Yet few know about certified registered nurse practitioners.
So, what is a CRNP in the medical field?
Put simply, they deliver advanced nursing care to patients.
CRNPs take your vitals and administer medications like a registered nurse, but also:
- Order diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, and analyze the results
- Create patient care plans
- Prescribe medication
- Write referrals for specialists
- And more.
Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver developed the first CRNP program in Colorado in 1965. The length of the profession’s existence pales in comparison to the formalization of other areas of practice in healthcare, like nursing, which dates to the early 19th century. But in just 61 years, it’s made an impact on every corner of the medical field.
As a CRNP, you can earn a competitive income and practice on your own terms.
It just takes focused effort and a plan to get there.
What Does a CRNP Do?
Rebekah Stepp is co-chair of the Portage Learning Biology Department and also serves as a professor. She enjoys helping people get healthy.
“I had a patient who started a fitness journey and ended up losing a lot of weight,” says Stepp, who also maintains her license as a nurse practitioner. “Her health issues resolved, and she went on to become a fitness instructor. It’s fun to see people live to their fullest.”
Two decades ago, Stepp became a CRNP after working as a nurse for a few years. The career’s opportunities fueled her return to school.
CRNPs work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as:
- Doctors’ offices
- Hospitals and clinics
- Emergency rooms
- Nursing homes and hospices
- Public health departments
- School and college student health clinics
They also select a specialty during school, which corresponds to a particular patient population and/or concern, including:
- Family medicine
- Pediatrics and neonatology
- Adult-gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Oncology
- Aesthetics
- Women’s health
- Orthopedics
- Emergency medicine
- Acute care
- Cardiology
CRNP vs. Other Nursing Roles
Most people realize what RN stands for — and now you know CRNP — but what about other advanced nursing credentials that may appear after a medical professional’s name, including:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)
- Certified nurse practitioner (CNP)
Turns out they’re all the same.
Which title a CRNP goes by depends on where they practice. Each state’s nurse practice act outlines the credential to use, the scope of guidelines, and standards of conduct.
Supervision requirements vary across the country as well. In some states, CRNPs must work underneath another health provider, such as a doctor, to conduct patient care while in other areas, they can do so independently.
How to Become a CRNP
CRNPs undergo six to eight years of training. To begin practicing, you must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Those with a degree in another field may be eligible for an accelerated BSN program, which can typically be finished in two years, after the student completes the needed science courses.
Portage Learning specializes in common prerequisites, such as Anatomy & Physiology, English, and statistics. The online, self-directed format offers an affordable, flexible path. - Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and receive an RN license.
This exam tests your knowledge and critical thinking skills related to nursing. - Enroll in a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) graduate program.
To gain valuable experience, many nurses work for a few years before continuing their education. Once they start a graduate program, CRNPs select a patient focus and spend most of their educational time learning about that subspecialty. - Obtain your advanced practice nursing license.
Upon completing your graduate program, you will need to pass a national board certification exam specific to your patient population focus. You can then apply for licensure in your state.
Career Outlook for CRNPs
CRNPs bridge the gap for healthcare systems as the needs of patients rise and physician shortages persist.
A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) indicates the United States could see up to 86,000 fewer doctors than needed by 2036 due to:
- Demographics: Within the next decade, the U.S. population will rapidly grow and age. Older Americans tend to require more medical care.
- Retirements: Doctors ages 55 and older make up 44 percent of the clinical physician workforce. Many Americans retire at age 65.
As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 40 percent increase in CRNP jobs through 2034. The median annual salary surpasses six figures, coming in at $126,210 in 2024.
The Final Thought: Why You Should Become a CRNP
With a little determination, you can achieve a lot.
Dr. Ford and Dr. Silver proved that when they created a profession that became the third-fastest growing occupation in less than a century.
Stepp did too after she went from providing quick fixes to patients as an emergency room nurse to helping them make positive, long-term lifestyle changes.
The numbers highlight the demand and security of becoming a CRNP. A wide range of practice settings and specialties afford the opportunity to make the job fulfilling as well.
You just need a plan to get there.
(Looking for help in creating one? Start your journey in advanced practice nursing today by exploring Portage Learning’s online courses. Credits transfer to more than 2,800 institutions.)
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