APRN vs. NP: Understanding the Differences

• When it comes to advanced practice registered nurses and nurse practitioners (APRN vs. NP), it’s vital to know the differences between the two specialties, as many individuals do not fully understand the nuances. 
• Both APRNs and NPs have varying responsibilities that must be identified for each specialty.  
• A variety of facility choices are available to meet the varying needs of APRNs and NPs.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and nurse practitioners (NPs) work in the same environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and specialty clinics. They have advanced degree certifications and expertise in their respective fields, often have nurse leadership roles, and earn more than registered nurses. However, keep in mind that all NPs are APRNs but all APRNs are not NPs. 

APRN vs. NP 

NPs are a type of APRN. The other three types of APRNs are as follows: 

• Nurse midwives (NMs)  
• Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs)  
• Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)  

Nurse practitioners specialize in their areas of expertise, such as mental health, women’s health, or gerontology. The main difference between an APRN and an NP is not their specialization but their job responsibilities and duties.   

What is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?

APRNs are specialized nurses with education for a specific patient population or skill set. They must have a license to practice as a registered nurse (RN), clinical experience, and a master’s degree.   

To become an APRN, you have to be a registered nurse. After that, choose the specialization you would like to work in. Make sure you select the one you enjoy working with. To specialize, you have to do an MSN or master’s in nursing. You can do that on campus or online.  

 If you are an RN without a bachelor’s degree, you can choose an RN to MSN program in which you do not need to complete your bachelor’s degree. 

Once you complete your MSN, achieve certification in your APRN specialty. The standard professional organizations that offer them are:  

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)  
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)  
• American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)  

Once you gain the certification, you must get the license to practice as an APRN. Regulations differ from state to state, so it is a good idea to check your state’s regulations beforehand.   

APRNs work in facilities such as:  

• Hospitals  
• Long-term care facilities  
• Healthcare companies  
• Nursing homes  
• Correctional facilities  
• Schools  
• Community health clinics  
• Private practices  
• Birthing centers  
• Specialty clinics  
• Urgent care clinics  

 The specialties, along with the responsibilities of an APRN, are as follows:  

• CRNAs, or certified registered nurse anesthetists, who administer anesthesia and care for patients receiving or recovering from anesthesia. 
• CNS, or clinical nurse specialists, who develop healthcare practices and procedures and provide extra support to RNs.   
• CNMs, or certified nurse midwives, work in labor rooms and handle deliveries — providing prenatal and postnatal care — treat sexually transmitted infections, and look after newborns.  

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

NPs are a type of APRN. They perform assessments, diagnose, and manage acute and chronic conditions. In certain states, they can even prescribe medications.   

NPs specialize in any one of these fields:  

• Oncology   
• Acute care  
• Critical care  
• Emergency room  
• Orthopedics  
• Family practice  
• Women’s Health  
• Organ transplant  
• Cardiac care  
• Pediatric  
• Psychiatric   
• Neonatology  

A nurse practitioner is a type of APRN who works within a specialized area. They provide autonomous care to the patient and collaborate with other healthcare providers. However, APRNs are registered nurses with rigorous training to gain skills, knowledge, and experience in a specific population or skill set.   

To become an NP, you should be a registered nurse. After that, you can enroll in a master’s program with a specialization you like. You can choose in-person or online master’s programs.    

Once you complete the master’s degree, you need to gain certification as an NP and then get a license to practice. The timeframe to become an NP is long and may seem too hard, but eventually, it is worth it.   

NPs work in facilities such as:  

• Hospitals  
• Long-term care facilities  
• Healthcare companies  
• Nursing homes  
• Correctional facilities  
• Schools  
• Community health clinics  
• Private practices  
• Birthing centers  
• Specialty clinics  
• Urgent care clinics  

The responsibilities of a nurse practitioner are as follows:  

• Diagnose acute and chronic illnesses   
• Review and order diagnostic tests such as ECG, ultrasound, and EKG 
• Analyze and review the patient’s history and data   
• Perform physical assessments   
• Start appropriate treatment for the patient   
• In some states, where regulations allow, they can prescribe medications and run their clinic.   

The Bottom Line

Once you know the comparison between APRN and NP, you can decide what you want to become, taking into consideration what seems like the best fit and what you enjoy doing the most.   

If you want to work more in primary care, becoming a nurse practitioner can be a good option. But if you want to be more involved in the administrative aspects of nursing care, you can become a clinical nurse specialist. Those who have a keen interest in administering anesthesia and caring for patients who receive it can go on to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).   

It is essential to follow your heart and instincts. There is no right or wrong choice among these career options as a nurse. However, all are well-paying jobs, respected, and will fulfill you emotionally and physically. 

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