What Is a CRNP? NP Credential Overview and FAQ
The letters behind a medical professional’s name can tell you a lot about their education, specialty, and background. Most people know what RN means, but credentials can quickly get confusing once you start adding certifications and additional titles.
Trying to make sense of nurse practitioner credentials? Maybe you’re wondering what the difference is between CRNP vs. NP and CRNP vs. APRN credentials. You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more.
What Does CRNP Stand For?
Certified registered nurse practitioners (CRNPs) are RNs with additional education and training that allows them to work under a wider scope of practice. Depending on the state in which they work, they may also go by one of the following titles:
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)
- Advanced registered nurse practitioner (ARNP)
- Certified nurse practitioner (CNP)
- Advanced practice nurse (APN)
These titles are defined by each state’s nurse practice act, which outlines practice authority requirements and scope of practice for NPs in that state. For example, APRNs in Florida may have slightly different practice requirements than CRNPs in Pennsylvania, but both professions are nurse practitioners.
While nurse practitioners can assess, diagnose, prescribe, order tests, and perform advanced procedures, each state dictates supervision requirements for its CRNPs, meaning that some are supervised by physicians and some work independently.
Where Do CRNPs Work?
The majority of NPs work in primary care, where they help prevent and treat health problems. Over 83% of NPs see Medicare patients, and nearly 82% see Medicaid patients. NPs can also choose from a range of other specialties, including:
- Cardiac care
- Family medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Women’s health
- Psychiatric care
- Oncology
- Dermatology
NPs are more likely to service rural areas, where access to care is more difficult and chronic conditions can be harder to manage. While the NP profession has only been around since the 1960s, these essential health providers are a cornerstone of the healthcare system.
Understanding Nurse Practitioner Credentials
What do the letters behind NPs’ names correspond to? NPs put a lot of work into their credentials, so the way they are listed is important. Typically, NPs and other healthcare professionals list their names in this order:
1. Highest Academic Degree
NPs can hold one of the following degree types:
- MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing)
- Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)
2. Title
Based on the consensus model, NPs may also list their status as an APRN, which is an umbrella term for all NP specialties.
3. Certification/Licensure
This allows an NP to practice within their specialty, and many are specific to certain states or national certifying bodies. Here are a few NP certifications you might come across:
- ACNP-BC (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Board Certified)
- NP-C (Nurse Practitioner — Certified)
- CPNP-AC (Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Acute Care)
- PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Board Certified)
4. Honorifics
Additional titles and designations recognize contributions, expertise, and achievements in the field of nursing. For example:
- FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing)
- FAANP (Fellow of the American Association of Nursing Practitioners)
To make matters more confusing, credentialing etiquette can vary based on where a nurse works. For example, an NP who works in clinical practice will typically list their certification directly after their name, followed by their degree and any honorifics they have. An NP who works in academia will typically list their highest degree first, followed by their certifications.
How Does the NP Role Compare to Other Healthcare Professionals?
While they might go by slightly different names, nurse practitioners serve a similar role in every state. So how do NPs compare to other healthcare professionals? Here’s a chart to help you understand the critical differences:
| Registered Nurses | Nurse Practitioners | Physician Assistants | Physicians | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schooling Requirements | An ADN or BSN degree (2–4 years of schooling) |
Initial nursing degree, followed by an MSN or DNP (6–8 years of schooling) | Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (6–8 years of schooling) |
Bachelor’s degree, followed by 4 years of medical school, then a residency program lasting 3–7 years (11–15 years of training) |
| How is licensure determined? | RNs must:
Compact RN licenses are available in many states. |
NPs must:
|
PAs must:
|
MDs & DOs must:
|
| Primary roles in patient care | Provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient progress, and educate patients and families, working under the supervision of NPs, PAs, or physicians. | Diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and manage overall patient care, often working independently or in collaboration with physicians. | Diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries, always working under the supervision of physicians. | Diagnose and treat complex medical conditions, perform surgeries, prescribe medications, and manage overall patient care and outcomes. |
| National salary average | $94,480 | $128,490 | $130,490 | $263,840 |
FAQs About CRNPs
CRNP vs. PA: What’s the difference?
NPs and PAs can have similar roles in patient care, helping to diagnose, prescribe, perform procedures, and manage patients. Both of these professionals are sometimes called mid-level providers, because they are qualified to manage care, but are often required to have supervision from a physician.
One key difference between the two is that an NP must first be an RN in order to begin their education. Many NP schools also require a few years of experience as well. PA programs typically have a more general undergraduate degree requirement for entry, but they also have a higher clinical experience requirement during school. Learn more about the differences between NPs and PAs.
Is a CRNP a doctor?
No, the two professions have different education, licensure requirements, and scope of practice. Nurse practitioners have additional training to carry out some of the same functions that a physician does, and in some states, they can even work independently of physicians. But physicians have a broader practice scope and do not need practice supervision in any state.
A potentially confusing aspect when comparing NPs with doctors is that some NPs do have doctoral degrees (DNPs and PhDs). However, for the sake of patients’ confusion, some states have prevented NPs from calling themselves doctors in the clinical setting. Learn more about the difference between CRNPs vs. doctors.
Can a CRNP prescribe medication?
Yes, a nurse practitioner has gone through the training and education necessary to prescribe medications and monitor their outcomes.
What is a typical CRNP salary?
The average salary for a nurse practitioner in the U.S. is $128,490. Your specific income can vary based on factors like your education, certifications, experience level, and where you’re located. Here are the top-paying states for NPs:
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