How to Become an APRN

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are nurses with specialized training and responsibilities beyond those of a registered nurse (RN). An APRN must have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and an APRN license.

Generally, APRN roles fall between a registered nurse (RN) and a physician. For example, APRNs can diagnose and treat medical conditions and, in many states, can work without the supervision of a physician.

Explore this guide for an overview of the educational requirements, specializations, licensure and certification qualifications, and career outlook for APRNs.

APRNs are specialized nurses who perform physical exams, order tests, prescribe medications, and educate patients and families about health. Depending on their state, an APRN may be required to work under the supervision of a physician.

Each APRN must hold a master’s degree or doctoral degree and obtain certification in one of the four APRN roles:

APRN certification in one of these four specialties differentiates an APRN from an RN who has earned a graduate degree.

Most APRNs work in primary care and hospital settings, but some work in rural and underserved areas. They can also specialize in working with specific populations, such as older adults, pediatric patients, and pregnant individuals.

Before becoming APRNs, nurses need to fulfill certain requirements. They must earn an undergraduate and graduate degree, pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and other necessary certification exams, gain clinical experience, and complete a national APRN certification exam based on their chosen specialty.

Employers may require RNs to obtain basic life support or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certifications.

While specific criteria regarding licensure and experience may differ depending on location and school, the basic requirements remain similar.

Becoming an APRN is a 6-8 year journey that requires general nursing credits followed by advanced courses and specialized clinical training. Each APRN must possess a DNP or a combination of a BSN and an MSN. An MSN is the minimum degree requirement to become a certified and licensed APRN.

BSN-prepared nurses can become APRNs in as little as two years of full-time enrollment. Pursuing a DNP or a similar doctoral degree can take 2-3 years.

RNs with ADNs can enroll in RN-to-MSN nursing bridge programs to earn their master’s degrees without spending four years first obtaining BSNs. Prospective APRNs with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields can enroll in direct-entry programs and earn their MSNs in 18-36 months.

Students who choose a direct-entry pathway can expect to complete the BSN curriculum, including clinicals, in their first year. Next, they can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses. The program’s second half covers the MSN curriculum.

APRN licensure and certification are two separate requirements for nurses pursuing advanced education.

To earn an APRN license, a student must earn a BSN, pass the NCLEX, and become a licensed RN before applying to a graduate program. Various organizations provide exams to earn certification as a CNM, CNS, CRNA, or NP.

APRNs typically obtain these credentials after passing their state board exam. However, every state has a different process, so check with your state board.

APRNs earn an average annual salary of $107,930 as of May 2025, according to Payscale.

Non-APRN nurses with graduate degrees typically earn less, including nurse informaticists. Payscale data from May 2025 indicates that these professionals earn an average annual salary of $91,280, while nurse educators earn an average of $86,300. APRN salary can vary based on job responsibilities, work setting, and location.

Job responsibilities can differ among APRN roles. For example, NPs provide primary care services to patients in physician’s offices, and CRNAs deliver anesthesia to patients in hospitals. Still, both roles can prescribe medications and order tests.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a whopping 40% increase in employment for NPs, CNMs, and CRNAs from 2023-2033 — far outpacing national averages.