APN stands for Access Point Name, which is the name of a gateway between a mobile network and another computer network, frequently the public Internet. A mobile device making a data connection must be configured with an APN to present to the carrier. The APN identifies the packet data network (PDN) that a mobile data user wants to communicate with and may also be used to define the type of service that is provided by the PDN. APN is used in 3GPP data access networks, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and evolved packet core (EPC).

In addition to the mobile network context, the term APN is also used in the nursing field. An Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), also known as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), is a registered nurse who has expert knowledge, clinical competencies, and performs functions previously reserved for doctors, such as diagnosing conditions, ordering and interpreting lab tests, giving anesthesia, and prescribing medications. APNs are the most highly trained of all registered nurses, holding either a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing. There are four main areas of specialization that an APN can attain: Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), and Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).