Dual NP Certification---what's it entail?

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Like many others here, I'm interested in both medicine AND psych. By becoming dual certified (with a MSN in FNP, followed by a post-master's certifcate in PMHNP), do you have to satisfy 2 different continuing education requirements? Or can the same CE credits be used for both specialties? 2 different fees to the respective boards to renew and maintain an active license? I'm curious and would love to hear from anyone! Thanks!

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Ce will have minimal overlap. You will need to maintain ce, competency, practice in both. It is possible but it is more work than only having one np cert. For increased scope you have additional responsibilities. Some states give general np license, others license by speciality areas do you may have double payment there as well.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Thanks for asking I am curious about this as well. I am working on an FNP, but wish to work as a mid-level in an ER. I hope to someday move back home to PA, but they just changed their nurse practice act so that you have to have a ACNP to work in an in-pt setting or the ER. I have been contemplating getting a post-master's certificate after graduation.

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yup, surely someone out there has got to know. a lot of us have varied interests, and i wish NPs could have a broader scope, rather than having to pick a specialty from the start.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Well I can answer from the CNS side: Im both an adult as well as a peds CNS. I have to have CME for both certs. The pharm stuff has to cross the continuum of care. The rest of the stuff can be used for both certs as long as its general enough and again covers all ages - which most CME does. Yes, I have to pay the full amt to recertify each and every time. And...since I dont see peds pts I will have to actually retest when it is due again as I wont have the practice hours. This is for ANCC.

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thanks trauma RUs, that was helpful. i didn't realized (but probably should've) that there would be requirements in practice hours. I can't imagine it's terribly easy to meet requirements of both.

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Sounds like the the best bet might be to pick one certification and then if you really want to switch, pick up the post-masters cert later. I think most programs post masters certs are only 16 to 18 credit hours anyway.

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True, I saw that it was rather few credits to get a different specialization of NP, but I was wondering more about the effort of MAINTAINING the 2 certs! Thanks for the replies

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