FNP vs AGNP

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Both FNPs and AGNPs are providers of primary-level health care services. The difference between the two seems to be that the FNP works with the "family" including infants & children as well as adults but with little or no emphasis on caring for older adults, while the AGNP does not work with children, focuses on the adolescent to adult population and is better equipped to deal with geriatric issues.

Is this accurate? Is the distinction between the two types of NP's one that is mostly theoretical in nature or is it one that is strictly observed in practice as well?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Yes and no.

FNPs have a scope that covers the entire lifespan from infants to elders. FNP education and clinical experience includes pediatric, adult, and geriatric settings.

PCAGNPs scope is from adolescent to elder. They have slightly more clinical experience at time of graduation with that specific population.

In simple terms as far as scope a FNP = PNP + AGNP. As such, FNPs often are more marketable though they don't have quite the clinical focus as novices. Scope isn't theoretical: AGNPs cannot see pediatric patients in practice, FNPs can see any age.