CRNP vs. ARNP???

Gator FNP · Jul 23, 2009

These are the same. A nurse practitioner will become certified after graduation. There are many programs: family, acute care, adult, pediatric, mental health. Our titles vary by state, some are NP, ARNP, many others I cannot remember, this can be very confusing to the public. After we become certified, we add that to our title, mine is ARNP, FNP-BC.

sandnnw, BSN, MSN, EMT-B, APRN · Jul 23, 2009

the ARNP varies from state to state. For example, in TN, your an APN, which used to be APRN or ARNP, depending upon how you look at it. Some NPs liked the title, others chose to keep the speciality, A/G/F/P/ACNP. I like the specialty and dropping the -BC. As Gator states, "...can be very confusing to the public."

Folks don't care how many letters you have or what it says, only that you can see them today, diagnose and prescribe something cheap to treat, heal and cure what bothers them. Good luck!

sewnew · Jul 24, 2009

Thanks for your replies. I was pretty sure that they were the same thing.

One more question if you don't mind...What does the BC part stand for?

lucianne · Jul 24, 2009

Board certified

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jul 24, 2009

sewnew said:
What is the difference between a CRNP (certified registered nurse practitioner) and an ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner)? Are they the same thing???

These are state-designated titles for nurse practitioners. Each state of jurisdiction has their own official credential for NP's and they are afforded title protection, meaning, no individual can use the credential or letters after their name if they are not registered as such with the state. What state do you live in? Our state's official designation is simply "NP" or "CNP" in Michigan.

The other titles that you see such as ACNP-BC, NP-C, AC-PNP, etc., are examples of national certification NP's earn when they pass national board examinations. Each national certifying body (ANCC, AANP, PNCB, etc.) also have their own designated letters to use for credentials. ACNP's for instance, are awarded the ACNP-BC credential by ANCC; however, AACN awards the ACNPC credential. It all depends on which national exam the NP took and passed. Very confusing isn't it?

FLARNP · Aug 13, 2009

The NP in Florida is considered an ARNP - Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner by the Florida Board of Nursing. I am also Board Certified by the ANCC but that can be added to my signature by signing First Last Name, ARNP, BC - if I so choose. I do not add any more alphabet to my name other than ARNP, although I could sign as ARNP, MSN, FNP, BC

sewnew · Aug 13, 2009

FLARNP said:
The NP in Florida is considered an ARNP - Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner by the Florida Board of Nursing. I am also Board Certified by the ANCC but that can be added to my signature by signing First Last Name, ARNP, BC - if I so choose. I do not add any more alphabet to my name other than ARNP, although I
could sign as ARNP, MSN, FNP, BC

That must be it! Even though I do not live in FL, I saw the initials ARNP on a business card of a nurse practitioner who practices in FL. The state I live in uses the initials CRNP.

Thanks again for clearing up the confusion.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 17

CRNP (Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner) and ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner) essentially refer to the same role, with differences mainly in naming conventions depending on the state. Both require advanced education (master's or doctoral level) and national certification in a specialty area. They share a similar scope of practice, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient care. The title ARNP is commonly used in states like Florida and Washington, while CRNP emphasizes the certification aspect. The distinction lies in regional terminology rather than differences in qualifications or responsibilities.