The Reasons More RNs are Becoming Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
If you’re a registered nurse (RN), chances are you’ve considered advancing your career at some point. It is important to realize that many RNs are leaning towards becoming advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) or commonly called Nurse Practitioners NPs, because they want higher pay, more independence, and a better role in patient care
First of all, the healthcare system is experiencing a shift with a large number of physician shortages and the need for healthcare providers. And it is not a surprise that NPs are filling that gap and are taking up more healthcare responsibilities and improving patient care in specialty and primary settings.
If you are thinking of advancing your career from RN to NP, this post is for you. Here we will break down the advantages and reasons why RNs are moving towards the NP route; it will cover salary, career growth, job autonomy, comparisons, and demand for NPs.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Why More RNs Are Choosing the Path?
Earning a degree and a certificate as an NP is more than another credential behind your name. To put it another way, this new role has a great impact on your career. It is not just about earning another credential—it’s about expanding your impact, increasing your earning potential, and gaining more control over your career. Here’s why so many RNs are making the move:
1. Higher Salary & Financial Stability
2. More Autonomy in Patient Care
3. Rising Demand & Job Security
4. Specialization & Career Growth
5. Leadership & Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Let’s break each of these down in detail.
Higher Earning and Financially
Another key point why RNs choose to become NPs is because of the financial stability, although it may seem like over the years NP salary seems to have been static. Moreover, some states, facilities, and locations have the same starting rate as RNs but becoming an NP just because of the salary may be disappointing depending on the specialty of the RN and the number of years of experience.
Salary comparison for RN vs. NP
Your salary as an NP is dependent on your specialty, location, and the primary work setting, but below we will look at the generalized breakdown of earnings:
Registered Nurse (RN) Salary: $65,000 – $90,000 per year depending on years of experience and specialty of practice
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Salary: $100,000 – $140,000 per year, specialties such as Psychiatric, dermatology, anesthesia can easily earn from $150,000+
What Affects Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Salaries?
Experience: At this time, it is normal to start with a lower salary as a newly certified NPs, but over time your salary will increase quickly based on your years of experience.
Location: The location where an NP practices makes a lot of difference. If working in an urban area or high-demand states such as California, the tendency to earn more is high.
Specialization: If you are specialized as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesist, Psych NP, or dermatology NP, you have a chance to earn higher.
Work Setting: NPs on educational or community settings often earn lesser than those in the hospital settings and private practice.
The increase in salary alone is a motivating factor for many RNs who are thinking of making this switch or who have already become NPs, especially when they are looking for financial stability.
Practice Autonomy in Patient Care
One of the major reasons many RNs pivot towards becoming Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) is the ability to have control over the quality of care they provide to their patients. Having autonomy in practice is another major of becoming an NP and this is one thing that RNs simply do not have.
How NP Responsibilities Differ from RN Roles
Role Level of Autonomy Responsibilities
RN Limited – RNs, work under physicians, administer meds, monitor patient conditions, educate patients, and assist with treatments.
NP High – Can diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients independently in many states. Conducts assessments, diagnoses conditions, prescribes medications, and provides specialized care.
Full Practice Authority (FPA) for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses: This simply states that NPs can practice independently without having a supervising MD. Many states now allow Nurse Practitioners to practice with full autonomy
Many states now allow Full Practice Authority (FPA), meaning NPs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications without physician oversight (full practice state)
Job Security & The Growing Demand for NPs
The demand for NPs is growing and one of the reasons is that there are not enough medical doctors. According to the Association Medical Association, it is estimated that there will be about 124,000 less physicians by 2034. What this means is that there will be a longer wait time for many more patients which means there is an urgent need for qualified healthcare providers and that is where NPs come in to fill that gap.
How NPs Are Filling the Gap
Primary Care: Many APRNs are choosing the track for family medicine and work as primary care providers, helping fill the doctor shortage.
Rural & Underserved Areas: NPs increase access to healthcare for patients who do not have physicians or access in rural communities.
Specialty Clinics & Telehealth: There is an increase in the need for specialty NP roles and telemedicine ,which has created a need for NPs and also increases their career opportunities.
Legislative Changes Favoring NPs
Over the years, various policies and laws have been passed to expand the roles and responsibilities for NP including:
Medicare & Medicaid Reimbursement: Many more states are increasing their reimbursement rates for NPs.
Telehealth Expansion: There is an increasing growth for virtual health, therefore it has created several new job opportunities for NPs and also increased career growth.
More Relaxed Practice Restrictions: In addition, many states are now granting Nps Full Practice Authority (FPA), which gives NPs more autonomy to practice independently.
The bottom line is that the need for NPs will continue to grow; they are not just in the demand at the moment but they are essential for the future and benefit the health care system.
Specialization & Career Growth
NPs can choose an area of specialization right away, many of which are high paying, unlike RNs, who often need extra certifications to specialize.
The Most In-Demand NP Specialties & Their Salaries
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) – $110,000 – $130,000
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) – $115,000 – $140,000
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) – $115,000 – $150,000
Dermatology Nurse Practitioner – $120,000 – $180,000
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) – $120,000 – $150,000
NP specialty allows RNs to pursue their passion, carve out leadership roles, and also pursue their passions in their area of specialization.
Business and Leadership Opportunities
Becoming an NP opens many doors for entrepreneurship and leadership roles, and not just the clinical doors. It allows RNs to expand their roles and advance their careers.
From NP to Leadership
There are various higher roles for NPs to step into including:
Starting Your Practice
In states with FPA, NPs have the opportunity to become clinical entrepreneurs by opening their clinics and can provide quality health care to their patients without a supervising physician.
Nurse Educator – NPs can teach in colleges, universities, and clinical training programs.
Nurse Administrator – NPs can manage health care organizations and departments as administrators and managers.
Clinical Research NP – An NP can take up a role overseeing and leading medical research.
Policy Advocate – Shaping healthcare policies and improving patient care.
Many independent NPs run weight loss clinics, mental health practices, telehealth services, and wellness centers, creating flexible and highly profitable businesses.
Final Thoughts: Is Becoming an NP Right for You?
If you’re an RN who is looking for autonomy, increased salary, career growth, gain more independence, then returning to become an NP could be the perfect next step for you.
Key Takeaways
Higher Salary – Earn $100,000+, with specialized NPs making over $150,000.
More Autonomy – Many NPs work independently in Full Practice Authority states.
Job Security – The demand for NPs is growing rapidly, ensuring long-term career stability.
Specialization Options – Choose from high-paying specialties like psych, derm, or acute care.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership – Open your practice or step into administrative roles.
Becoming an NP isn’t just about earning more—it’s about taking your career into your own hands and making a bigger impact in healthcare.
