5 Best Online Dual FNP/ACNP Programs | 2024

In the dynamic world of healthcare, the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) continues to evolve, offering professionals the opportunity to specialize and diversify their skills.

For those seeking to maximize their expertise and career opportunities, dual online Family Nurse Practitioner/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (FNP/ACNP) programs present a compelling pathway. These programs seamlessly integrate the principles of family and acute care nursing, preparing graduates to serve in a variety of healthcare settings.

Learn more about the intricacies of the best online dual FNP/ACNP programs available in 2024 as we offer insights into their structure, benefits, challenges, and more. Whether you're a seasoned nurse aiming to expand your horizons or a budding professional seeking a comprehensive education, we've provided all of the essential information to make an informed decision.

What Is a Dual Online FNP/ACNP Program?

A dual online FNP/ACNP program is an advanced nursing education program that combines the curricula of both the Family Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner specialties. This type of program is designed for registered nurses (RNs) who wish to expand their scope of practice to include both primary care (as provided by FNPs) and acute or critical care (as provided by ACNPs). By enrolling in a dual program, students can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to care for patients across a broader spectrum of healthcare settings, from outpatient clinics to intensive care units.

Coursework

The coursework in a dual online FNP/ACNP program is comprehensive, covering both the foundational and specialized topics required for each nurse practitioner role.

• Foundational Courses: These courses lay the groundwork for advanced nursing practice and typically include subjects like advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology.
• FNP-Specific Courses: Focusing on primary care, these courses might cover topics such as pediatric care, adult and geriatric care, women's health, and primary care procedures.
• ACNP-Specific Courses: These courses delve into the complexities of acute and critical care. Topics might include the management of acutely ill adults, critical care procedures, and trauma care.
• Integrated Courses: Some courses might integrate knowledge from both specialties, emphasizing the holistic care of patients across different healthcare settings.

Clinical Training

Even though the program is offered online, clinical training is an indispensable component of the dual FNP/ACNP program. This hands-on training ensures that students can apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

• FNP Clinicals: These clinical rotations focus on primary care settings, such as family clinics, pediatric clinics, and women's health clinics. Students get the opportunity to work with diverse patient populations, from infants to the elderly, addressing a wide range of health concerns.
• ACNP Clinicals: These rotations are set in acute and critical care environments, such as hospitals, intensive care units, and emergency departments. Here, students learn to manage patients with acute, critical, and complex health conditions.
• Supervised Hours: Both FNP and ACNP clinical rotations are supervised by experienced nurse practitioners or physicians, ensuring that students receive guidance and feedback as they hone their clinical skills.

Best Online Dual FNP/ACNP Programs

The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most, with the addition of graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rates of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.

1. Madonna University - Livonia, MI

Madonna University offers an MSN degree dual concentration in AGCNP and FNP. This program is designed to train advanced practice nurses to deliver compassionate care to adult patients, including older adults, across various healthcare settings. With a family-centered approach, graduates are equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat acute illnesses and chronic health conditions across all age groups.

MSN AGACNP/FNP Program Overview:

• Credit Hours: 58
• Clinical Hours: 1,210 total and 960 direct patient care
• Tuition: $1,065 per credit 
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Admission Deadline: 

Program Highlights:

• Certification: Graduates are eligible for dual national certification as Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Comprehensive Patient Care Skills Across Lifespans: The AGACNP/FNP program equips graduates with the expertise to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to adult patients, including older adults. This involves a deep understanding of how to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of acute illnesses and chronic health conditions, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to handle diverse medical scenarios.
• Ethically-Based Quality Healthcare and Health Equity: The program underscores the importance of ethically-based quality healthcare, guided by the values of stewardship and health equity. Graduates are encouraged to engage in advanced nursing practice that views patient care through the lens of the family system, ensuring a holistic and ethical approach to healthcare delivery.

Admission Requirements: BSN degree, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, current unencumbered Michigan RN license, statement of goals, two professional recommendation letters, resume, and an interview with the NP Program Director.

2. University of South Alabama - Mobile, AL 

The University of South Alabama offers a Dual FNP/ACNP BSN-DNP. Students who apply and are accepted into this track are required to complete all coursework for both nurse practitioner specialties before being awarded the dual degree.

BSN-DNP FNP/ACNP Program Overview: 

• Duration: 10 semesters on a full-time study plan; and 12 semesters on a part-time study plan 
• Credit Hours: 72-81
• Clinical Hours: 1,080
• Tuition: $423 per credit hour (AL residents), $846 per credit hour (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Admission Requirement: It's essential for students entering the dual track to have at least one year of recent (within the past five years) direct patient care experience in the Emergency Department (ED) or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

MSN-prepared nurses can enter the MSN to DNP Specialty Certification program, which requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete. 

Program Highlights: 

• Comprehensive Online Learning: The University of South Alabama's DNP program is fully online, offering flexibility for students to advance their education while working. 
• Clinical Skills Intensives:  The Dual Family NP/Adult-Geron Acute Care NP specialty program includes two essential on-campus Clinical Skills Intensives (CSI), facilitated by the USA Simulation Program. These sessions provide hands-on training in advanced practice assessments and procedures preparing students for specialty clinicals. 
• Evidence-Based Major Projects for Practical Application: Each DNP student completes a major project translating evidence into practice, focusing on quality improvement and systems change in clinical settings to enhance patient outcomes. With faculty guidance, students implement these projects locally, regionally, nationally, or globally, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Development of Leadership and Collaborative Skills: The program emphasizes building organizational and system leadership skills in nursing care analysis, delivery, and management. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, leadership, and mentorship, graduates are prepared for influential roles in healthcare systems and contribute to the field through professional writing and presentations.

3. The University of Iowa - Iowa City, IA

The University of Iowa provides a BSN to DNP program with dual FNP/AGACNP and FNP/PACNP concentrations. The dual FNP/ACNP programs cover adult and pediatric specialties, offering rigorous training and extensive clinical experience. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse age groups and healthcare situations, contributing significantly to their communities' health and well-being.

DNP FNP/ACNP Program Overview: 

• Duration: Choose from a 3 or 4 year plan of study
• Credit Hours: 
  • FNP/AGACNP: 102
  • FNP/PACNP: 107
• Clinical Hours: 
  • FNP/AGACNP: 1460
  • FNP/PACNP: 1,720
• Estimated program total tuition: $93,106 for Iowa residents and $174,568 for non-residents
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Application Deadline: February 1st, applications after this date are 

Prospective nursing students who already hold an MSN degree can enter the MSN to DNP program to obtain an additional APRN specialty which can be completed in 2 or 3 years, depending on the pathway you take. 

Program Highlights: 

• Hybrid Learning Model: The AG-ACNP and PNP-AC programs utilize a hybrid learning model that combines online coursework with in-person classes. This blended approach provides students with the flexibility of online learning along with the invaluable experience of face-to-face interactions and hands-on training.
• Certification Pass Rates: Both the AG-ACNP and PNP-AC programs boast a 100% certification pass rate. This impressive statistic underscores the quality of the curriculum and the comprehensive preparation that students receive for their certification exams
• Job Placement Rates: Graduates of these programs also enjoy a 100% job placement rate, reflecting the high demand for their specialized skills in the healthcare field and the programs' effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.
• Small Class Sizes: Each program maintains a small class size, capped at 24 students. This ensures a more personalized and engaging educational experience, with ample opportunities for individual attention and mentorship from faculty.
• Diverse Clinical Settings and Patient Populations: These programs prepare students to work in various clinical settings and with different patient populations, from family health care in the FNP program to specialized acute care in the AG-ACNP and PNP-AC programs.
• Preparation for High Demand Roles: With the increasing need for specialized nurse practitioners across the nation, these programs prepare students to be among the most qualified in their field, whether they choose family practice, adult acute care, or pediatric acute care.

4. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis, TN

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's Doctor of Nursing Practice program offers a dual concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), preparing graduates for both national certification examinations. This unique program equips nurses with the skills to deliver comprehensive care across the lifespan, with a focus on acute and critical care management for adult and older adult populations. Graduates develop advanced clinical reasoning, communication, and care planning abilities, enabling them to provide holistic care in diverse healthcare settings, including primary and acute care environments.

FNP/AGACNP Program Overview: 

• Credit Hours: 73
• 2024 Annual Tuition: $10,962 (TN residents) and $ $11,880 (non-residents)
• Accreditation: CCNE 
• Application Deadline: Apply between August 15th and March 1st  for a Fall admission

For prospective APRNs who want to focus on pediatric patient populations, you can consider the BSN-DNP or explore Dual Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs focusing on acute and primary care. 

Program Highlights:

• Comprehensive Skill Development: The program emphasizes advanced skills development in clinical reasoning, healthcare leadership, evidence-based practice dissemination, health information technology integration, and advocacy for social justice and public policy.
• Interprofessional and Practical Learning: Students collaborate in interprofessional teams to enhance patient and population health outcomes, integrating concepts like social determinants of health, epidemiology, and ethics. The program emphasizes practical learning through clinical experiences, simulations, and skills workshops, supported by faculty in clinical placements.
• Flexibility and Commitment to APRNs: The program offers full-time and part-time study options tailored for APRNs, accommodating students with varying educational backgrounds, including those with a baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing and certified masters-prepared Nurse Practitioners.

5. Colorado State University - Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University-Pueblo offers a Post Masters Certification program in Nursing with a dual concentration in AGACNP/FNP. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to provide evidence-based, safe, and quality patient-centered care across various chronic, acute, and emergent care settings. Additionally, the program prepares students for primary care practice across all age groups. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take both certification examinations.

MSN FNP/AGACNP Program Overview: 

• Credit Hours: 80-99 
• Tuition: $396.38 per credit hour (CO residents) and $750 per credit hour (non-residents)
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing 

Prerequisites & Requirements

To ensure that students are adequately prepared for the rigors of advanced nursing practice, online dual FNP/DNP programs come with specific prerequisites and requirements.

Dual FNP/ACNP Prerequisites

Prerequisites are the foundational criteria that potential students must meet before applying to the program. These often include:

• Educational Background: Most dual FNP/ACNP programs require applicants to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some programs might also accept nurses with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
• Licensure: An active and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license is typically mandatory.
• Professional Experience: Given the advanced nature of the program, some schools might require applicants to have a certain number of years of professional nursing experience. This experience can be in various settings, but critical care or emergency room experience might be emphasized for the ACNP component.
• GPA: A minimum GPA, often around 3.0 or higher, from previous undergraduate or graduate coursework might be required.

Dual FNP/ACNP Requirements

Once admitted, students must fulfill certain requirements to complete the program successfully:

• Core Coursework: Students must complete all core courses, which cover both FNP and ACNP curricula. This includes foundational courses, specialty-specific courses, and integrated courses that combine knowledge from both areas.
• Clinical Hours: Even though the program is online, students are typically required to complete a set number of clinical hours in both primary care and acute care settings. These hours provide hands-on experience and are supervised by experienced healthcare professionals.
• Scholarly Project or Thesis: Some programs might require students to complete a scholarly project, research thesis, or capstone project that demonstrates their ability to apply advanced nursing knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.
• Examinations: Periodic examinations or assessments might be conducted to evaluate students' understanding and competency in the covered subjects.
• Professional Behavior and Ethics: Students are expected to adhere to the professional and ethical standards set by the nursing profession and the institution offering the program.
• Continued Licensure: Maintaining an active and unencumbered RN license throughout the duration of the program is usually mandatory.

FNP/ACNP Job Description 

Family and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (FNPs/ACNPs) embody a dual-faceted skill set that enables them to offer comprehensive care across all demographics, as well as specialized treatment for critical and emergent health issues. These professionals are adept at blending the preventative, holistic approach of family care with the high-stakes, immediate interventions required in acute scenarios.

Key Responsibilities:

• Health Assessments: FNPs/ACNPs conduct thorough evaluations, combining medical history, physical exams, and diagnostics to formulate health strategies.
• Diagnostic Proficiency: They diagnose a wide range of conditions, from common illnesses to critical, life-threatening cases, and develop appropriate care plans.
• Emergency Procedures: Skilled in acute care techniques, they perform essential interventions like central line insertions and manage urgent care situations.
• Care Continuum: Whether providing primary care or responding to acute needs, FNPs/ACNPs ensure seamless, quality care in collaboration with healthcare teams.
• Medication Management: With prescriptive authority, they administer comprehensive medication plans, including those for chronic diseases and acute care medications.
• Patient and Family Education: A core part of their role involves instructing individuals and groups on health maintenance and disease management.
• Professional Development: They stay at the forefront of medical advancements to enhance healthcare delivery within their wide-ranging scope of practice.

FNP/ACNP Work Settings:

FNPs/ACNPs are found in a variety of environments, reflecting their broad expertise. They work in:

• Primary Care Clinics: Offering routine care and managing chronic conditions.
• Hospitals: Serving in departments like emergency rooms, ICUs, and specialized units (e.g., cardiology, pulmonology).
• Urgent Care Centers: Providing immediate care for acute health issues.
• Long-Term Care Facilities: Managing ongoing needs of the elderly or chronically ill patients.
• Rehabilitation Centers: Assisting in recovery and therapeutic processes.
• Community Health Centers: Improving population health through accessible care.
• Telemedicine: Delivering remote consultations and follow-ups.
• Home Health Care: Administering in-home treatments and assessments.

This dual role equips FNPs/ACNPs to meet a breadth of healthcare demands, from preventative family-focused care to critical acute interventions, making them indispensable in the modern healthcare landscape.

Online Dual FNP/ACNP Pros & Cons

While online dual FNP/ACNP programs may be advantageous, it's also important to consider some of the disadvantages. Considering this, we've provided a concise list of their pros and cons.

Pros

1. Broadened Expertise: Graduates are equipped to work in both primary and acute care settings, enhancing their versatility in the healthcare field.
2. Flexibility: Being online, the program allows students to learn at their own pace, making it suitable for working professionals.
3. Cost-Efficient: Pursuing a dual program can be more cost-effective than enrolling in two separate FNP and ACNP programs.
4. Increased Job Opportunities: With dual certification, graduates can access a wider range of job opportunities in diverse healthcare environments.

Cons

1. Intensive Workload: Covering both FNP and ACNP curricula can be demanding, requiring significant time and effort.
2. Lack of In-Person Interaction: Online programs might offer limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions, potentially affecting networking and hands-on learning experiences.
3. State Licensure Variability: Some states might have specific requirements for licensure, which could affect graduates from online programs.
4. Technology Dependency: Being online, the program requires reliable internet access and technological proficiency, which might be challenging for some students.

Costs & Salary Expectations

While the costs and salary expectations of online dual FNP/ACNP programs will vary based on numerous factors, below are general considerations and average annual figures.

Online Dual FNP/ACNP Program Costs

• Tuition: Tuition costs can fluctuate depending on the institution, program length, and whether the school is public or private. Typically, private institutions might have higher tuition rates than public ones.
• Fees: In addition to tuition, students may encounter various fees. These can include technology fees, registration fees, graduation fees, and other administrative charges.
• Materials: Students should anticipate expenses for textbooks, online resources, and other essential study materials.
• Clinical Costs: While these programs might emphasize online learning, there could be associated costs for on-site residencies, simulations, or other hands-on experiences.

Salary Expectations

Most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that NPs earn an annual salary of:

• Median: $121,610 or $58.47 per hour
• Lowest 10%: $87,340 or $41.99 per hour
• Highest 10%: $165,240 or $79.44 per hour

This figure will vary based on numerous factors such as location, type of nurse practitioner, employer, years of experience, level of education, and more.

FNP/ACNP Scope of Practice 

The boundaries of professional roles for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are defined by a complex web of state-specific laws that determine their practice range. While some regions grant NPs the liberty to operate autonomously, others require them to work under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physician.

Prospective NP students should thoroughly investigate these state regulations, as it's important to be aware that some APRN NP programs may not meet the prerequisites for practice in certain states. To align your career goals with an appropriate NP role, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant state regulations where you intend to work is crucial. This includes knowing the precise duties of the NP specialization you aim to follow. By considering these details, you can ensure the NP Program you choose matches the professional setting you anticipate post-graduation.

Consider the following critical aspects:

• State Licensure: Obtaining an NP license in a specific state is a must to practice there. Should you relocate or decide to work in a different state, you will likely have to secure a new license unless, of course, it is between the few compact states. 
• Degrees of Practice Freedom: The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) sorts states into categories according to the NPs' working conditions:
  • Full Practice: NPs are authorized to perform comprehensive patient evaluations, diagnosis, interpret diagnostic exams, and manage treatment plans, including prescribing medications without the need for physician supervision. States like Washington, New York, and New Mexico are examples of full-practice states. 
  • Reduced Practice: In these states, NPs have restricted capabilities in at least one aspect of practice. Legislation mandates a permanent regulated collaborative agreement with a healthcare provider or supervision to deliver patient care. Louisianna, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are examples of a reduced practice state. 
  • Restricted Practice: In these states, NPs are limited in one or more practice areas. Laws stipulate perpetual oversight, delegation, or team management by a healthcare provider for the NP to administer patient care. States such as California, Texas, and Florida fall into this category.
• SpecializatyCertification: State licenses enable practice as an NP, but specific specializations need distinct certifications. For instance, if you are certified in family care, pediatrics, or acute care, you must operate within those areas unless you gain additional certifications.

If you plan to practice as an NP in a state different from where you'll complete your training, it's advisable to research the scope of practice in that state and ensure the program you choose will qualify you for practice there.

NP Program Accreditation Importance

Choosing the right Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) program involves critical considerations about its accreditation status due to several key benefits:

• Educational Quality Assurance: Accreditation signifies that a program meets rigorous academic standards, providing top-notch education, faculty expertise, student support, and high-caliber clinical training.
• Skill Development Focus: These programs exceed the bare minimums, fostering thorough skill development to prepare graduates for the complexities of modern healthcare.
• Research and Curriculum Innovation: Top-tier FNP/ACNP programs incorporate cutting-edge research and innovations into their teaching, keeping students up-to-date and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Clinical Hours Compliance: Accredited programs meet or exceed clinical hour mandates, essential for the practical experience required in FNP or ACNP roles.
• Certification and Licensure Eligibility: Accreditation is essential for certification as an FNP/ACNP and for obtaining state licensure, both of which are mandatory for NP practice. Approval from a state board of nursing does not replace accreditation; accreditation ensures your ability to practice in other states, whereas board approval does not.
• Enhanced Employment Prospects: Employers prefer candidates educated in accredited programs, confident in their comprehensive training and adherence to national education standards.
• Credit Transferability: Credits from accredited programs are more likely to be transferable and beneficial for FNPs/ACNPs aiming for further academic pursuits.
• Professional Esteem: Graduation from an accredited program lends professional prestige, indicating to employers, peers, and patients that the NP has been trained to national standards.
• Federal Aid Accessibility: Accredited programs are generally eligible for federal financial support, a crucial consideration for students needing financial aid.

Prospective NPs should verify program accreditation through esteemed bodies like the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure they are making a well-informed decision that will benefit their future career in nursing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do these programs prepare students for national certification exams?

Graduates from online dual FNP/ACNP programs are typically well-prepared to sit for national certification exams in both the FNP and ACNP specialties. The coursework, which emphasizes evidence-based practice and health promotion, combined with clinical placements, ensures comprehensive preparation.

Q: Can I complete the program part-time while working?

Many online dual FNP/ACNP programs offer part-time tracks to accommodate working professionals. These flexible options allow students to balance their studies with patient care responsibilities in their current roles. However, part-time students might take longer to complete the required credit hours compared to full-time peers.

Q: How do clinical placements work in an online program?

While the theoretical coursework is online, clinical practice is hands-on. Students are often required to complete a set number of clinical hours in both primary and acute care settings. Some programs assist in arranging clinical placements, while others might require students to secure their own preceptor and site, ensuring it aligns with the program's standards and objectives.

Q: Besides clinical hours, are there other practical experiences in the program?

Many programs emphasize real-world application, including topics like health policy, mental health, and health promotion. Some might require capstone projects, simulations, or residencies that allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings, further preparing them for diverse roles across the lifespan of patients.

Q: Is there a difference in the availability of FNP/AGACNP programs compared to FNP/AC-PNP programs?

It is impossible to count but not necessarily, many of the acute and primary care pediatric nurse practitioner programs are offered as a dual primary and acute care pediatric care nurse practitioners rather than family nurse practitioner programs. This approach allows future pediatric NPs to focus their studies on the population they plan to serve. If you're interested in a more broad range and potential for working with a diverse population, you can look into FNP/AC-PNP programs. For instance, this is often a requirement emergency departments that see both children and adults. Alternatively, if you prefer to focus solely on pediatrics, you can pursue a program that specializes in acute and primary pediatric care to prepare for a job in a pediatric setting.

Edited Feb 23 by Erin Lee