APRN

What Is an APRN?

An APRN is an advanced practice registered nurse — an experienced clinician who has completed advanced education and training in nursing
. APRNs can practice with greater autonomy than registered nurses (RNs) and they provide leadership and mentorship to fellow nurses.

What is an APRN’s specialty?
There are four main types of APRNs: certified nurse midwives (CNM), nurse practitioners (NP), clinical nurse specialists (CNS) and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA). Within these categories, an APRN may choose to further specialize in areas such as pediatrics, adult‑gerontology or women’s health.

30 – Number of U.S. jurisdictions in which nurse practitioners hold full practice authority.

Before considering how to become an APRN, interested students should take a closer look at what APRNs do.
Specific job responsibilities can vary, depending on the type of APRN and the subspecialty.

Many APRNs deliver primary care, such as well patient exams, health screenings and office sick visits.

Some APRNs focus on acute care, treating patients with severe or complex health conditions.

APRNs can diagnose injuries and illnesses, such as by ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.

APRNs treat acute and chronic injuries and illnesses in patients across the lifespan.

Nurses with full practice authority can prescribe all types of medications, while those with reduced practice authority can prescribe certain medications.

Some APRNs, such as clinical nurse specialists, drive organizational change to improve patient care and safety.

Responsibilities include teaching and training of staff and patients.

The path to becoming an APRN can vary
. No matter the starting point, meeting the APRN education requirements is key to obtaining the proper licensure. Clinical experience is also essential, as APRNs must be experienced practitioners.

Focus on classes such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, nutrition, psychology and anatomy and physiology. Volunteer opportunities at local hospitals and obtain first aid, CPR, and BLS certifications.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become an RN. After gaining experience as an RN, earn a graduate‑level nursing degree (MSN, DNP or DNAP). Aspiring CRNAs must earn either a DNP or a DNAP.

BSN students complete clinical rotations, similar to internships, at healthcare facilities under supervision.

Work as an RN for at least one to two years before entering a graduate program, though requirements vary by program.

Obtain RN license, national certification exam for APRN license, and certifications such as CPR, BLS, and ACLS.

Ideal degrees cover patient assessments, diagnostics, treatment administration, and meet licensure requirements.

• Development across the lifespan
• Anatomy and physiology
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Health assessments and nursing diagnostics
• Health promotion

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre‑Licensure)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing:
  Pre‑Licensure, Accelerated (ABSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing:
  Family Nurse Practitioner
• Master of Science in Nursing:
  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Post‑Master of Science in Nursing:
  Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Post‑Master of Science in Nursing:
  Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
• Post‑Master of Science in Nursing:
  Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

• Hospitals – providing acute care and working with patients with chronic conditions
• Physician offices – working at specialists’ offices or primary care practices
• Birthing centers – nurse midwives assisting with deliveries
• Private homes – home healthcare services

APRNs may pursue roles beyond direct patient care, such as nursing management, administration, education, and research for those with doctoral degrees.