NEED ADVICE: FNP and WHNP MSN-DNP Pathway Options

just_cause, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2009

You could do either the MN or DNP program to become an FNP and then get a follow on certificate in WHNP... perhaps start with the more general and move to WHNP afterwords if you want to keep that flexibility.

jer_sd · Jan 4, 2009

I know of FNPs who work in OB/GYN without a WHNP. WHNP is a specilty NP and has better training for the position but a FNP can function in that role especialy if it is just yearly exams.

My vote would be get the FNP first, as a MSN then do a post masters cert as a WHNP. Or consider a FNP/CNM that would allow you an expanded scoe of practice compared to a WHNP.

What program are you looking at is there a way to do extra hours to get both with the same enrollment? If so it might decrese repeating clinical hours.

Another thing get the MSN on your way to the DNP, currently a DNP without a MSN can't bill medicare...... Since a MSN is required to meet billing criteria...

Jeremy

JessicaLovesJeff, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jan 4, 2009

I know of FNPs who work in OB/GYN without a WHNP. WHNP is a specilty NP and has better training for the position but a FNP can function in that role especialy if it is just yearly exams.
My vote would be get the FNP first, as a MSN then do a post masters cert as a WHNP. Or consider a FNP/CNM that would allow you an expanded scoe of practice compared to a WHNP.
What program are you looking at is there a way to do extra hours to get both with the same enrollment? If so it might decrese repeating clinical hours.
Another thing get the MSN on your way to the DNP, currently a DNP without a MSN can't bill medicare...... Since a MSN is required to meet billing criteria...
Jeremy

I'm definitely going to get the DNP no matter what...The program I was looking at that does ANP/WHNP is Yale, although their program is MSN. I was considering doing Yale and then getting the DNP elsewhere after finishing that program, but the only thing that is stopping me from that path is that the main school I'm looking at (ASU) is 2/3 online which gives more flexibility to work and such.

If I get my MSN in FNP, does it make sense to get the DNP in WHNP, or would that just limit me in the way I'm trying not to be limited? In my mind, it makes sense to do that because then I have the broad MSN that I can practice with, and the specific DNP to get me where I really want to be...Obviously I'm confused.

I haven't heard of any programs that combine FNP and WHNP, but if anyone knows of any let me know!

jer_sd · Jan 5, 2009

Sounds like a good plan then for you. Here is one program that has FNP, WHNP and CNM With MSN, post masters, and DNP options and they mention dual specilty as an option.

http://www.midwives.org/academics.asp?id=163&pid=56

Lolo27 · Feb 13, 2009

I'm looking at similar programs right now, and here's what I found:

UNC-Chapel Hill has a combined FNP/WHNP: http://nursing.unc.edu/degree/msn/index.html

and so does Case Western: http://fpb.case.edu/MSN/majors.shtm

and if you'd want to go the CNM/FNP route, Emory has the Family Nurse Midwife program: http://www.nursing.emory.edu/nursing/admissions/msn/fnma.shtml

Hope this helps! I'd love to know if there are more choices out there.

UVA Grad Nursing · Feb 13, 2009

Keep in mind the DNP Essentials that call for a minimum of 1000 hours of academic precepted experience in a nursing specialty area. You'll need to have those 1000 hours towards CNM, or FNP, or WHNP. You would also need to have at least 500 hours in each area to sit for ANCC licensure now as well (ANCC is becoming more demanding on "blended programs" --I have a student now sitting for a ACNP/CNS and he needs 500+ hours in each role if he wants dual certification). Counting the same hours for two certifications no longer applies.

istat · Feb 26, 2009

If you are in a good FNP program, you'll already have most of the qualifications of a WHNP. You may not have the depth of information or proficiency to begin with, but you will fairly rapidly.

vbarkley · Sep 4, 2012

I have been a WHNP for 30+ years. I worked in an OB-Gyn office until recently when the practice closed. I am having difficulty finding a position in WHNP and feel as though I need to be become a FNP. Does anyone know a Fast Track program or school

that I can do this?

Thanks

Vickie

Lovanurse · Sep 5, 2012

I know of FNPs who work in OB/GYN without a WHNP. WHNP is a specilty NP and has better training for the position but a FNP can function in that role especialy if it is just yearly exams.
My vote would be get the FNP first, as a MSN then do a post masters cert as a WHNP. Or consider a FNP/CNM that would allow you an expanded scoe of practice compared to a WHNP.
What program are you looking at is there a way to do extra hours to get both with the same enrollment? If so it might decrese repeating clinical hours.
Another thing get the MSN on your way to the DNP, currently a DNP without a MSN can't bill medicare...... Since a MSN is required to meet billing criteria...
Jeremy

I don't think you have to obtain a MSN first. Medicare states as follows...

v A NP must be a registered professional nurse authorized by the State in which services are furnished to practice as a NP in accordance with State law and meet one of the following:

○

○ ○

has established standards for NPs; and

- Has a Master’s degree in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing

Practice (DNP) doctoral degree;

Obtained Medicare billing privileges as a NP for the first time before January 1, 2003, and meets the certification requirements described above; or

Obtained Medicare billing privileges as a NP for the first time before January 1, 2001.

Obtained Medicare billing privileges as a NP for the first time on or after January 1, 2003, and:

- Is certified as a NP by a recognized national certifying body that

https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/Medicare_Information_for_APNs_and_PAs_Booklet_ICN901623.pdf