Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Master's degree
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
Very High
Salary
$88,880
Job Growth
35.20%
Job Description:
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
What APRN – Certified Nurse Practitioner Do:
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illness. Nurse Practitioners prescribe medications, treat illness, and administer physical exams. NPs differ from physicians in that they focus on prevention, wellness, and education.
How to Become One:
Earn your credentials as a registered nurse (RN) by enrolling in an accredited institution of higher education. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). If a bachelor's degree was not achieved, obtain a bachelor's degree before applying and enrolling in a graduate program to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Candidates must then pass the National Certification Examination in either the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) or National Board on Certification/Re-Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).