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Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) play a growing role in delivering primary and specialized care. As demand for health services rises, APRN roles — especially nurse practitioners (NPs) — are among the fastest growing in the U.S. With advanced training and six-figure median salaries, APRNs offer nurses a path to greater responsibility and career advancement.

To learn more, check out the infographic created by The University of Tulsa’s Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) program.

What Is an APRN?

APRNs provide primary and specialty care, including diagnosis and treatment. They can practice independently or under physician oversight, depending on state law.

NPs who specialize in primary and specialty care are the most common type of APRN. Other types include certified nurse specialists (CNSs), who focus on patient outcomes and nursing support; certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), who provide pain management and anesthesia; and certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), who offer prenatal and childbirth care.

RN vs. APRN

What is the difference between a registered nurse (RN) and an APRN?

RNs need an associate or a bachelor’s degree to qualify for licensure. As the largest segment of the nursing workforce, RNs held 3.39 million jobs as of 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They earned a median annual salary of $93,600, and employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034.

In contrast, APRNs need a master’s or a doctorate to practice. They held 382,700 jobs and earned a median annual salary of $132,050 as of 2024, according to the BLS. Some APRN roles are projected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034.

Most APRNs work in doctors’ offices and medical clinics (46%), while 25% work in hospitals, according to the BLS. Smaller proportions work in outpatient care centers (9%), private and group APRN practices (5%), and educational services (3%).

Types of APRNs by Specialty and Salary

APRNs practice in many specialties, including multiple NP specialties. Earning potential can vary widely by specialty.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide primary care, including assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. They earned a median annual salary of $120,000, according to the 2024 Nurse Practitioner Compensation Report from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). 

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) care for infants, children, and adolescents. They provide wellness exams, screenings, care management, and treatment. These NPs earned a median annual salary of $115,000, according to AANP.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric-mental health NPs provide mental health treatment, including patient evaluation and treatment. In some states, they can prescribe medication. NPs who specialize in mental health earned a median annual salary of $140,000, according to AANP.

Adult-Gerontology NP

Adult-gerontology NPs care for adults and older adults, including preventive care and management of chronic issues. They earned a median annual salary of $125,000, according to AANP.

Neonatal NP

Neonatal NPs care for premature or high-risk infants, including screenings, diagnosis, and treatment. They earned a median annual salary of $145,000, according to AANP.

Surgical NP

Surgical NPs provide surgical assistance, including preoperative and postoperative care. They earned a median annual salary of $130,000, according to AANP.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Clinical nurse specialists provide patient care and nursing support, including patient evaluation, treatment, specialist care, and nurse training. They earned a median annual salary of $108,000, according to Payscale.

Nurse-Midwife

Nurse-midwives provide prenatal and reproductive care, including gynecological exams, child delivery, and family planning. They earned a median annual salary of $128,790, according to the BLS.

Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and pain management before, during, and after surgical and diagnostic procedures. They earned a median annual salary of $223,210, according to the BLS.

How to Become an APRN

Prospective APRNs need a graduate degree and clinical experience to meet licensure requirements. The steps to become an APRN include:

1. Become an RN. APRNs must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This allows you to qualify for registered nurse (RN) licensure.
2. Earn a graduate degree. APRNs need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). An advanced nursing degree prepares you for a clinical specialty.
3. Gain clinical experience. APRNs must complete supervised clinical hours, typically ranging from 500 to over 1,000 hours. This builds hands-on experience in your specialty area.
4. Pursue specialty certification. APRNs must pass a national certification exam to demonstrate expertise in a focus area. 
5. Apply for APRN license. APRNs must meet state requirements for advanced practice. This license grants legal authority to practice as an APRN.

Advance Your Education to Become an APRN 

APRNs play a critical role in the health care system, providing primary and specialty care to patients. Trained in a patient-centered model, NPs and other APRNs take on some of the highest levels of clinical responsibility of any nursing role. Becoming an APRN offers nurses the opportunity to specialize their clinical expertise, increase their earning potential, and help meet the growing demand for health care providers.

Sources

American Association of Colleges of Nursing, The Essentials

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, “2024 Nurse Practitioner Compensation Report”

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certification

American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners

American Nurses Association, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

American Nurses Association, Types of Nurse Practitioner Specialties

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, “What Is a CNS?”

Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Salary

Practice Match, “Specialty Spotlight: Surgical Nurse Practitioners”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest Growing Occupations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses