An APRN, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, is a nursing professional who has met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements. APRNs hold at least a Masters degree, in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing required for all Registered Nurses (RNs). They are often primary care providers and are at the forefront of providing preventive care services to the public. APRNs diagnose and treat 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 provide services in community-based settings and their services range from primary, acute, and specialty health care across the lifespan through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and injuries.

APRNs include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives. Nurse Practitioners provide primary, acute, and specialty health care across the lifespan through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and injuries. Certified Nurse-Midwives provide primary, gynecological, and reproductive health care.

APRNs can diagnose and treat disease just like an MD or a PA for the most part. At minimum, an APRN has a registered nurse license (RN), hands-on clinical experience, and a master’s degree in the nursing field. APRNs are also supervised by a licensed MD.