APRN vs. RN: Explaining the Difference in 2026

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Many students compare APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) and RNs (Registered Nurses) when planning nursing careers. Both roles share foundational nursing knowledge and patient care duties but differ significantly in education, scope, and responsibilities. RNs typically hold an associate or bachelor's degree, while APRNs require a master's or doctoral degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, APRNs have more autonomy and can perform tasks like diagnosing and prescribing, unlike most RNs. This article clarifies these key differences to help you make an informed career choice aligned with your goals.

Key Points About Pursuing a Career as an APRN vs an RN

APRNs have greater autonomy and clinical authority than RNs, allowing them to diagnose, prescribe, and manage patient care independently in many states.
RN employment is projected to grow 5% by 2034, while APRN roles are expected to increase about 38%, reflecting expanding demand for advanced care providers.
In 2025, RNs earn a median salary of $93,600, compared to $132,050 for APRNs, highlighting the higher pay associated with advanced education and specialized skills.

What does an APRN do?

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) delivers more comprehensive patient care than a Registered Nurse (RN). Their responsibilities include diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, and prescribing medications.

APRNs commonly serve as primary care providers, handling both acute and chronic health issues in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, outpatient centers, and community health organizations.

They perform physical assessments, analyze diagnostic results, offer patient counseling, and supervise nursing teams. Many APRNs specialize as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, or clinical nurse specialists, which enables work in various areas such as primary care, anesthesia, obstetrics, surgery, and mental health.

With employment expected to grow significantly by 2030, APRNs are vital in improving healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved locations, while also contributing to education, policy, and leadership in health services.

What does an RN do?

A Registered Nurse (RN) evaluates patient health by taking medical histories and monitoring vital signs to detect any changes. They administer medications, carry out treatments like IV therapy and wound care, and assist with diagnostic procedures under medical supervision.

RNs also provide education about care plans and emotional support to patients and their families.

They work closely with healthcare teams to create and apply personalized care plans, ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. RNs often oversee practical nurses, nursing aides, and trainees in clinical environments.

While most RNs are employed in hospitals, many also work in outpatient clinics, long-term care, schools, and home health services. Hospitals are the primary employers of RNs, followed by ambulatory care, public health, and nursing home settings.

What skills do you need to become an APRN vs. an RN?

Becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) or a Registered Nurse (RN) requires distinct sets of skills tailored to their respective roles in healthcare. APRNs often take on more responsibility and require advanced knowledge, while RNs focus on delivering direct patient care and supporting medical teams.

Understanding the core skills each profession demands can help guide career decisions. Below are the essential skills for both APRNs and RNs.

Skills an APRN Needs

Advanced clinical knowledge: Deep understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostics to make independent patient care decisions.
Critical thinking: Ability to assess complex patient situations and develop appropriate care plans autonomously.
Leadership skills: Capacity to lead healthcare teams and coordinate comprehensive patient management.
Effective communication: Strong skills to educate patients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Research literacy: Ability to interpret and apply current clinical research to evidence-based practice.

Skills an RN Needs

Patient care expertise: Proficiency in administering treatments, monitoring patients, and managing basic medical procedures.
Attention to detail: Observing subtle changes in patient conditions and accurately documenting care and symptoms.
Time management: Efficiently balancing multiple patients' needs in fast-paced environments.
Team collaboration: Working closely with physicians, APRNs, and other healthcare professionals to support patient outcomes.
Emotional resilience: Managing stress and maintaining compassion while facing demanding clinical situations.

How much can you earn as an APRN vs. an RN?

The financial difference between APRNs and RNs is significant, reflecting variations in education, training, and clinical responsibilities. Understanding the aprn vs rn salary comparison is crucial for anyone considering their nursing career path. Salary expectations vary widely depending on experience, specialization, and geographic location.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) generally earn higher salaries compared to Registered Nurses. In 2025, the average APRN salary is about $109,039, but this varies by specialty. Nurse Practitioners make around $135,000 annually, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Midwives earn about $128,000, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) top the scale with a median salary of approximately $256,000.

Entry-level APRNs typically start near $97,969, while experienced APRNs can earn $137,000 or more. Salaries also differ by location, with APRNs in the Pacific region earning the highest averages. For those interested in starting their journey to nursing, researching the best 6-month associate degree programs online can be a useful first step. The aprn salary by state USA shows that metropolitan and specialized units generally offer more competitive pay.

Registered Nurses earn less but remain well-compensated, with an average salary of $98,430 per year or $47.32 per hour in 2025. Median RN salaries hover around $93,600, nearly double the national average for all U.S. jobs. RN pay ranges from about $88,000 for entry-level positions to roughly $136,680 for top earners.

Factors such as experience, location, and work setting heavily influence compensation for RNs, with rural areas typically offering lower wages than urban centers.

What is the job outlook for an APRN vs. an RN?

The employment outlook for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) is notably stronger compared to Registered Nurses (RNs). APRNs are expected to experience rapid growth driven by expanded roles in healthcare. Meanwhile, RNs will see steady but slower job growth, maintaining stable demand across healthcare settings.

Jobs for APRNs-including nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners-are projected to increase by about 35% from 2024 to 2034. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations and is fueled by increasing healthcare needs, especially in primary care and underserved communities.

APRNs can perform many physician-level tasks such as prescribing medication and ordering diagnostic tests, which enhances their demand as healthcare systems face physician shortages and evolving regulations.

Registered Nurses are expected to grow at a steadier pace of approximately 6% to 9% through 2033. Although this is slower than APRNs' growth, it still exceeds the average for all professions and translates to roughly 189,100 job openings annually. The demand for RNs remains reliable in hospitals, outpatient services, and long-term care facilities, largely due to an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses.

Both roles benefit from industry trends such as population aging and broader healthcare access, but APRNs' expanding clinical autonomy is driving their faster employment growth.

What is the career progression like for an APRN vs. an RN?

The career progression for an APRN versus an RN involves different education paths, roles, and responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps clarify the nursing career ladder from RN to APRN and what advancement opportunities each pathway offers.

Typical Career Progression for an APRN

Graduate Education: Complete a master's degree in nursing, which enables entry into specialized roles such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists.
Specialization: Choose a focus area, for example, psychiatric mental health or acute care, to provide advanced patient care independently.
Advanced Practice: Begin practicing in advanced roles, often with more autonomy than RNs, and potentially operate independently in many states.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship: Move into leadership roles within healthcare teams, become educators, or start private clinics.

Typical Career Progression for an RN

Entry-Level Practice: Start with an associate's or bachelor's degree and work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings providing direct patient care.
Bachelor's Advancement: Pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enhance skills and open doors to more responsibilities.
Master's Education: Obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to qualify for leadership or educational roles hospitals or healthcare organizations.
Leadership Roles: Advance to nurse managers, educators, or clinical leaders, requiring a combination of education and experience.

Both RNs and APRNs benefit from strong job outlooks, with APRNs expected to enjoy a projected job growth of 46% by 2033 and RNs a growth rate of 16%. This significant demand supports career advancement for APRNs and RNs in the United States.

For those considering further education to advance, exploring online open enrollment colleges may provide flexible options tailored to working professionals.

Can you transition from being an APRN vs. an RN (and vice versa)?

Transitioning between APRN and RN roles is possible but typically flows in one direction. An APRN cannot formally "step down" to an RN role since holding an RN license is a prerequisite for advanced practice licensure. However, APRNs may choose to practice exclusively as RNs without additional certification. This flexibility allows APRNs to maintain their RN status while not utilizing advanced credentials.

Regarding transitioning from aprn to rn roles, no additional education or certification is required if an APRN elects to work solely as an RN. The RN license remains valid throughout their career, so the practitioner can choose RN-level positions without restriction while keeping advanced credentials intact.

More commonly, professionals pursue the rn to aprn career transition process. This requires significant additional education, usually a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which often takes two to three years of graduate study. Admission to these programs typically requires at least one year of RN experience.

After completing advanced degrees, candidates must pass a national certification exam from accredited organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. This rigorous pathway reflects the expanded responsibilities APRNs hold, including diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and making independent clinical decisions.

The nursing profession forecasts strong growth, with APRNs earning a median annual salary of $132,050 and expecting 31,900 job openings annually from 2023 to 2033. Transferable skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and clinical documentation benefit nurses moving between roles.

Those interested in accelerating their academic journey may explore cheap doctoral programs designed for advanced nursing professionals.

What are the common challenges that you can face as an APRN vs. an RN?

Both APRNs and RNs encounter numerous professional challenges, including high patient loads, burnout, and limited support systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified these difficulties, especially in rural healthcare settings. Challenges unique to each career are outlined below.

Challenges for an APRN

Legislative barriers that limit practice authority, often requiring physician supervision, which restricts autonomy.
Resistance from healthcare organizations due to misconceptions about their role, complicating integration into care teams.
Scope of practice restrictions for nurse practitioners that affect their ability to fully utilize skills and provide comprehensive care.

Challenges for an RN

High patient-to-provider ratios increase stress and workload, impacting job satisfaction and performance.
The ongoing nursing shortage leads to heavier demands and fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to APRNs.
Direct patient care responsibilities can be emotionally taxing and contribute to burnout.

Both APRNs and RNs must also navigate evolving healthcare technologies and industry trends. APRNs have a critical role in addressing primary care needs, while RNs are frontline caregivers. Understanding the challenges faced by APRNs and RNs in 2025 can help professionals better prepare for their roles.

For students exploring career options, pursuing affordable online degrees may provide flexible pathways into nursing and advanced practice.

Is it more stressful to be an APRN vs. an RN?

Stress affects both Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), but the types and intensity of stressors vary between the two roles. Studies show that RNs report higher burnout rates compared to APRNs, though the demands on both professions are substantial and situational factors play a big role.

Registered Nurses commonly face stress related to staff shortages, heavy patient assignments, and limited influence over their schedules. Their responsibilities focus heavily on direct patient care, often requiring them to manage constant interruptions and emotional challenges from patients.

In 2025, 65% of nurses noted high stress and burnout, with short staffing repeatedly identified as a major contributing factor.

In contrast, APRNs experience stress originating from greater clinical responsibilities and complex decision-making tasks. These include managing treatment plans, ordering tests, and supervising nursing staff.

Stress for APRNs tends to escalate in fast-paced or critical care environments, such as emergency rooms and ICUs, especially when they lack sufficient autonomy or face management conflicts. Ultimately, the level of stress for either role depends highly on their workplace environment, patient load, and the support system available.

How to choose between becoming an APRN vs. an RN?

Deciding between APRN vs RN career path involves understanding differences in education, responsibilities, and long-term goals. Choosing between APRN and RN roles impacts your scope of practice, autonomy, and lifestyle options.

Education commitment: Becoming an APRN requires a master's or doctoral degree after RN licensure, extending study time, while RNs can enter practice sooner with an ADN or BSN.
Scope of practice: APRNs have autonomy to diagnose and prescribe, offering broader clinical roles than RNs, who focus primarily on direct patient care under supervision.
Work environment and hours: RNs often work variable shifts including nights; APRNs may enjoy more regular schedules, especially in outpatient settings.
Salary potential: APRNs typically earn significantly more due to advanced training and responsibilities; for example, nurse anesthetists earn median wages around $180,840.
Career flexibility and advancement: RNs have broad opportunities in hospitals and community settings, with further education opening paths to administration or research; APRNs specialize clinically and may manage practices.

Those seeking faster workforce entry and direct patient care may prefer the RN role. Those interested in advanced practice, specialization, and higher earnings often choose the APRN path. Exploring joint degree programs undergraduate can also be a strategic option for those planning advanced nursing education.

What Professionals Say About Being an APRN vs. an RN

Ramon: "Pursuing a career as an APRN has provided me with remarkable job stability and competitive salary potential. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and having advanced practice skills means I am in demand across diverse settings-from hospitals to community clinics. This career choice has truly secured my future in a dynamic industry. "

Marcos: "The unique challenges of working as an RN in critical care have shaped my professional resilience and adaptability. Every day brings new cases and learning opportunities, making the work intensely rewarding despite its demands. This path has given me a deep sense of purpose and ongoing growth. "

Silas: "Advancing from RN to APRN opened doors to extensive professional development and leadership opportunities. The specialized training programs and certifications enhanced my clinical expertise and confidence in decision-making roles. It's fulfilling to contribute more deeply to patient care and mentor colleagues along the way. "

Other Things You Should Know About an APRN & an RN

What are the typical work settings for APRNs compared to RNs?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) often work in more specialized and autonomous roles within healthcare settings such as hospitals, specialty clinics, and outpatient care centers. They may also have opportunities to serve in leadership or educational positions. Registered Nurses (RNs), by contrast, are found in a wide variety of environments, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and schools, usually providing direct patient care under the supervision of physicians or APRNs.

Do APRNs have more responsibility for patient care than RNs?

Yes, APRNs typically hold greater responsibility for patient care decisions compared to RNs. APRNs can perform advanced assessments, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments independently in many states. RNs primarily focus on implementing care plans, monitoring patient status, and providing support, often following instructions from APRNs or physicians.

Are there different licensing requirements for APRNs and RNs?

Yes, licensing requirements differ between these roles. To become an RN, individuals must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after completing an accredited nursing program. For APRNs, additional graduate-level education-usually a master's or doctoral degree-is required, along with passing a national certification exam specific to their advanced practice area. State licensure for APRNs often has separate criteria and may allow for prescriptive authority.

How do continuing education expectations differ for APRNs versus RNs?

Both APRNs and RNs must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses, but APRNs generally face more rigorous or specialized requirements. APRNs need to stay current with advanced clinical knowledge and often must renew both their RN and advanced practice licenses through continuing education or clinical practice hours. RNs have continuing education mandates primarily focused on general nursing competencies and patient care updates.