Dual specialty

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Has anybody here done two specialties, for example FNP and then go back and get your ACNP? Do you have to take the board examination twice?

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There's not 1 board examination for APNs. There is a unique exam (or sometime two options) for each specialty. You have to take each one to be certified. If you want to keep both certifications and their SOP, you'd need to meet the requirements and pay the fees to maintain certification in each. Some CEs might be able to be used for both but you'd have to check with which organization(s) you certify with. Many clinicans are certified in multiple specialties, it's very doable.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

The only board exams that I know of are the AACN and AANP. Are there others? I'm in an FNP program now but I'm thinking about going back and getting my ACNP as a post-master's so that I would have more options.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I really don't have any interest in primary care but I'm going the FNP route because that's the best option if I want to continue doing ER/urgent care after I graduate

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Those are accrediting bodies, not exams. The ACNP board exam is different from the FNP board exam and would require more classes and clinical work to qualify to take it.

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Specializes in Urology.

turn,

You will need a post-masters ACNP program completed and then you would sit for your test from either body just like you would for your FNP.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.
The only board exams that I know of are the AACN and AANP. Are there others?

Those are the associations that give the certification tests, not the tests themselves. They each have multiple exams in multiple specialties (even non-NP). So you take the exams from them that are specific for FNPs, or ACNPs, etc.

AACN certification programs

AANP certification programs

PNCB is who does certifications for pediatric specialties.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

i know plenty of APRNs with dual certifications. I have toyed with the idea of someday going back for psych or family practice myself, but idk. I'm not going to leave my specialty OR my organization, so the main point would be to increase the scope of services I am able to provide in my current position.

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Specializes in Family Medicine, Tele/Cardiac, Camp.
i know plenty of APRNs with dual certifications. I have toyed with the idea of someday going back for psych or family practice myself, but idk. I'm not going to leave my specialty OR my organization, so the main point would be to increase the scope of services I am able to provide in my current position.

Same. I've considered returning for my WHNP to offer prenatal and other services to my clinic as well.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm dual certified as an adult and peds CNS - its kinda a pain as I must maintain dual CME in two separate specialties, pay dual renewal fees, etc.

However, since I want to be able to see everyone from birth to death in both acute and primary care settings...well you gotta do what you gotta do.

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