H.O.T. GUIDE
Health Occupations
& Technology

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

To be a successful Advanced Practice Registered Nurse you should…

  • be adaptable, compassionate, and caring
  • have excellent leadership and organizational skills
  • have excellent communication skills
  • have good physical and emotional stability
  • be able to deal with a variety of people
  • have the ability to note slight change
  • have an understanding of computers and technology
  • have the ability to analyze problems
  • have the desire to pursue additional academic and clinical training

What will my job be like?

The jobs as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) vary according to specialty.  Advanced practice nurses have met higher educational and clinical practice requirements beyond the basic nursing education and licensing required of all RNs. APRNs usually are primary health care providers. They work independently or in collaboration with physicians and other primary health care team members.  APRNs include:

  • nurse practitioners
  • clinical nurse specialists
  • certified registered nurse anesthesists
  • certified nurse-midwives

Nurse Practitioners may specialize in any of the following:

  • Adult Acute Care Nursing
  • Neonantology
  • Adult Nursing
  • Oncology
  • Gerontology
  • Outpatient
  • College Student Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Family Nursing
  • School Nurse
  • Maternal Infant Nursing
  • Women’s Health

Clinical Nurse Specialists may specialize in any of the following:

  • Intensive Care
  • Medical/Surgical
  • Forensics
  • Neonantology
  • Gerontology
  • Pediatrics

Certified Nurse-Midwives specialize in the following:

  • Obstetrics or women’s wellness

Where could I work?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses may work in any of the following:

  • Community Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Nursing Homes
  • Private Practice Setting
  • Public Health Departments
  • Research Centers

Nurse Practitioners may work in any of the following:

  • Clinics
  • Community Health Centers
  • Home Health Agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Military
  • Physician Office
  • Prisons
  • Public Health Departments
  • Rural Health Departments
  • Schools

Clinical Nurse Specialists may work primarily in the following:

  • Hospitals

Certified Nurse-Midwives may work in the following:

  • Birthing Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Physician Offices

What is the average annual salary?

$117,700


What is the future of this career?

According to the BLS, overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur primarily because of an increased emphasis on preventive care and demand for healthcare services from an aging population.


What type of education and/or training do I need?

Excellent clinical skills, gained through education and experience lay the groundwork for advanced practice. A master’s degree is the minimum preparation for an APRN.


Where can I get the education and/or training?

  • Fairfield University, Fairfield
  • Quinnipiac University, Hamden
  • Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
  • Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
  • University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs
  • University of St. Joseph, West Hartford
  • Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
  • Yale University, New Haven

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. In addition to Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure, the APRN must be certified by a prescribed national organization; have 30 hours of pharmacology coursework; and have obtained a masters degree.

Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.


Where can I get more information?

American Nurses Association
8515 Georgia Ave, Suite 400
Silver Spring, MD   20910
(800) 284-2378
www.ana.org

National League for Nursing
The Watergate, 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC   20037
(800) 669-1656
www.nln.org