FNP vs. APRN: Key Differences

Nursing is a profession built around specializations with many care providers having a narrow scope of practice. Two specialties that nurses can choose from include being a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and being an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).

Although both are valid nursing careers, there are multiple differences between the two that people looking to earn a degree and enter the nursing field need to know.

What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?

A family nurse practitioner is a subtype of APRN that provides patient care to patients regardless of age, usually working with families or individuals. FNPs are vital members of the healthcare system due to their skill set which can help them provide healthcare services ranging from infants to the elderly.

An FNP can perform services like:

• diagnosing
• ordering and explaining diagnostic tests
• coordinating treatment plans
• prescribing medications
• provide primary care services
• providing acute care and critical care

What Is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)?

Most registered nurses (RNs) have Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degrees. An APRN though has a more advanced degree, usually a Master of Science in nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These advanced degrees help prepare APRNs for a variety of roles in patient care.

People who complete nursing programs with master's degrees or doctoral degrees must choose from one of four main types of APRN roles:

• certified nurse midwife (CNM)
• certified nurse specialist (CNS)
• certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)
• certified nurse practitioner (NP)

Once you've selected an APRN role, there are multiple specializations that nurses can focus on:

• Family (FNP) or Individual Care Throughout Their Whole Lifespan
• Adult-Gerontology
• Neonatal or Pediatrics
• Women's Health and Gynecological Services
• Psychiatric/Mental Health

FNP vs. APRN Education Requirements

To become an FNP, you need to become an APRN first. The education requirements to be an APRN, and each of its specialties, will differ.

FNP Education Requirements

To become an FNP, you must first earn your bachelor's degree and the required RN license to begin work. With RN experience, you can begin pursuing your MSN or DNP. These advanced degrees will allow you to work in different APRN.

Before starting work as an FNP, you'll need to become certified in family practice by passing either the FNP-C or FNP-BC certification exam. Before taking the certification exam, you'll need 500 certified hours of clinical experience as an RN.

APRN Education Requirements

If you want to become an APRN, you'll need to pursue a graduate-level degree (the MSN or DNP). Although a bachelor's degree can qualify you for a variety of nursing positions, just not as an APRN.

Getting a graduate-level degree isn't the only requirement, though. Your MSN or DNP must have a selection of one of the four APRN roles (CNM, CNS, CRNA, and NP) to be certified as an APRN. There are also licensure requirements to become an APRN, earned by passing a certification exam.

Becoming an APRN will take anywhere from 6-8 years, depending on how long it takes you to complete your undergraduate and clinical experience before beginning your graduate-level degree.

FNP vs. APRN Job Outlook

Because the role of a family nurse practitioner is a specialization of advanced practice registered nursing, there are different job outlooks according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

FNP Job Outlook

The job outlook for FNPs is extremely favorable. The American population is an aging one, which means that FNPs who work as healthcare providers for older citizens will remain in demand for years to come. Some BLS estimates project 118,600 jobs new jobs for FNPs by 2032.

APRN Job Outlook

Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners (all types of APRNs) have a projected growth rate of 38% by 2032, according to the BLS. This is drastically higher growth than most occupations, as the average job growth for all occupations is 3% in the same period.

Why Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a family nurse practitioner is a great way to provide healthcare services while working with people and families of all ages. Because of the variety of patients, you'll get hands-on experience with a diverse patient population. Furthermore, the job outlook for FNPs is very positive and will continue to provide nursing program graduates with employment.

Why Become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse?

Registered nurses can only advance so far without a graduate-level degree. Becoming an APRN is a good way to increase pay and set yourself up to work in advanced practice nursing. The job outlook for APRNs is over 10 times the rate for all occupations, meaning that pursuing your MSN or DNP will allow you to get a job in a rapidly growing industry.

FNP vs. APRN: How To Choose

To become an FNP, you'll have to finish your APRN certifications first. Once you've completed your APRN requirements, you can pick one of the specializations, such as being an FNP. If you want to work with families and individuals in a variety of services, then you might want to be an FNP.

However, if you want something more specialized like working in women's health or as a mental health nurse, you'll need to select a different specialization.

Where To Earn Your Degree

If you're looking to continue your nursing education with an advanced degree, it's important to find the best school for your goals.

Duquesne University School of Nursing

Duquesne University School of Nursing provides multiple Online nursing options, including MSN programs required to become an APRN or FNP. The school also offered one of the first online doctoral-level nursing degrees in the country.

Purdue Global

The online campus for Purdue University, Purdue Global offers an MSN that can help you qualify for APRN certification exams. The flexibility of an online MSN program from Purdue Global will allow you to work and earn your next degree from anywhere in the country.

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is consistently near the top of rankings lists for nursing degree programs, offering both online and on-campus MSN degrees. Their online graduate-level programs also have a nearly 100% employment rate after graduation.