APRN Vs NP - What's The Difference? - Nursing License Map

Specialties

Under the category of APRNs, there are four career tracks. In this section, we dive into each one and expand on different nursing specializations so you can better understand the options available.

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)

• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS:These nurses are involved in the entire spectrum of nursing, from patient care to the hospital system. The clinical nurse specialist can specialize in patient populations, settings, diseases, and types of care. In addition to managing patients, clinical nurse specialists ensure that best practices are being carried out by nurses throughout the organization in which they work, making this a viable career path for those interested in serving as a consultant, researcher, and educator in their specialty.
• Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): CRNAs are in charge of administering anesthesia to patients and monitoring their vital signs throughout procedures. Because patients require attentive care during surgical procedures, this realm of nursing requires a high-level of specialization. For that reason, CRNAs earn more than other nursing roles, earning an average annual salary of $203,090, according to 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.
• Certified nurse midwife (CNM): As a certified nurse midwife, you’ll help women through pregnancy and childbirth upon completion of a midwifery program. They monitor fetal development, educate mothers on childcare and breastfeeding, and perform routine women’s health screenings, among other responsibilities. This advanced nursing path may be a good fit for those interested in studying women’s reproductive health.
• Nurse practitioner (NP): NPs have a wide scope of practice in many states, ranging from prescribing medicine to practicing independently. They perform a role similar to primary care physicians—diagnosing illnesses, delivering primary care, and educating patients on disease prevention.

Nurse practitioner specialties

• Acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP): ACNPs can specialize in adult-gerontology acute care or pediatric acute care. In this specialty, nurse practitioners provide immediate medical attention to patients with pressing health concerns. They diagnose and treat injuries in child, adult, or elderly patients, depending on their area of expertise.
• Family nurse practitioner (FNP): According to AANP, about 70% of nurse practitioners are FNPs, as of 2022. FNPs provide healthcare to patients of all ages, overseeing routine checkups, physicals, and diagnoses upon completion of an on-campus or online FNP program. They also can focus on particular illnesses, like diabetes or pain management.
• Pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP):PNPs manage acute and chronic illnesses in children, from newborns to young adults. They often deliver healthcare services in pediatric offices, clinics, and schools.
• Women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP):WHNPs are experts in women’s healthcare. They deliver a number of preventative and checkup services such as breast cancer screenings, contraceptive care, and prenatal exams to women of all ages, making them a key component of women’s reproductive and gynecological health.
• Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP): These nursing professionals assess the mental health of their patients, make diagnoses, and create corresponding treatment plans. As a PMHNP you belong to a team of healthcare experts dedicated to making a critical difference in their patients’ lives.