APRN/APN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioner)/Advanced Practice Nurse

APRN means “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse,” and APN means “Advanced Practice Nurse.” It is the same as “Advanced Practice Registered Nurse” but is not recommended as a legally recognized title.

Both titles refer to the four recognized general areas of advanced professional specialization: CRNA, NP, CNM, and CNS:

CRNA- Certified Nurse Anesthetist

NP- Nurse Practitioner

CNM- Certified Nurse Midwife

CNS- Clinical Nurse Specialist

“Advanced practice nurse” is the general designation for all nurses with an advanced degree in a nursing program, and then it is broken down into the four specialties located above.

There are many steps to becoming an APN candidate, such as:

• Obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
• Some areas of specialty require additional licensure and certification.