Advanced Practice Nurse

    Medical Assistant & Health Sciences

    CIP Name: Nursing Science|CIP Code: 51.3808
    SOC Codes: 25-1072, 29-1141, 29-1171

    A research program that focuses on the study of advanced clinical practices, research methodologies, the administration of complex nursing services, and that prepares nurses to further the progress of nursing research through experimentation and clinical applications.

    $94K
    Median Salary
    +16.8%
    Job Growth
    1.5 years
    Training
    29.5K
    Jobs/Year

    What Advanced Practice Nurses Do

    A research program that focuses on the study of advanced clinical practices, research methodologies, the administration of complex nursing services, and that prepares nurses to further the progress of nursing research through experimentation and clinical applications.

    Common Tasks

    Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and papers.
    • 2Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work.
    • 3Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • 4Assess clinical education needs and patient and client teaching needs using a variety of methods.
    • 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

    Types of Advanced Practice Nurses

    Assistant ProfessorAssociate ProfessorClinical Nursing InstructorFaculty MemberInstructorLecturerNurse EducatorNursing InstructorNursing ProfessorProfessorCertified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR)Charge NurseEmergency Department RN (Emergency Department Registered Nurse)Oncology RN (Oncology Registered Nurse)Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)Psychiatric RN (Psychiatric Registered Nurse)Relief Charge NurseSchool NurseStaff NurseStaff RN (Staff Registered Nurse)ACNP (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)ARNP Specialist (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Specialist)Adult Nurse PractitionerAdvanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)Family Practice Certified Advanced Registered Nurse PractitionerGastroenterology Nurse PractitionerNurse Practitioner (NP)Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Hospitals and health systems
    • • Outpatient clinics and physician offices
    • • Universities and nursing schools
    • • Community health centers
    • • Long-term care facilities

    Schedule

    Most roles have a set schedule, though clinical positions may include evenings, weekends, or on-call time and can involve moderate to high time pressure.

    Physical Demands

    Work typically involves a mix of sitting, standing, and walking, with moderate handling of equipment and supplies. Clinical roles may require being on your feet for long periods and occasional bending or repositioning patients.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $93,600
    $66,040$135,324+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $66,040
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $78,603
    Median
    50th percentile
    $93,600
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $107,952
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $135,324+

    National Employment: 3,803,000 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    An aging population and higher rates of chronic disease are increasing the need for advanced nursing care and care coordination. Growth in outpatient and community-based care is also expanding demand for nurse practitioners and nurse educators.

    Skills You'll Need

    Clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoningPatient education and counselingEvidence-based practice and research literacyClear documentation and attention to detailCommunication and teamworkTime management under pressureEmpathy and professional boundariesLeadership and mentoring

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong pay potential, especially in advanced practice roles
    • High job stability and broad geographic demand
    • Meaningful work improving patient outcomes
    • Multiple career paths (clinical, education, leadership, research)
    • Opportunities for specialization

    Cons

    • High responsibility and stress, especially in complex patient care
    • Licensure, credentialing, and continuing education requirements
    • Risk of burnout and emotional fatigue
    • Exposure to illness and challenging patient situations
    • Competitive academic roles may require research output and publishing
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Advanced Practice Nurse Trade

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