We grow accustomed to saying, "I'm going to the doctor," but will you really see a doctor? Especially when you want to be seen as soon as possible, there's a growing chance that an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) will greet you first. So, is an APRN considered a doctor?

Not quite. However, the reality is that for basic health care services, you might not need to see a doctor. 

Like many of you, I spent the early winter of 2025 dealing with nasty flu symptoms. I went "to the doctor" and saw my favorite APRN. After a brief exam and some tests, she told me she needed to get the doctor. My stomach sank. "Why do we need to get the doctor involved in this?!" I joked. Turns out he needed to review the lung X-rays to check for pneumonia.

There's a place for MDs and APRNs in the medical field. In this article, we'll spell out the differences between APRNs vs. MDs. 

What Is an APRN?

An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is a broad category of nurses with advanced training and education beyond a Registered Nurse (RN). APRNs have at least a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and are licensed to provide higher-level patient care.

Several types of nurses fall into the APRN category, including Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). APRNs require the highest level of education among nursing tiers, except for those who go on to get a doctorate.

However, APRNs are not in the same category as doctors due to differences in training and post-graduate education requirements.

Levels of Nursing Degrees

To understand the difference between APRN vs. MD, it helps to also know the hierarchy of nurses in the health care field. 

  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN): Provides basic nursing care under the supervision of RNs or doctors. Education: 1-year certificate or diploma program.
  • Registered Nurse: Provides direct patient care, administers medications, and works under physicians or APRNs. Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) (2 years) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (4 years).
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse: Can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications (varies by state). Includes Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (2-3 years) or Doctor of Nursing Practice*. 
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice or PhD in Nursing: Advanced nurses focused on leadership, policy, or research. Education: Doctoral degree (DNP for practice, PhD for research).

*If you're considering an NP career track, it's worth noting that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) are pushing to require all NPs to hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. 

What Is Advanced Nursing Practice? 

Think of nursing like a ladder: LPNs are on the first rung, providing basic care like taking vitals and assisting with daily needs. RNs climb higher, managing patient care, administering treatments, and working closely with doctors. APRNs take a big leap—they diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and, in many states, work independently, much like doctors.

The key difference? Authority and decision-making. LPNs follow care plans, RNs help create them, and APRNs write the playbook. They don’t just carry out treatments—they decide what treatments are needed. While RNs focus on patient care, APRNs focus on both care and clinical decision-making.

APRNs bridge the gap between nursing and medicine, offering specialized, high-level care in primary care, anesthesia, midwifery, and beyond. Their advanced education (MSN or DNP) gives them the expertise to lead patient care rather than just support it.

So, where do Medical Doctors (MDs) fit into this health care equation? 

APRN vs. MD: Key Differences 

A doctor is a medical expert trained to diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions. But wait—can't APRNs do that? This is where the line between APRN and MD is fine but firm. 

Both provide patient care, prescribe medications, and even work independently in some settings, but the depth and scope of their training set them apart.

Here's how they differ:

Education and Training: MDs complete medical school (4 years) plus residency (3-7 years), while APRNs earn a master’s (2-3 years) or a doctorate (DNP, 3-4 years) after their BSN. Nurses generally don't attend medical school. 

  • Scope of Practice: MDs have full authority to diagnose, treat, and perform complex medical procedures. APRNs can diagnose and treat within their specialty but may have state-based restrictions.
  • Prescribing Power: MDs can prescribe any medication. APRNs can prescribe most drugs, but controlled substances may require physician oversight in some states.
  • Surgical Procedures: MDs can perform surgeries and complex medical procedures as part of their training. APRNs do not perform surgery but may assist in procedures or provide pre- and post-operative care.
  • Independence: MDs can practice anywhere without restrictions. APRNs have full practice authority in some states but require physician collaboration in others.
  • Specialization: MDs train in any medical specialty, including surgery. APRNs specialize in fields like primary care, mental health, and anesthesia.
  • Decision-Making: MDs make the final call in complex cases, particularly in hospitals and emergency settings. APRNs manage patient care but may refer to doctors for high-risk or advanced conditions.

Both play critical roles in health care. But MDs handle the most complex cases, surgeries, and specialized treatments. Having APRNs and doctors on the same team improves patient access by allowing APRNs to handle routine and primary care needs. This frees up doctors to focus on more complex cases, which reduces wait times and expands care availability.

Is an APRN Considered a Doctor?

This topic is where things get as sticky as EKG electrode patches. The answer also depends on where you live and what education level your provider achieved.

Most people hear “doctor” and think of a medical doctor (MD or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). But not all nurses have doctorate-level education, and even those who do—like APRNs with a DNP—aren’t MDs. State laws vary on whether the term "doctor" applies to doctorate-level education or medical doctors in a clinical setting. 

Some states restrict the use of "doctor" in medical settings to avoid confusion, meaning APRNs must introduce themselves as “Nurse Practitioner [Last Name]” or “APRN [Last Name]” instead. At the same time, referring to APRNs or NPs as "Nurse [Last Name]" can downplay their advanced care roles, suggesting they are "just a nurse." 

If unsure, just ask: “What’s your title?” They’ll appreciate the respect for their expertise.

APRN vs. MD Salaries

When it comes to earnings, MDs earned a median annual salary of $239,200 in 2023. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated job growth for physicians to be 4% over the next decade—about the average for all occupations. 

In contrast, APRNs with a master's degree, including Nurse Practitioners, earn a median salary of $129,480 with a much higher job growth rate of 40%, reflecting increasing demand for their expertise. 

While MDs typically earn more, APRNs benefit from faster-growing job opportunities and a shorter, less expensive educational path. Plus, those who pursue a DNP will have higher earning potential. 

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward a Health Care Career?

If you're still trying to figure out your future in the health care industry, we put together this simple quiz to see which path is right for you. We also put together this guide for anyone considering a transition to a nursing career path.