ACNP/FNP Dual Programs info please

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Has anyone been admitted into Vanderbilt FNP/ACNP dual program ?

Are there other programs that offer FNP/ACNP dual programs ?

Do any one have any info on the ceritification exams for dual programs, such as, do I have to take both board exams being that I have completed a dual program ? Is it manageable at Vanderbilt online ?

Any other advice related to this topic will be helpful as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have applied....but I haven't heard back yet. I am also interested to hear from someone who has gone through a dual program.

Where and when are you thinking about applying?

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I plan on applying in a year. I would like to attend Vanderbilt because they are the only school that offer a dual FNP/ ACNP program. What are your specialty of choice ?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Do you then take both exams?

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Yes, i have confirmed that I must take both exams, but not the same day. However, fellow student stated that at completion I will be prepared for both.

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While not advertisted as a dual program, Duke also has the option of dual cerification/majoring. I spoke to my advisor and was told adding FNP to my program would be possible but would add approx. a semester and a summer to my 3 year part time program. And yes you have to take both certification exams.

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If that is all it takes at your program, then I would spend those two semester in total bliss for the prospect being dual certified.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.

Hmmm.....three years part-time for the dual cert program, or get one cert in 12-16 months - leave the bedside and start practicing as an NP while working towards the other cert. This way you have actual NP experience at graduation. Oh, and if I did the math correctly (I did), you can have both certs and the experience in the same time or less. Did I mention that you would be earning more as well??

This was my thought process. Two days ago I passed the FNP cert exam after 16 months of full time school while working full time. And yes, it was tough. The thing is though, if I choose to continue, I will need just 16 more hours spread out over three semesters for the post-masters ACNP.

Frankly, I liked my plan enough to turn down acceptance to a dual FNP/ACNP. I am sure glad I did. My first interview for an NP position is in two days. If I had elected the ACNP/FNP dual cert program route....I would have 20 more months of school and bedside nursing. No thanks.

Just my .02

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Congrats Browndog..that's the way I did my dual certification too: first one, work, then the other.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

At Vandy, the extra certification only takes one extra semester (full time). I don't see that as a big deal.

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Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.

Oh, I thought it was 2 extra semesters full-time and 4 extra semesters part-time for a total of 5 full-time or 10 part-time. In any event, I elected to work during school so 10 semesters was out of the question for me.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I was mistaken. The dual program is two extra semesters at Vanderbilt. Sorry for the confsion.

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