DNP Dual Certification

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Hello, I am currently enrolled in a DNP-FNP program and my school offers a dual certificate program. I am thinking of applying to the FNP/AGACNP program. My question to any dual certificate practitioners out there is:

1. Is the dual certificate really worth going to school for an extra semester, spending more money?

2. Will I be required to work in two different settings (ex: clinic and hospital) in order to meet the requirements for the board of nursing?

My reason for wanting to have both certificates is because I'm not sure if I would want to practice in the clinic during the entire course of my career. I would also like to experience working as a practitioner in the hospital setting as well. I was once told by an NP that most hospitals aren't hiring FNP's anymore, they're looking more for AGACNP or ACNP (or at least in my state which is GA). But anyways, any advice will help out, thanks!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

1. Is the dual certificate really worth going to school for an extra semester, spending more money?

Is it only 1 extra semester to cover the entire ACNP? YIKES :scrying: that sounds insane however if that is what your school is offering and you are comfortable that you could practice in that arena competently I'd say 1 extra semester is a bargain.

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Specializes in Family Nursing & Psychiatry.

It would absolutely be worth it if you have the time and money. You will be more marketable with both certifications. You do not need to practice in a specific setting to maintain certifications. It will cost you more though, but it would definently pay itself off.

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I think I worded it wrong... If I do get accepted into the dual program, the beginning of classes for both FNP and AGACNP will begin fall 2017 and will last until spring 2019, making it only an extra semester longer that just the FNP route alone (those students will finish fall 2018. Thanks for the advice!

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Is it only 1 extra semester to cover the entire ACNP? YIKES :scrying: that sounds insane however if that is what your school is offering and you are comfortable that you could practice in that arena competently I'd say 1 extra semester is a bargain.

I think I worded it wrong... If I do get accepted into the dual program, the beginning of classes for both FNP and AGACNP will begin fall 2017 and will last until spring 2019, making it only an extra semester longer that just the FNP route alone (those students will finish fall 2018. Thanks for the advice!

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It would absolutely be worth it if you have the time and money. You will be more marketable with both certifications. You do not need to practice in a specific setting to maintain certifications. It will cost you more though, but it would definently pay itself off.

Yes I agree! I feel like it's going to be worth it. And then I'll have more options when choosing where I want to practice. I just want to make sure that I can maintain both certifications while working in one area...that's my main concern. But thank you Matthew!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And that is a real concern - look to the certifying body to see what the requirements are for recertifying.

I hold an adult health CNS as well as a peds CNS - both require 1000 hours of work with that specific population.

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