How to Become an APRN
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a nurse with additional training, education and certification. They are highly skilled professionals in their area of specialization and can perform many of the same tasks as doctors. APRNs are respected and sought after health care workers.
- Earn a RN (Registered Nurse) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) certification. This is a prerequisite to earning an APRN. An APRN is the highest position attainable in the nursing field.
- Determine an area of expertise. There are currently four areas of specialization: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP).
- Earn an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing). To become an APRN, candidates must receive a Master's degree in nursing as a minimal education requirement. Some candidates continue on to get a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). A Master's adds at least two years of education, and achieving a doctorate adds an additional one to four years of education on top of that. The educational program focuses on the specialty chosen and on the type of prospective patients candidates can expect to treat in that field.
- Take and pass the specialty certification exam. After finishing the extensive educational requirements, candidates must pass a detailed examination to earn board certification. Each specialty has a different course of study and a different exam. APRNs earn between $86,000 ad $135,000 annually, depending on the specialty. By contrast, most RNs earn approximately $76,000.