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The U.S. faces a shortage of nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are expected to experience 35% growth between 2024 and 2034, a significant difference from the nation’s overall growth rate of 3.1% for the same time frame. Among the most popular types of APRNs are nurse practitioners (NPs).

If you’re interested in advancing your nursing career, learn more about the differences between the other types of APRNs vs. NPs to find out which role fits your career goals. Then, consider an advanced degree program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, to gain the skills and knowledge you need for success.

Comparing APRNs and NPs

APRNs are advanced practice nurses who have built upon their initial experience as registered nurses (RNs) through education and experience, and have obtained certification in their area of expertise. They generally have advanced skills and knowledge in areas such as anesthesia, midwifery, or a specific area of clinical care.

A nurse practitioner is a type of APRN that can serve as a primary or specialty care provider. Depending on their state of residence, they can have different responsibilities, some of which overlap with or step into the role that a doctor may provide.

They can evaluate patients, perform assessments, create treatment regimens, and ensure patients have the tools to follow the regimen on their own. In some states, NPs can practice independently, and others allow NPs to prescribe medication.

APRN and an NP Compared

APRNs and NPs share similarities because both focus on advanced clinical care, both have built specialty expertise in their chosen area, and both require certification. However, while all NPs are APRNs, not all APRNs are NPs.

Because of this, the main difference is that an APRN can refer to one of several careers, whereas an NP is one role underneath that umbrella. NPs have different specializations, but they all fall under the categorization of APRN.

Career Outcomes

There are four career outcomes for APRNs.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

As mentioned previously, NPs can be primary or specialty care providers. Examples of specializations for NPs include the following:

• Family care

• Women’s health

• Acute care

• Pediatrics

• Psychiatric health

Duties vary by specialization, but NPs fulfill primary or acute care duties that may focus on certain age groups or populations. The extension of their duties varies by state law and practice authority.

According to the BLS, NPs can expect the following:

• Median annual salary (as of 2024): $129,210

• Projected job growth rate from 2024 to 2034: 40%

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

CNMs provide care to patients before, during, and after pregnancy. They assist in family planning services, deliver babies, and offer wellness care for promoting positive health for both mother and baby.

They also receive training in handling emergencies during delivery and provide surgical support in the case of caesarean births, also known as C-sections.

According to the BLS, CNMs can expect the following:

• Median annual salary (as of 2024): $128,790

• Projected job growth rate from 2024 to 2034: 11%

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

The role of a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) overlaps with nurse practitioners. Like an NP, a CNS can diagnose and treat patients as a primary and specialty care provider. They often work in leadership roles, engaging with teams to improve the quality of care. They may also work in research roles, advocating for policy changes in relation to nursing.

According to the BLS and Payscale, CNSs can expect the following:

• Median annual salary (as of 2025): $105,990

• Projected job growth rate from 2024 to 2034: 35%

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administers anesthesia, a medical treatment that prevents people from feeling pain during medical procedures. They also work with patients who are recovering from anesthesia, including identifying potential risks for patients undergoing anesthesia and monitoring them after their medical procedure is complete.

According to the BLS, CRNAs can expect the following:

• Median annual salary (as of 2024): $223,210

• Projected job growth rate from 2024 to 2034: 9%

Education Requirements

To become any type of APRN, including an NP, you need a background working as a registered nurse and to undergo advanced training through a graduate or postgraduate degree. An advanced degree, like a DNP program, is one option that fulfills the advanced education requirement for all four professions.

A DNP program teaches both essential nursing theory and hands-on skills that APRNs need to fulfill their more advanced roles and responsibilities. DNP programs vary by school, with some schools offering only in-person courses and others providing online options.

Additional Requirements

Additional requirements vary by the chosen APRN path. To become an NP, you need to do the following:

• Pass the NP licensure board exam in your chosen specialization

• Obtain state licensure

CNMs need to do the following:

• Obtain certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)

• Obtain state licensure

To become a CNS, you need to do the following:

• Pass a certification exam based on the CNS’s chosen population area, such as pediatrics or neonatal care

• Obtain state licensure, depending on the state’s requirements

CRNAs need to do the following:

• Acquire specialized training in working with anesthesia

• Experience working as a registered nurse in an intensive care unit (ICU) for at least one year

• Pass the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists

Preparing for Your Nursing Career With The University of Tulsa

If you are an RN looking to advance your career and bring positive change to your community, consider becoming a nurse practitioner or another type of APRN. You can pursue higher-level leadership, greater autonomy, and higher earning potential.

The University of Tulsa (TU)’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to transition to the next stage of your career as an NP or APRN of a different type. You can become a transformative leader in nursing in your area of choice.

Become an APRN with TU.

Recommended Readings

How to Become an APRN

Everything You Need to Know About the Oklahoma Board of Nursing

How an MSN Can Improve Nurse Retention

Sources:

American Midwifery Certification Board, Step-by-Step Exam Application Process

Cleveland Clinic, Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Indeed, “APRN vs NP: What’s the Difference?”

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, What is a CNS?

Payscale, Average Clinical Nurse Specialist Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses