Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
Become an APRN
What is an APRN?
APRNs are nurses with advanced education and clinical training who work in specialized areas of healthcare, offering a higher level of care.
Key Requirements
- Hold an active RN license.
- Complete a Master of Science in Nursing OR a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program.
- Pass a national certification exam in your specialty.
Career Highlights
- Increased autonomy in patient care.
- High demand in healthcare settings.
- Competitive salaries with opportunities for further growth.
Hover over each option to learn more or click to explore in detail.
APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are highly skilled professionals who take on specialized roles in healthcare. Whether you aspire to be a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, or Nurse Midwife, the journey requires additional education and clinical training.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists
Time to Complete: ~36-48 months (post-MSN program).
Description: Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia during surgical, obstetric, and other procedures. They are among the highest-paid nursing specialties, requiring precision and advanced clinical skills.
Median Salary: ~$195,610/year (national average).
Nurse Midwife
Time to Complete: ~24-36 months (post-MSN).
Description: Nurse Midwives provide prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, along with gynecological services. They focus on holistic and patient-centered care for women.
Median Salary: ~$112,830/year (national average).
Nurse Practitioner
Time to Complete: ~24–36 months (depending on the program).
Description: Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and focus on preventive care in primary or specialized fields. They often serve as primary care providers.
Median Salary: ~$124,680/year (national average).
Advanced Career Paths Beyond APRN
Nursing offers a variety of advanced career options beyond becoming an APRN. These post-baccalaureate roles allow you to specialize in areas such as:
- Nursing Administration: Lead teams and manage healthcare systems.
- Nursing Education: Teach and mentor future nurses.
- Nursing Informatics: Combine healthcare and technology to improve patient outcomes.
Explore the full range of opportunities available to make an impact in healthcare beyond clinical practice.
Do you have partial college credits/work experience? Try HEAL-Navigator to see what steps you need to take to become a registered nurse or APRN.
