AGNP vs FNP

Dranger · Nov 1, 2014

I'm currently enrolled in an ANP program that has a primary care focus, and have several coworkers enrolled in FNP programs. We were discussing the pros and cons of each, and several people felt that FNP was more marketable. Conversely, I've heard that ANP is more marketable for the adult population and for hospital-based positions in particular.
Along the same vein, is it worth it to go on for one of these ACNP programs that grant a DNP upon graduation? While I understand that they are different "tracks" It seems like a PhD offers more options for future career growth.
As always, thank you all for your feedback.

There are a bunch of threads on this.

FNP- Most broad and marketable, jack of all trades master of none.

ANP- Primary care for just adults, may see some inpatient action

ACNP- ACUTE/hospital/intensivist based, with maybe some specialty outpatient crossover

Depends what you want to do. If I went NP I'd prefer acute care/adults so ACNP would be the best fit. I like the hours and money as well.

allnurses Guide · Nov 13, 2014

FNP- jack of all trades master of none.

Absolutely not true.

FNPs are educated an prepared as generalists (actually very similar to our PA and physician colleagues, prior to residency/fellowship). They have perhaps the broadest base as NPs that some use for PC, AC, or speciality care; many are experts in their respective fields. Even those in family practice are not "master of none"; that is perhaps the most difficult of all practice areas.

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TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Nov 13, 2014

DNP is different than PhD. Both are valuable, but have slightly different paths. If your ultimate goal is clinical work, a DNP may serve you better. If research, a PhD may be better (though DNP does not preclude research).

allnurses Guide · Nov 13, 2014

I'm currently enrolled in an ANP program that has a primary care focus, and have several coworkers enrolled in FNP programs. We were discussing the pros and cons of each, and several people felt that FNP was more marketable. Conversely, I've heard that ANP is more marketable for the adult population and for hospital-based positions in particular.
Along the same vein, is it worth it to go on for one of these ACNP programs that grant a DNP upon graduation? While I understand that they are different "tracks" It seems like a PhD offers more options for future career growth.
As always, thank you all for your feedback.

It is likely true that the FNP is "more marketable"; if you plan on working in outpatient adult population, in theory, FNP and AGNP are about equal in employers eyes. AGNP may have an edge in nursing home jobs. FNP has an edge in retail health. They are similar in speciality practice and hospital practice. ACNP is the best route if you only want to do inpt care (Hospitalist/Intensivist).

A PhD is a ran academic doctorate while DNP is a clinical doctorate. If you want to teach/publish than PhD may be a better option.

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NP2BeNY · Nov 13, 2014

It is likely true that the FNP is "more marketable"; if you plan on working in outpatient adult population, in theory, FNP and AGNP are about equal in employers eyes. AGNP may have an edge in nursing home jobs. FNP has an edge in retail health. They are similar in speciality practice and hospital practice. ACNP is the best route if you only want to do inpt care (Hospitalist/Intensivist).
A PhD is a ran academic doctorate while DNP is a clinical doctorate. If you want to teach/publish than PhD may be a better option.
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I appreciate everyone's responses. I am looking to do primarily hospital-based work upon graduation (although I notice many of our hospital based NP's are ANP/FNP and not ACNP).

I do understand that a PhD is academic and DNP is clinical, but I don't see a great many NP's rushing to go for a DNP, but I do see many going for PhD's instead. The way it was explained to me (and it seems to make sense) is essentially that an NP with a PhD could do "everything" (teach clinical and lecture, work as an NP and/or RN, etc) and have the benefit of a strong resume with a varied experience across many areas of nursing. Conversely,an NP with a DNP might be viewed in academia or even hospital settings with academic affiliations as having "a quick and dirty doctorate" as it was called by several senior RN's and other healthcare professionals I work with.

The point was also raised that many outside nursing have no idea what a DNP is, and would more readily recognize the value of a PhD.

ADDENDUM: I've also noticed that very few of the DNP programs I looked at are the true intensely clinical degrees that they set out to be. In fact, quite a few advertise themselves as being more systems-oriented. If you're going for that kind of DNP, why not just go for a PhD?

NP2BeNY · Nov 13, 2014

Also, to Follow up on ACNP vs FNP vs ANP -- As NP's, do many of you feel that your RN experience shaped where you ended up for your first NP job? I'm an ED RN and was told that Critical Care and ED RN's generally have an easier time finding a job in a hospital based on that experience, and they weigh the FNP vs ANP less heavily unless you need to see pediatric patients.

I have an interest in obtaining my ACNP as well, but there a few programs I can find that offer it and having two masters (as opposed to a DNP or PhD) seems redundant.

allnurses Guide · Nov 13, 2014

Conversely,an NP with a DNP might be viewed in academia or even hospital settings with academic affiliations as having "a quick and dirty doctorate" as it was called by several senior RN's and other healthcare professionals I work with.
The point was also raised that many outside nursing have no idea what a DNP is, and would more readily recognize the value of a PhD.
ADDENDUM: I've also noticed that very few of the DNP programs I looked at are the true intensely clinical degrees that they set out to be. In fact, quite a few advertise themselves as being more systems-oriented. If you're going for that kind of DNP, why not just go for a PhD?

Not to be rude or crass but "senior RNs" are not the best source of information regarding terminal APN education.

That being said, many DNP programs are a joke (the APN version of diploma-mill RN-BSN) and a PhD is normally a quality and respected degree. On the flip side, if DNP becomes entry to practice your are likely better off clinically to have DNP. It's a toss up.

Like most things in life you get out what you put in. If you are looking for "cheap online and fast" don't expect much from it.

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TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Nov 14, 2014

There are 2 FNPs in my PhD program, even though the university offers DNP. I haven't asked them why they chose one over the other but it's probably for the reasons listed above (versatility & easy recognition).

Dranger · Nov 15, 2014

Absolutely not true.
FNPs are educated an prepared as generalists (actually very similar to our PA and physician colleagues, prior to residency/fellowship). They have perhaps the broadest base as NPs that some use for PC, AC, or speciality care; many are experts in their respective fields. Even those in family practice are not "master of none"; that is perhaps the most difficult of all practice areas.
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Obviously you were looking into the commnet so closely just to nitpick it. Of course there are FNPs that are experts in specialty areas but there is a reason there are acute, pediatric, wome's and neonatal NPs right? Would you rather have a FNP in a ICU or a ACNP? FNP or Women's health NP in a female specific clinic? Neonatal NP in a NICU?

NP2BeNY · Nov 15, 2014

Boston I agree, and hence my reason for posting here. I'm leaning towards going back for the PhD after I've been an NP for a little while for those reasons.

I don't necessarily need online and fast, but a program that wouldn't break the bank would be nice.

allnurses Guide · Nov 15, 2014

Obviously you were looking into the commnet so closely just to nitpick it. Of course there are FNPs that are experts in specialty areas but there is a reason there are acute, pediatric, wome's and neonatal NPs right? Would you rather have a FNP in a ICU or a ACNP? FNP or Women's health NP in a female specific clinic? Neonatal NP in a NICU?

It's not "nitpicking" it; its is explaining to a perspective APN that in-fact a FNP is not a "master of none" and in fact many work in speciality settings. FNPs make up nearly 50% of practicing NPs and function highly effectively in a diverse set of roles.

To answer your questions, I would rather an experienced FNP in any of those roles over a less experienced NNP/ACNP/WHNP. Starting out in practice a ACNP/NNP/WHNP would (likely) have more clinical experience in a provider role in their respective speciality settings, but any novice is a novice, and has a lot of learning in front of them.

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