NP vs APRN: What's the Difference Between Them?
Many people get confused about the differences between a nurse practitioner (NP) and an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Both are advanced-level nursing degrees that offer significantly more opportunities than a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). But what are the differences?
Well, an NP is actually a type of APRN, but becoming an APRN does not always make you an NP. To add to the confusion, there are also master’s level nursing degrees that do not result in you becoming an NP or an APRN.
Keep reading to find out exactly what the differences are between NPs, APRNs, and other nurses with advanced degrees.
NP vs APRN
An APRN is an advanced practice registered nurse with graduate-level nursing education. APRNs can work in one of these 4 careers:
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
- Nurse Practioner (NP)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
This means that while all nurse practitioners are APRNs, not all APRNs are nurse practitioners. They can also be CNMs, CNSs, and CRNAs.
What is an NP?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a type of APRN who works within a specialized area. NPs provide autonomous patient care and as well as work in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
What is an APRN?
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) is a registered nurse who has gone through advanced specialty training to gain skills, knowledge, and experience in a specific patient population or skill set.
It is also essential to understand that there are non-NP and APRN master’s level nursing programs. These programs usually include administrative degrees for nurses who want to move into higher-level executive roles such as unit director, director of nursing, quality improvement manager, or chief nursing officer (CNO).
>> Related: RN vs NP
What Are the Differences Between an NP vs an APRN?
Nurse Practitioner |
APRN |
| Education:
To become an NP, students must already have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and complete a graduate master’s or doctoral program. |
Education:
For APRN licensure, candidates must pass a national certification exam upon graduating from an accredited master’s degree nursing program.
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Salary: NPs earn a median salary of $121,610 annually per the BLS. |
Salary: NPs, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Anesthetists earn a median pay of $125,900 per year or $60.53 per hour per the BLS. |
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Certification: NP students must pass a National Nursing Practitioner Board Certification exam on the patient population they specialized in during their program. There are five certifying NP boards: |
Certification: APRN certification is required for all graduates with an APRN specialty. The other three non-NP APRN specialties can take a national certification exam to prove they are competent to practice in their respective fields. |
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Skills:
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Skills: The specific skills needed for an APRN depend on the type of specialty and population they serve. However, all advanced practice nurses must possess a high level of critical thinking skills, leadership abilities, and clear communication skills. |
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Specialties:
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Specialties:
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Scope of Practice: NP scope of practice is state-dependent and ranges from full to reduced and restricted practice authority. Nurse practitioners have full practice authority in 25 states, meaning that they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. In the remaining states, NPs still have more authority than RNs, but they need a medical doctor to sign off on certain patient care decisions. |
Scope of Practice: The scope of practice of APRNs depends on the state regulations where they work. In many states, APRNs work under the supervision of a physician to practice. However, APRNs can practice independently, write prescriptions, and own their own practices in others. |
No matter if you decide to become an NP or go into a different APRN specialty, you will have an exciting and challenging career ahead of you. Take time to think about what specialty you are the most passionate about and research the educational options that are available to you.
Many programs offer in-person, hybrid, and online options. However, clinical hours will always need to be in person. Best of luck to you in pursuing your APRN career!
