FNP or ARNP ?

cgfnp · Mar 14, 2007

I am going back to school to become an NP. I have the option of attending one of two different universities. One offers an FNP program, the other offers an ARNP program. What is the difference between an FNP and an ARNP as far as priviledges and practice? I plan to practice in the state of Oklahoma, so would this make a difference in which program I choose?
Thanks so much for the info!!

ARNP is just a title difference... doesn't specify a specialty. Maybe you mean ACNP which means acute care (inpatient stuff). I'd go FNP so you can do anything you want. The training will suck for inpatient but you'll learn what you need to if you need to when you need to on the job.

The title differences between states is rediculous. It provides more confusion and less respect. Why can't we all be John or Jane Doe, NP. You don't see a family doc's jacket say "John Doe, FMD".

caldje · Mar 14, 2007

ARNP is just a title difference... doesn't specify a specialty. Maybe you mean ACNP which means acute care (inpatient stuff). I'd go FNP so you can do anything you want. The training will suck for inpatient but you'll learn what you need to if you need to when you need to on the job.
The title differences between states is rediculous. It provides more confusion and less respect. Why can't we all be John or Jane Doe, NP. You don't see a family doc's jacket say "John Doe, FMD".

I'd be careful about this. The oklahoma BON is one of them in the US that is big on FORMAL education determining your scope. I dont know how an FNP could recieve FORMAL education on inpatient management (maybe through FCCS??) without going through an ACNP program. That is something to consider. They used this formal education argument when the issue of doing regional blocks came before the BON. David can probably explain better, but i just thought id mention it.

chris