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What is an advanced practice registered nurse and how to become one
The doctors may get all the accolades, but often nurses are the ones that provide the most direct care to patients. Advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs, are often on the frontlines of community health, and many provide primary care to patients in need.
Advanced practice registered nurses can have a variety of specialties, from nurse practitioners to nurse-midwives. Most advanced practice registered nurses have some years of experience and education, usually including a master's certificate. They can conduct check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and counsel patients on treatment options, which many doctors do not have time to do.
Many advanced practice registered nurses provide caring support to patients thrust into a healthcare system that can be intimidating and scary. The demand for advanced practice registered nurses is projected to grow by 12% by 2028. As the country's health needs evolve, more and more people will need the expert, compassionate healthcare that an advanced practice registered nurse can provide.
Avg. Salary $92,479
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.45%
Asian 9.06%
Black or African American 8.94%
Hispanic or Latino 10.31%
Unknown 4.36%
White 66.89%
Genderfemale 89.01%
male 10.99%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Advanced practice registered nurse career paths
Key steps to become an advanced practice registered nurse
Explore advanced practice registered nurse education requirements
Start to develop specific advanced practice registered nurse skills
Skills Percentages Patients 22.17% APRN 15.83% Diagnosis 8.30% Acute Care 3.79% Advanced Life Support 3.49% Complete relevant advanced practice registered nurse training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New advanced practice registered nurses learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an advanced practice registered nurse based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real advanced practice registered nurse resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming an licensed advanced practice registered nurse usually require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed advanced practice registered nurse in most of states. 43 states require advanced practice registered nurses to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alabama Degree required State exam required Registered Nurse (RN) Alaska Degree required Third-party exam required Nurse, Registered Arkansas Degree required Third-party exam required Registered Nurse (RN) California Degree required Third-party exam required Nurse, Registered Colorado Degree required Third-party exam required Registered Nurse Gain additional advanced practice registered nurse certifications
More About CertificationsAdvanced practice registered nurse certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific advanced practice registered nurse certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for advanced practice registered nurses include Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Experienced Provider (EP) (ACLS) and Family Nurse Practitioner.
Research advanced practice registered nurse duties and responsibilities
- Employ as an APRN to manage wind care for adults and geriatrics in a rehabilitation and nursing home setting.
- Manage chronic comorbid conditions such as; congestive heart failure, COPD, hypothyroidism, atrial fibrillation and hypertension.
- Manage acute and chronic conditions such as ESRD, COPD, heart failure, spinal cord injury, and diabetes.
- Demonstrate clinical competency and compassion in providing care, using technology, administering medications, performing procedures and managing emergencies.
Get advanced practice registered nurse experience
Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become an advanced practice registered nurse. The most common roles before becoming an advanced practice registered nurse include registered nurse, staff nurse team lead and nurse practitioner.Prepare your advanced practice registered nurse resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your advanced practice registered nurse resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an advanced practice registered nurse resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable advanced practice registered nurse resume templates
Build a professional advanced practice registered nurse resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your advanced practice registered nurse resume.
Apply for advanced practice registered nurse jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an advanced practice registered nurse job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
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Average advanced practice registered nurse salary
The average advanced practice registered nurse salary in the United States is $92,479 per year or $44 per hour. Advanced practice registered nurse salaries range between $63,000 and $135,000 per year.
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Updated January 8, 2025
