[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners are one of four advanced practice RN roles with distinct duties and training, all of which require an RN license, MSN or DNP, and certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs include nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, and certified nurse-midwives.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs can earn a median annual salary between $101,000 and $223,000, and this career is projected to see a 35% job growth through 2034.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re looking to advance your nursing career beyond the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-rn-programs-by-state/”]registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link] license, it’s common to become confused between [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioners (NPs)[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP is a type of APRN. But there are other similarities and differences to understand — and they can be crucial as you plan your career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore this page for information on education, career, and salary outlook data for NPs and APRNs.[/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 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″]APRN vs. NP: Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs comprise multiple roles, including NPs, which is further divided into several specialties: family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontological nurse practitioner (AGNP), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, women’s health nurse practitioner, emergency nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), or neonatal nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs fulfill many clinical responsibilities, from caring for pregnant people and delivering babies as nurse midwives to administering anesthesia as nurse anesthetists — the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/#salary-career-outlook”]most lucrative nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link] — to leading and participating in research as clinical nurse specialists. NPs practice in numerous clinical settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient care facilities. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]NPs’ broad clinical autonomy[/hen-ui-link] helps fulfill the medical needs of millions of patients, including in places where healthcare provider shortages, including physician shortages, are most severe.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]APRN vs. NP: Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Does an APRN Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs fulfill specific roles that include various responsibilities and clinical settings. APRNs care for patients across the lifespan and play an essential role in high-quality care delivery, research, and nursing leadership.[/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”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-text]: NPs may work in hospitals, clinics, specialty practices, schools, prisons, or corporate settings, and some are trained for either acute care or primary care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: CRNAs provide anesthesia in hospitals, surgical centers, and other settings that require anesthesia or pain management services.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: The CNS specialty often focuses on nursing education, training and mentorship, leadership, expert consultation, or research. However, a CNS has the practice authority to diagnose and treat patients in their area of specialty when necessary.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/best-online-nurse-midwife-programs/”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-link]: CNMs provide perinatal care to pregnant women and may also be involved in delivering babies in hospitals and birthing centers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Does an NP Do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can specialize in several different areas, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/best-online-fnp-programs/”]Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are also other, less-common specialties for NPs, including oncology and aesthetics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses, including writing prescriptions and ordering diagnostic tests. Each state’s regulations on [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/#state”]nurse practitioner practice authority[/hen-ui-link] determine whether an NP needs a supervising physician or can practice independently in that state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]NP and APRN Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common first steps for both APRNs and NPs include completing an initial nursing program and achieving licensure as an RN. Although some APRNs must now earn a doctoral degree, all APRNs and NPs must earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become an NP[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]Becoming a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] involves multiple steps, including earning an advanced nursing degree and certification. As one of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, the demand for NPs remains high. The steps to becoming a nurse practitioner include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Traditional BSN programs are generally four years in length.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Those RNs who began their career with an associate degree in nursing can choose an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN bridge program[/hen-ui-link] to advance their education. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline can become an RN through an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-second-degree-bsn-programs/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link] is key to becoming licensed as an RN. This comprehensive computerized exam measures competencies in multiple areas of clinical practice and knowledge.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Gain RN Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most graduate nursing programs require several years of hands-on clinical nursing experience. Prospective NPs find employment as RNs to gain practical experience, including in their hoped-for field of specialization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn a Master of Science in Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs that lead to NP fields involve academic coursework and hands-on clinical experience. Many MSN programs first require a BSN, RN licensure, nursing experience, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. There are also [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] for learners with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn certification and licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of NP programs must sit for a national exam in their specific area of clinical specialty to earn their certification and NP licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become an APRN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an APRN, you must first earn a BSN, get your RN license, and obtain RN experience. Your path to becoming an APRN depends on the specialty you choose.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse Practitioner: To work as a nurse practitioner, NPs must earn an MSN and pass a certification exam in their area of specialization.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical Nurse Specialist: For the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/online-clinical-nurse-specialist-programs/”]CNS career[/hen-ui-link] path, earning an MSN or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP) [/hen-ui-link]degree and passing a national certification exam are required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/how-to-become-a-crna/”]CRNAs[/hen-ui-link] must earn a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or doctor of nurse anesthesia practice (DNAP) degree and pass a rigorous national certification exam. Most CRNAs will generally earn an MSN before entering a CRNA doctoral program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Nurse-Midwife: Most [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/” target=”_blank”]nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-link] must get a graduate degree in nurse-midwifery and national certification. In some states, direct-entry certified midwives (CMs) can practice midwifery without first becoming licensed as RNs.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]APRN and NP Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs and NPs consistently enjoy competitive salaries and solid projected job growth. Here is the breakdown of APRN median annual salaries by category.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]APRN Salary Comparison[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]APRN Nursing Field [/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Nursing Field”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$129,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Nursing Field”]Certified Nurse-Midwife[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$128,790[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Nursing Field”]Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$223,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”APRN Nursing Field”]Clinical Nurse Specialist[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$105,206[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]NP Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), CRNAs, CNMs, and NPs earned a median annual salary of $132,050 in 2024, or $63.48 per hour. CRNAs continue to be the highest-paid nursing field, with a median annual salary of $223,210.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aana.com/motion-crna-career-platform/what-is-the-crna-nurse-anesthesiologist-job-outlook/” target=”_blank”]American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology[/hen-ui-link] (AANA) reports that CRNAs are particularly valuable in areas where anesthesiologists are less prevalent and comprise 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties.The BLS projects 35% job growth for APRNs from 2024 to 2034, which is 10 times faster than the 3% average job growth projected for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The bulk of this expansion comes from NPs, with a 40% growth outlook for the 2024-2034 timeframe, far outpacing the 9% expected for CRNAs and the 11% projected for CNMs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]APRN vs. NP: Which Career is Right For Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several factors may influence your decision to become an APRN or NP, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Desired patient population[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical setting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job responsibilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educational requirements[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job market, including in a particular city or state[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, if you hope to work in an acute-care setting, you may gravitate toward a career as an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/ag-acnp-vs-ag-pcnp/”]AGACNP[/hen-ui-link]. If you are interested in nursing research and education, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/how-to-become/”]CNS[/hen-ui-link] field may be a strong potential option.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]APRNs are crucial to the healthcare system, particularly in under-resourced areas. Each APRN career path allows practitioners to practice at an advanced level and enjoy positive job growth, high earning power, and clinical autonomy.[/hen-ui-text]