NP & CRNA Career Guide: Advancing Your Nursing Practice

Nurse Practitioners are the fastest-growing healthcare profession in the United States — and for good reason. They combine clinical expertise with the autonomy to diagnose, treat, and prescribe.

NP & CRNA Specialties: Which Path Is Right for You?

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Highest demand — primary care shortage

FNPs are the most versatile NP specialty. They provide primary care to patients of all ages, from pediatrics to geriatrics. High demand in rural and underserved areas.

Scope: Primary care across the lifespan

$111,680 median (BLS)

AANP (FNP-C) or ANCC (FNP-BC)

Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)

Extremely high — mental health crisis

PMHNPs diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe psychiatric medications, and provide therapy. One of the fastest-growing NP specialties due to the national mental health crisis.

Scope: Mental health diagnosis and treatment

$120,000–$140,000+ (varies by state)

ANCC (PMHNP-BC)

Adult-Gerontology NP (AGNP)

High — aging population

AGNPs specialize in adult and geriatric care. The acute care track (AGACNP) focuses on hospitalized patients; the primary care track (AGPCNP) focuses on outpatient settings.

Scope: Adults and older adults (primary or acute care)

$115,000–$135,000 median

ANCC or AANP (specialty-specific)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

High — especially in surgical settings

CRNAs administer anesthesia for surgical, obstetric, and pain management procedures. The highest-paid advanced practice nursing role, requiring a doctoral degree (DNP or DNAP) starting in 2025.

Scope: Anesthesia administration and pain management

$203,090 median (BLS) — highest of all APRNs

NBCRNA (CRNA)

The Path to Becoming an NP

Earn Your RN License

Complete an ADN or BSN program and pass the NCLEX-RN. Most NP programs require 1–2 years of RN experience.

Complete a Graduate NP Program

Earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Programs typically take 2–4 years depending on specialty and format.

Pass Your Certification Exam

Take the AANP or ANCC certification exam for your specialty. Most programs prepare you for this, but additional study resources help.

Obtain State Licensure

Apply for APRN licensure in your state. Requirements vary — some states require a collaborative agreement with a physician; others grant full practice authority.

Maintain Certification

NP certifications require continuing education and renewal every 5 years. Stay current with clinical practice and CE requirements.

Preparing for NP certification exams

NP certification exams (AANP and ANCC) are notoriously challenging. The best preparation combines your graduate coursework with high-quality practice questions that test clinical reasoning and diagnostic decision-making. Start practicing with advanced-level test banks 3–6 months before your exam date.

Resources for Advanced Practice Students

Browse our advanced practice test banks and study resources designed for NP and CRNA students.

NCLEX Prep