The educational path for a nurse practitioner requires the study of a specialization, causing the career to fit under the umbrella of the term "advanced practicing nurse." Yet, all advanced practice nurses are not nurse practitioners.

The Advanced Practice Nurse

An advanced practice nurse, referred to as an APN by health care professionals, is a broad term for a nurse who specializes and most importantly, is board certified. APN encompasses two types of nurses: clinical specialists and nurse practitioners, explained Paula Wilcox-Pendleton, a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

The Nurse Practitioner

"A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and training in a health care specialty area," said Wilcox-Pendleton. She clarified that nurse practitioners "work with people of all ages and their families."

The Difference

Though all nurse practitioners are APNs, the reverse cannot be applied. Some APNs are clinical specialists, which the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists defines as nurses who specialize in a population, type of care or type of disease or illness.

The Similarities

The APN and the nurse practitioner must become registered nurses before advancing in education. Then, they obtain a graduate-level degree in a specific area of nursing and take board certification examinations. Passing gives recognition of expertise in the area of specialization.

Schooling Required

Careers as a nurse practitioner and an advanced practice nurse require educational preparation through graduate studies in a specific area. Both professionals must complete a set number of clinical hours, the hands-on experience. Clinical hours are specific to each school.

Source:

Paula Wilcox-Pendleton, FNP-BC; Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children; Wilmington, Delaware

National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists