APRN vs NP: What’s the difference?

APRNs and NPs hold advanced degrees and certifications in their areas of expertise. But there are differences.

All nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), but not all APRNs are NPs. You can find both NPs and APRNs working in hospitals, clinics, specialty offices among other places. 

APRNs and NPs hold advanced degrees and certifications in their areas of expertise. They often have nurse leadership positions within hospitals or private practices and they earn higher salaries than registered nurses in the same specialties. 

What are the differences between APRNs and NPs? 

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a type of APRN. The other three types of APRNs are nurse midwives (NMs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs).

NPs specialize in chosen areas of medicine, such as gerontology, women’s health or mental health. The primary difference between the two is not only specialization but the job responsibilities and duties they perform.

APRN and NP roles and responsibilities

Workplaces

NPs and APRNs can find work in a variety of healthcare settings, including: 

Nurse practitioner specialties

While APRNs also have the ability to specialize in administrative, clinical and practical areas, they can choose a specialty after they start practicing as an RN. Nurse practitioners are required to choose a specialty before they become licensed. NPs can specialize in: 

Similarly, clinical nurse specialists and certified registered nurse anesthetists can specialize in different areas. 

CNSs can choose to work with a specific set of the population, such as adults or children, or within a certain medical specialty, such as cardiology or oncology.

CRNAs can specialize in areas like pediatric, obstetric, cardiovascular or neurosurgical anesthesia, to name a few.

What degree does each job require?

All APRNs hold advanced degrees. 

To become a nurse practitioner, you’ll need to earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. To get into a higher education program, most schools will require you to have earned a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN), but there are some that will accept associate degrees. 

Nurse midwives and CNSs must hold, at minimum, an MSN. 

CRNAs need to earn both an MSN and either a DNP or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). 

Licenses and certifications

To become an APRN, you need to be a registered nurse, first and foremost. Then, depending on what type of APRN you want to become, you’ll need to apply for a specific license and/or certification. 

To become an APRN, you need to be a registered nurse, first and foremost.

APRN and NP salaries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the median annual salary for nurse practitioners as $129,210, with a strong job growth outlook of 40.1% through 2034.

The top earning nurse practitioners make up to $169,950, and the bottom 10% earn $97,960. Salaries by state for NPs are as follows:

And for certified nurse midwives:

Finally, salaries for certified registered nurse anesthetists:

Compare median annual salaries for NPs, APRNs and related careers:

Which job is right for me?

Choosing to become a nurse practitioner over a different type of APRN is personal and depends on what specialty and responsibilities you’re most interested in. 

If you’re looking to provide primary care, becoming a nurse practitioner might be well suited for you. If you prefer a more administrative role in healthcare, a clinical nurse specialist may be a better fit. Those interested in monitoring anesthesia and other medications can go on to become certified registered nurse anesthetists. There is no one right, wrong or better choice—all of these roles can be very fulfilling emotionally, ethically and financially.