-text] NPs can form long-standing relationships with patients and their families in the primary care setting.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN vs NP: Education and Licensure Requirements Compared[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can earn an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link]. Licensure comes after [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]passing the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link] from [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]your state’s board of nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs must have a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]NPs specialize[/hen-ui-link] in a specific patient population in their graduate degree program. After graduation, the NP will take a board certification exam specific to their specialty. NPs must be both board-certified and then licensed by the state in which they practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can be licensed for several states through the NLC. NPs do not have this benefit. Instead, NPs must apply for individual licenses in each state where they intend to practice. This means instead of paying one fee to practice in many states, they must pay each specific state’s fee and apply for state licensure. Most states charge anywhere from $150-$300 per license application.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Registered Nurse Education Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Degree Required:[/hen-ui-text] Associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Practicum Hours:[/hen-ui-text] At least 400 practicum hours in an RN program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensing Exam:[/hen-ui-text] National Council Licensing Exam – Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensure:[/hen-ui-text] State-issued registered nurse licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification:[/hen-ui-text] Optional specialty certifications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Education Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum Degree Required:[/hen-ui-text] Master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Practicum Hours:[/hen-ui-text] At least 500 practicum hours in an MSN program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensing Exam:[/hen-ui-text] Specialty board certification exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Licensure:[/hen-ui-text] State-issued nurse practitioner licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification:[/hen-ui-text] Required board-certification in your specialty[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN vs. NP: Salary and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster than average job growth for both RNs and NPs. NPs have a higher earning power vs. RNs based on their advanced degree and increased scope of practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Registered Nurse Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects job growth for RNs to reach 6% between 2022 and 2023. Depending on the location, RNs can earn $61,250-$129,400, according to BLS data. Shift differentials can increase annual salary ranges as well. Working the night shift, holidays, and weekends can also increase an RN’s earning power, as those shifts often have a higher pay rate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Factors influencing demand are an aging population and more RNs retiring or transitioning to other positions or careers. RNs also have a unique ability to work in various settings, from an outpatient to inpatient to telehealth. Having myriad options for positions allows nurses more job potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS expects NP job growth to grow 38% from 2022-2032, much faster than average. Factors influencing growth include an aging population and [hen-ui-link href=”https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2790791″ target=”_blank”]more medical doctors[/hen-ui-link] leaving medicine for other fields. There has been an increased demand for some specialty practitioners, such as psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. This is in part due to a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.healthgrades.com/pro/7-things-to-know-about-the-psychiatrist-shortage#:~:text=The%20shortage%20of%20psychiatrists%20has,psychiatrists%20due%20to%20residency%20restrictions” target=”_blank”]lack of psychiatric[/hen-ui-link] providers, which has then increased the demand for nurse practitioners to fill that gap.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on the specialty practice and certification, NPs earn $87,340-$165,240 depending on location and experience, according to BLS data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RN vs. NP: Which Career Is Right for Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and NPs have strong predicted job growth, higher than-average salary ranges, and many job opportunities across the United States. However, RNs and NPs differ in the scope of practice, work responsibilities, and education requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs can work in a variety of settings and can switch jobs, specialties, or units throughout their careers. They are uniquely positioned to be frontline workers who provide care, support, and empathy at some of the most stressful times in a person’s life.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can order diagnostic tests, write prescriptions, and complete simple procedures, such as suturing, incision, drainage, or wound debridement. They can work independently in some states, holding more professional autonomy than an RN. NPs also offer a deeper insight into patient care. NPs tend to have more time to assess their patients and provide one-on-one care at a visit compared to other healthcare providers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs require a higher level of education but also have a higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both NPs and RNs can be highly rewarding careers that allow you to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives and overall health.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Scope of Practice:[/hen-ui-text] NPs have a larger scope of practice compared to RNs. Where RNs must carry out the orders of their provider, NPs are the ones to assess, diagnose, and treat their patients. As an RN, one may know exactly what the issue with their patient is, but they are unable to officially diagnose them. Conversely, an NP can officially diagnose and treat their patients without having to go through a provider.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary and Job Growth:[/hen-ui-text] NPs have a higher earning power than RNs because of the increased responsibility and requirement for an advanced degree and certification. While RNs are in high demand, NPs predicted job growth surpasses the predicted job growth for the RN.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Timeline and Cost:[/hen-ui-text] Depending on the program and degree track, it takes about 12-24 months to become an RN. It is faster and more cost-effective to complete an ADN or a BSN rather than an MSN or a DNP to become an NP. Furthermore, most MSN and DNP programs require 1-2 years of RN experience before program entry. NP programs are more expensive than ADN or BSN programs and can take anywhere from 18 months to three years to complete.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list]