The Role and Scope of Practice for APRNs

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) represent one of the fastest-growing segments of the nursing workforce. As demands for accessible, cost-effective healthcare continue to rise, APRNs are stepping up to fill critical roles in clinics, hospitals, and communities across the country.

APRNs deliver high-level care with autonomy and expertise. They bridge the gap between nurses and physicians and provide essential services in both rural and urban areas. This blog explores the role, scope of practice, educational requirements, and continuing education needs for APRNs, helping nurses understand how this advanced path may be the next step in their professional journey.

What Is an APRN?

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse is a nurse who has completed graduate-level education (a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice), holds national certification, and is licensed at the advanced practice level. APRNs fall into four recognized roles:

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) – Provide primary and specialty care across the lifespan
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) – Focus on system-level improvement and expert consultation
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) – Offer prenatal, labor, and postpartum care
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) – Deliver anesthesia in clinical settings

Each role plays a distinct part in improving patient outcomes, expanding healthcare access, and elevating the nursing profession.

Scope of Practice: Expanding Across the U.S.

APRNs are licensed and regulated at the state level, meaning scope of practice varies by location. Some states grant Full Practice Authority (FPA), allowing APRNs to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently. Other states require a collaborative agreement with a physician or limit prescriptive authority.

As of 2025:

28 states grant Full Practice Authority
13 states require reduced practice under supervision
9 states maintain restrictive practice requiring close oversight

In Florida, for example, NPs may prescribe controlled substances and practice independently after completing certain requirements. In Georgia, APRNs must work under a supervisory protocol with a physician for certain functions.

Knowing the details of your state’s Nurse Practice Act and staying current with updates is critical to practicing safely and effectively.

Core Responsibilities of APRNs

While each APRN role differs, most share core responsibilities:

Conducting comprehensive physical assessments
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
Developing and managing treatment plans
Prescribing medications and therapies
Providing patient education and counseling
Managing chronic and acute conditions
Participating in research, policy, and leadership

APRNs are especially valuable in underserved communities, rural areas, and specialized clinics where physician availability is limited. Their autonomy and training help extend high-quality care to more patients.

Education and Certification Requirements

To become an APRN, nurses must complete:

A BSN degree (or RN-to-MSN bridge program)
A graduate degree (MSN or DNP) from an accredited program
National certification in a population focus (e.g., FNP, AGACNP, PMHNP)
State licensure and, in some cases, DEA registration for prescriptive authority

In addition to clinical training, APRNs must understand pharmacology, pathophysiology, ethics, and policy. Continuing education is required for both certification maintenance and license renewal.

CEUs for APRNs: Staying Sharp and Compliant

APRNs are often required to complete continuing education units (CEUs) that are specific to advanced practice. These typically include:

Advanced pharmacology
Controlled substance prescribing
Clinical specialty updates
Ethics and professional responsibility
Health equity and population health

For example:

In Florida, APRNs must complete 3 hours in controlled substances prescribing and meet the 24-hour CEU total every renewal cycle
In Georgia, APRNs must complete continuing education from board-approved providers and meet specific rules related to collaborative practice

Courses must often be ANCC approved, especially when used for recertification by organizations like the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Renewal and Licensure Maintenance

APRNs must regularly renew:

State APRN licenses
RN licenses (in many states, these are separate)
National certification
DEA registration (if applicable)

Many APRNs use online continuing education courses to meet renewal requirements without disrupting their practice. CE Ready offers targeted courses in pain management, substance use, pharmacology, and ethics, aligning with APRN scope and real-world practice needs.

Common Misconceptions About APRNs

Myth: APRNs are “just nurses” with more experience.
Fact: APRNs hold graduate degrees, advanced certification, and state licensure allowing for diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions.

Myth: APRNs always work under a doctor.
Fact: In over half the states, APRNs can practice independently with full prescriptive authority.

Myth: APRNs only work in primary care.
Fact: APRNs also specialize in acute care, mental health, anesthesia, pediatrics, geriatrics, and more.

APRNs are clinical leaders, decision-makers, and innovators, not assistants or extensions of physicians.

Voices From the Field: APRNs Share Their Perspective

Danielle, FNP in Florida:
“I treat families from infants to seniors. Having full practice authority in my state lets me address patient needs quickly and holistically. It’s empowering and efficient.”

Marcus, CRNA in Georgia:

“Every patient under anesthesia is a trust placed in our hands. My education prepared me technically, but ongoing CEUs keep me sharp and safe.”

Priya, PMHNP in Texas:
“Psychiatric nurse practitioners are filling huge gaps in mental health care. Patients need accessible, trauma-informed support, and that’s where we come in.”

Career Advancement Opportunities

APRNs may move into:

Independent practice or clinic ownership (where legal)
Academic and clinical teaching positions
Policy development and healthcare leadership roles
Specialized fellowships or subspecialties (oncology, cardiology, etc.)
Health informatics or telemedicine innovation

Continuing education plays a major role in keeping APRNs prepared for these evolving opportunities.