difference in CNS and NP...a school in town combines them in 1 program??

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

UT here in Memphis has a program that I think I'm interested in. I've thought about going the NP or CNS route but wasn't sure what kind to be because I don't want to isolate myself from other options. It seems like a lot of FNP's are not working in hospitals while a lot of CNS's do. And I'm not sure I want to be so specialized like an NNP. but this programs says it combines both an ACNP and CNS...am I reading this correctly? Are there any other schools that also combine these two. I know a CNS and NP have pretty much identical roles..but still

http://www.utmem.edu/nursing/future%20students/MSN/clinical%20nurse%20specialist/index.php

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

That's not an unusual combo. My program is somewhat similar. The school calls it ACNP but students interested in either a Medical-Surgical Nursing or Adult Critical Care Nursing CNS track are also admitted and take almost the same classes as the ACNP students. However, the CNS students take a different clinical rotation. They are paired with practicing CNS' for preceptors. One student did both NP and CNS so this student had to fulfill both the NP and CNS requirements for clinical hours. I know of two graduates from my program who sat for the ANCC Med-Surg CNS exam and are practicing as CNS' currently.