An APRN, or advanced practice registered nurse, is a nurse with post-graduate education and training in nursing. APRNs are prepared with advanced didactic and clinical education, knowledge, skills, and scope of practice in nursing. They are intended to demonstrate effective integration of theory, practice, and experiences along with increasing degrees of autonomy in judgments and interventions, while remaining under physician supervision. APRN education forms the basis of four recognized general areas of specialization: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), and Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP).

APRNs are often primary care providers and are at the forefront of providing preventive care services to the public. They treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, and engage in continuous education to remain ahead of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field. APRNs hold at least a Master’s degree, in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing required for all Registered Nurses (RNs).

The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification & Education (APRN Consensus Model) has been endorsed by 41 nursing organizations. The APRN Consensus Model defines advanced practice registered nurse practice, describes the APRN regulatory model, identifies the titles to be used, defines specialty, describes the emergence of new roles and population foci, and presents strategies for implementation.

In summary, an APRN is a highly trained and credentialed nurse who has completed post-graduate education and training in nursing and is authorized to perform many of the same duties as a physician, depending on their area of specialization.