FNP vs AGPCNP vs AGACNP?

[amandaxyo, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hi everyone!

I'm interested in pursuing a post-MSN certification for nurse practitioner. However, I'm trying to learn the difference between these types of NPs (Family NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP), where they can gain employment, and the type of population they work with.

I'd appreciate any explaination or insight!

Thanks so much! ?

[LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP]

In terms of population...

FNP - cradle to grave

AGPCNP & AGACNP - adults only (usually 13 and over for primary care, unsure about the acute setting).

Location of employment:

FNP - education prepares you for primary care practice, but they have been known to practice in specialty settings and some hospitals (although more and more hospitals are opting to hire AGACNPs for the inpatient setting). They also work in urgent care and ER settings (ER being variable depending on location...a few are opting for a combo FNP/ENP).

AGACNP - inpatient setting, as well as specialty outpatient areas, from what I've heard.

AGPCNP - similar to FNP, with the exception of urgent care and ER (since they can only see 13 and up). Also home health visits, SNFs, long term care facilities, and similar (FNPs can do these types of visits/facilities as well).

I encourage you to look within and figure out what you want to do. Do not allow the "marketability" ploy to lure you into your decision. If unsure between primary care and acute care, choose a dual program, like an FNP/AGACNP program...there are quite a few of them around.

Good luck!

[amandaxyo, BSN, MSN, RN]

22 minutes ago, LadyT618 said:

In terms of population...

FNP - cradle to grave

AGPCNP & AGACNP - adults only (usually 13 and over for primary care, unsure about the acute setting).

Location of employment:

FNP - education prepares you for primary care practice, but they have been known to practice in specialty settings and some hospitals (although more and more hospitals are opting to hire AGACNPs for the inpatient setting). They also work in urgent care and ER settings (ER being variable depending on location...a few are opting for a combo FNP/ENP).

AGACNP - inpatient setting, as well as specialty outpatient areas, from what I've heard.

AGPCNP - similar to FNP, with the exception of urgent care and ER (since they can only see 13 and up. Also home health visits, SNFs, long term care facilities, and similar (FNPs can do these types of visits/facilities as well).

I encourage you to look within and figure out what you want to do. Do not allow the "marketability" lure you into your decision. If unsure between primary care and acute care, choose a dual program, like an FNP/AGACNP program...there are quite a few of them around.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for this explanation and insight! ?

[LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP]

13 minutes ago, amandaxyo said:

Thank you so much for this explanation and insight! ?

No problem!! ?