Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Guide
Comprehensive guide to the four APRN roles: Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
What is an APRN?
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are registered nurses with graduate-level education who have advanced clinical training in a specialized area. APRNs have prescriptive authority in most states and can work independently or collaboratively with physicians.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide primary and specialty healthcare services, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing medications, and managing patient care.
Certified Nurse Midwife
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are advanced practice registered nurses who provide comprehensive prenatal, childbirth, and postnatal care, as well as gynecological and reproductive health services.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and provide anesthesia care before, during, and after surgical and other medical procedures.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in a particular area of nursing practice and serve as clinical experts, educators, and consultants.
APRN Requirements
Education Requirements
- 1
Active RN License
Must hold an unencumbered RN license in your state
- 2
Graduate Degree
MSN or DNP from an accredited program in your APRN role
- 3
Clinical Hours
Minimum 500-1,000+ supervised clinical hours depending on specialty
- 4
National Certification
Pass a national certification exam in your specialty
APRN Compact
5 of 7 StatesThe APRN Compact will allow APRNs to hold one multistate license with the authority to practice in their home state and other APRN Compact states. Currently 5 states have enacted; 7 are needed for activation.
Compact Benefits
- - Practice in multiple states with one license
- - Reduced licensing fees and paperwork
- - Faster access to practice in new states
- - Ideal for telehealth providers
National Certifications by Role
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
APRN Scope of Practice by State
APRN scope of practice varies significantly by state. States are classified into three categories based on the level of practice authority granted to APRNs:
Full Practice
APRNs can evaluate, diagnose, interpret tests, and initiate treatment including prescribing medications independently.
~25 states + DCReduced Practice
APRNs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician for certain elements of practice.
~13 statesRestricted Practice
APRNs must have physician supervision, delegation, or team management for one or more elements of practice.
~12 statesReady to Become an APRN?
The first step is obtaining your RN license. If you're not yet an RN, start with our comprehensive RN licensing guide.