Want to become FNP, but how sure what steps to take afterwards, and how it all works :(

[FNPStudentLife, BSN, RN]

Hello all!

I currently have RN, BSN, and I want to further pursue my career in nursing, become FNP and one day open my own office start practicing on my own. However, the more research I do, the more confused I get. All these titles and certifications! ugh, so confusing. I have a couple of questions:

1) Whats the difference between MSN -FNP and DNP -FNP? Wouldn't DNP-FNP be doing the same job as MSN-FNP? What are the advantages of DNP's over MSN's?

2) What's the difference between Primacy Care FNP and regular FNP? Is "primacy care" some type of a certification that I would earn when I'm done with my degree? Or is there an exam that I'd have to pass to get that? Or is "primacy care" supposed to be part of the program that I'll be going to? How does this work?

3) At the end when I'm done with my degree (MSN- FNP), what exam would I have to take in order to practice? Would I be considered ARNP, FNP since FNP is a type of ARNP?

Thanks in advance

[BostonFNP, APRN]

1) Whats the difference between MSN -FNP and DNP -FNP? Wouldn't DNP-FNP be doing the same job as MSN-FNP? What are the advantages of DNP's over MSN's?

Remember that degrees are different from credentials which are different from licensing.

Degrees are academic. For APN (advanced practice nursing) you will need to have a master's or a doctorate.

Credentials are awarded by board exam. For instance FNP-BC is awarded by the ANCC while NP-C is awarded by the AANP. You can take any board exam you wish provided your graduate program meets the requirements.

License is awarded by your state. This allows you to practice as an APN.

More to your question, just like you can practice as an RN with a diploma, associates, bacherlors+ all in the same exact role and scope, so can an APN with a MSN or a DNP.

2) What's the difference between Primacy Care FNP and regular FNP? Is "primacy care" some type of a certification that I would earn when I'm done with my degree? Or is there an exam that I'd have to pass to get that? Or is "primacy care" supposed to be part of the program that I'll be going to? How does this work?

An FNP specialization is primary care. There is no acute care FNP track.

3) At the end when I'm done with my degree (MSN- FNP), what exam would I have to take in order to practice? Would I be considered ARNP, FNP since FNP is a type of ARNP?

After you complete an accredited MSN/DNP-FNP program you will be eligible to sit for national board certification from ANCC (FNP-BC) or AANP (NP-C).

[FNPStudentLife, BSN, RN]

Thank you!