MSN-Ed, BSN, RN
Nurses can work in numerous specialties, fulfill varying roles, and pursue higher degrees. Some have even begun to fulfill the role of primary care providers as advanced practice registered nurses – seeing patients in medical offices, clinics, and urgent care centers.
The terms ‘advanced practice registered nurse’ (APRN) and ‘nurse practitioner’ (NP) are often used together, but there is a slight difference between the two.
The APRN role is simply an expanded and advanced role of the RN. RNs must meet certain standards of practice that are set forth by governing nursing boards. APRNs must do the same. However, the standards of practice are different depending on the role and patient population served.
There are four nationally recognized APRN types:
APRNs assess, diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and manage patient problems. They can work in a variety of settings, including clinics, birthing centers, urgent care, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. APRNs hold postgraduate degrees, such as a Masters in Nursing (MSN) and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP).
However, all RNs with postgraduate degrees are not automatically considered APRNs. These include nurse educators, nurse administrators, clinical nurse leaders, nurse informaticists, and nurse researchers. These nursing leaders may hold an MSN or DNP, but typically do not work directly with patients and, therefore, aren’t held to the same standards as an APRN. Provision of advanced level specialized patient care is what separates an APRN from an RN with a postgraduate degree.
Many APRNs practice as primary care providers and clinicians, for example, nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs are APRNs who manage the care of patients in a primary role similar to that of a physician. NPs provide “initial, ongoing, and comprehensive care” to special patient populations. These include family practice, neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, mental health, and women’s health.
The NP role consists of health promotion, disease prevention, care management, education, and counseling. NPs work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and can even start their own practices (depending on the state where they work).
NPs are required to pass a certification exam and obtain a license in order to practice. Unlike standard practice RNs – who can work in a variety of fields under one license without specialty certification – NPs must hold certifications in each specialty they chose to work in, which might require them to go back to school. For example, a geriatric nurse practitioner is prohibited to work with pediatric populations without obtaining new certification. This is why NPs choose a specialty in school and RNs do not.
Whether a nurse decides to become an NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM, the basic education qualifications are generally the same. All four APRN types require a postgraduate degree. The differences primarily lie in licensing and certification requirements.
Qualifications to become an APRN include:
Qualifications vary based on the state in which an APRN will practice. Nurses who wish to become an APRN should review their state’s nursing board for specific details and updates. For example, nurses who wish to become NPs may be required to obtain a DNP instead of an MSN starting 2025 (although not definitive yet).
While non-APRNs with postgraduate degrees may legally work in their roles without specialty certifications (i.e., nurse educators – who may legally teach in a college nursing program without a special teaching license/certification, as their degree is what qualifies them to teach), APRNs are legally required to keep all certifications and licenses up to date in order to practice.
Why Choose Advanced Practice Nursing?
Nurses who wish to serve patients as leaders in healthcare would benefit from pursuing an APRN degree. Nurses should consider their desires and skills when making a choice. If nurses want to serve in primary clinical roles without pursuing a medical degree, the APRN role might be a great fit. Or, if a nurse already works in labor and delivery but desires to assist with the birthing process, becoming a midwife might be a great move.
Rather than go back to school to become an obstetrician, nurses can pursue certification as a CNM by advancing their education just a few more years. On the same note, if a nurse works in critical care but wants to serve as a hospitalist diagnosing and treating pulmonary illnesses, going back to school to become an acute care NP could be an option. Advanced practice nursing is for the nurse who wants to serve specialized patient populations in a leadership role.
Whether a nurse decides to become an NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM, the basic education qualifications are generally the same. All four APRN types require a postgraduate degree. The differences primarily lie in licensing and certification requirements.
Qualifications to become an APRN include:
Qualifications vary based on the state in which an APRN will practice. Nurses who wish to become an APRN should review their state’s nursing board for specific details and updates. For example, nurses who wish to become NPs may be required to obtain a DNP instead of an MSN starting 2025 (although not definitive yet).
While non-APRNs with postgraduate degrees may legally work in their roles without specialty certifications (i.e., nurse educators – who may legally teach in a college nursing program without a special teaching license/certification, as their degree is what qualifies them to teach), APRNs are legally required to keep all certifications and licenses up to date in order to practice.
Why Choose Advanced Practice Nursing?
Nurses who wish to serve patients as leaders in healthcare would benefit from pursuing an APRN degree. Nurses should consider their desires and skills when making a choice. If nurses want to serve in primary clinical roles without pursuing a medical degree, the APRN role might be a great fit. Or, if a nurse already works in labor and delivery but desires to assist with the birthing process, becoming a midwife might be a great move.
Rather than go back to school to become an obstetrician, nurses can pursue certification as a CNM by advancing their education just a few more years. On the same note, if a nurse works in critical care but wants to serve as a hospitalist diagnosing and treating pulmonary illnesses, going back to school to become an acute care NP could be an option. Advanced practice nursing is for the nurse who wants to serve specialized patient populations in a leadership role.
Becoming an APRN – whether NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM – will require additional years of schooling, more licensing, additional certifications, and ultimately more responsibilities. However, APRNs are valuable to the healthcare industry. They serve as resources to patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, as they are highly specialized in their fields. They help to provide relief in areas where there are physician shortages. Overall, APRNs are vital for the future of healthcare.
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