Position

Registered Nurse (RN)

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN)

Master’s or doctoral degree in nursing (MSN or DNP)

Scope of practice

Administer direct patient care

Diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications to be administered, provide primary care

Supervision

Works under the supervision of a physician

May work independently or in collaboration with a physician

Salary

Median salary of $81,220 (BLS)

Median salary of $121,610 (BLS)