Advanced Practice Nursing Paths: NP, CRNA, CNS, CNM
Four APRN roles compared: education, salary, scope.
Four APRN roles. Different paths, different work.
NP (Nurse Practitioner)
MSN or DNP. Various specialties (FNP, AGNP, PNP, AGACNP). Primary or specialty care. $115K-140K. Most common APRN.
CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist)
DNP required. Requires 1+ year critical care RN. Highest-paid APRN ($200K+). Intensive program.
CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist)
MSN. Specialty expert role. Education, consultation. $90K-115K. Smaller market.
CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)
MSN. Pregnancy, birth, women's health. $115K-140K. Hospital, birth center, home practice.
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