How to Become an APRN

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have at least a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree and an APRN license. Unlike traditional nurses, these speciality-trained healthcare providers can diagnose and treat conditions.

Because of their expertise, APRNs have more professional autonomy and career options than registered nurses, including working as primary or acute care providers. They can also specialize in working with specific populations, such as older people and pediatric or pregnant patients.

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

APRNs are healthcare providers. Their general scope of practice includes assessing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses; providing education on various health issues and preventative care; helping patients and families understand and manage diseases; and staying current on the latest treatments and medical knowledge.

An APRN is the umbrella term for four types of nurses with a master’s degree or doctoral degree. The four types of APRN specialties include:

These specialties offer various APRN career options.

To obtain a license in one of these specialty roles, nurses must complete undergraduate and graduate coursework and a specific number of clinical practice hours.

The level of autonomy depends on the state in which APRNs practice. Laws in full-practice states allow APRNs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication without physician oversight. Those in reduced-access states require physician oversight when prescribing medication. Restricted-access states require complete physician oversight.

APRNs can work in a variety of settings. Most work in primary care and hospital settings, but some work in rural and underserved areas. Some may even travel or pick up locum tenens shifts, allowing them to work in different settings for a certain amount of shifts.

Before becoming an APRN, nurses need to fulfill certain requirements. These include earning an undergraduate and graduate degree, passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and other necessary certification exams, gaining clinical experience, and passing a national APRN certification exam based on the specialty.

Employers may require RNs to obtain basic life support (BLS) 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 requires nurses to earn an advanced education. APRNs have a BSN and an MSN or a DNP. An MSN is the minimum degree requirement to become a certified and licensed APRN.

Earning a BSN and an MSN typically takes six years of schooling for full-time students. Pursuing a DNP or a similar doctoral degree can add 2-3 years.

RNs with an ADN can enroll in an RN-MSN nursing bridge program to earn their MSN without spending four years obtaining a BSN. Prospective APRNs with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field can enroll in a direct-entry program and earn their MSN in 18-36 months.

Nurses who choose a direct-entry pathway can expect to complete the BSN curriculum within their first year, allowing them to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses. The program’s second half is dedicated to the MSN curriculum, including clinicals.

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

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

After completing their MSN or DNP program requirements, APRNs receive state licensure. It is a legal requirement to practice with a license as an APRN.

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

Every APRN program has a specific credentialing body that certifies APRNs. The organizations provide an overview of the exams along with study materials.

While not exhaustive, the following organizations provide nurses with certification options.

The ANCC is the largest certification board for APRNs, providing certification mostly for NPs. The ANCC offers the following certifications:

The AANPCB is the second-largest nonprofit certification organization for APRNs.They offer five certification exams in some of the most popular nurse practitioner specialties. These include:

The NBCRNA offers initial certification for APRNs who specialize in anesthesiology. CRNAs must complete 100 continuing education credits and four modules every four years to renew their license.

CNMs earn their certification from the AMCB after earning an MSN or a DNP from an accredited nurse-midwifery program and passing the certification exam. To renew their certification, nurses must complete three AMCB modules and 20 contact hours every five years.

The AACN offers several acute care certifications for clinical nurse specialists and NPs. To renew, AACN requires nurses to complete 100 clinical education credits and 432 hours in direct care. AACN offers the following certifications:

Once licensed and certified, nurses must renew their RN and APRN licenses throughout their careers. Although each state’s renewal guidelines vary, most require a certain number of clinical and/or continuing education hours.

RN licenses must be renewed every two years, while renewal requirements for APRN licenses vary by state. Check your state’s licensing board for specific deadlines and requirements.

An APRN’s level of autonomy varies depending on where they work. The state in which the APRN practices mandates independent or supervised practice.

For example, states allow for either full-practice, reduced-access, or restricted-access NP authority for NPs. Full practice allows NPs to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication without physician oversight. Reduced access requires physician oversight for some of the APRN’s practices. Restricted access means a physician directly oversees the APRN on diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing.

APRNs benefit from a high earning potential. For example, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) has reported that all NPs earn a median annual salary of $129,480. In comparison, CNSs earn $212,650 — the highest median salary for NPs.

The BLS also projects a whopping 40% increase in employment for APRNs from 2023-2033, or 10 times the national average.

Page last reviewed on June 4, 2024