Can you switch from a FNP to an ANP or NNP

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi,

I was just curious, as I am thinking about going back to school eventually for my NP. I was just wondering if you go for your FNP MSN and then decide you want to change to an acute care NP, or to a NNP (if you have NICU experience) is it possible? How long would the schooling be?

I am wondering if PA would be a better route because they have a more broad education, with less specialization.

Annie

[chare]

Yes, it's possible. As to how long it would take, this will depend on how the program is set up. FNP to ACNP, as a post master's certificate should be doable in 2 to 3 semesters as all you should need would be the ACNP specific coursework. FNP to NNP would likely be more difficult as in addition to the clinical component you would likely have to repeat the 3Ps as well.

Best wishes.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

You can generally get a post-graduate certificate to add a specialty in 1-2 years depending on how fast you're able/willing to go. If you are working full time as an FNP, you may not be able to attend school/clinicals full time.

PAs do have a very broad choice of employment. They finish with a generalized education and get a lot of OTJ training wherever they end up working. Some areas, like OBGYN and definitely NICU, PAs have a harder time getting into. There are very few PAs working in NICU. They get no (sometimes a little) training in that area in school, but there are a handful of fellowships. NNPs specialize in the NICU. They were nurses in the NICU for at least 2 years before they started NNP school, and do all of their clinicals in the NICU. In other areas, PAs get jobs just fine and you'll find that preference for NP vs. PA will fluctuate depending on location/specialization.

Yes, it's possible. As to how long it would take, this will depend on how the program is set up. FNP to ACNP, as a post master's certificate should be doable in 2 to 3 semesters as all you should need would be the ACNP specific coursework. FNP to NNP would likely be more difficult as in addition to the clinical component you would likely have to repeat the 3Ps as well.

Best wishes.

Most NNP programs use the standard 3Ps as well. Some school add additional classes or substitute them. In my program, we take the normal Patho and Pharmacology, then take Neonatal versions of the 3Ps. But, I've seen NNP programs that just require the standard 3Ps too. UT Arlington comes to mind; they just throw in a 1 credit neonatal assessment lab.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

It depends where you are in the program. At my school they may allow you to switch but only if you're still in the didactic portion of the program. If you're already in clinicals they won't let you switch because each track splits off and becomes more specialized and you will have missed important classes. There was one girl recently who wanted to switch but they wouldn't let her. I felt bad for her because she realized halfway through that she wanted to work in the hospital but in my state they are no longer really hiring FNPs for inpatient populations and they are pressing for AGACNPs only. She had waited too long and was now stuck with FNP. Choose your track wisely!