Scholarships Available!
An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a highly skilled healthcare professional who provides advanced medical care beyond the scope of a registered nurse. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform procedures, making a significant impact on patient care. Key characteristics include clinical expertise, compassion, and the ability to work independently and as part of a healthcare team. By offering high-quality care in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, APRNs play a crucial role in improving health outcomes and enhancing the well-being of their patients. For individuals passionate about making a difference in healthcare, becoming an APRN is a dynamic and rewarding career path that combines advanced medical knowledge with empathetic patient care.
APRNs include Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Salary Range
- $29,000 – $160,000/ year
Education & Timeframe
- Start Your Journey: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) Duration: ~4 years
- Advance Your Expertise: Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) degree from an accredited nursing program Duration: ~2-3 years for M.S.N., ~3-5 years for D.N.P.
- Gain Experience: Internships or work experience in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Stay current with nursing techniques, patient care practices, and relevant research.
Scholarship Opportunities
- The Nevada Nurse Apprentice Program offers funding to help students interested in a nursing career. This program provides financial support for nurse apprentices, including hourly wages and bonuses upon graduation and licensure. Additionally, it covers travel expenses for those who need to travel long distances for their apprenticeship. By joining this program, you can gain valuable experience and financial assistance to help you succeed in your nursing career. Nevada Nurse Apprentice Program – NAP
- The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Nevada Health Workforce Pipeline Grant (NHWPG) will focus on providing funding opportunities that are intended to disseminate financial relief and incentivize individuals to pursue careers in a variety of health-related fields. The expected outcome for these funds is to support and expand the opportunity to increase the number of qualified and competent professionals in the health workforce to improve the overall health of our communities. For more information, please contact Ryan Mills at rmills@health.nv.gov.
- The Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers a state loan repayment program that provides funding to help pay off educational loans for those who commit to working in underserved areas of Nevada. This is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. By joining the NHSC, You can make a real difference in communities that need healthcare professionals the most. Nevada Health Service Corps | School of Medicine
Academic Institutes
- To explore academic institutions and programs for a career in nursing, visit our Nursing page for more information.
Additional Information
- What does a nurse practitioner do? – CareerExplorer
- What Is a Nurse Practitioner? What They Do, When to See One, and What to Expect | WebMD
Career Choices & Growth
Explore ways to upskill and specialize within this field:
- Other Potential Careers
- Other Career Pathways