FNP to Acute Care NP: Ultimate Guide

There are three main steps to transitioning from a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) to an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP):

  • Choose Bridging Program: Identify accredited post-master's or postgraduate certificate programs aligning with your career goals. Complete coursework, clinical rotations, and network with healthcare professionals.
  • Choose Acute Care NP Exam: Prepare for and pass the AGACNP exam to demonstrate your expertise in acute care nursing.
  • Apply for Positions: Tailor your resume and cover letter, leverage your network, and effectively interview for acute care NP roles.

List of FNP to Acute Care NP Bridge Programs

Here are some reputable institutions offering FNP to ACNP bridge programs:

Walden University

Tuition and Fees (Estimated)**:$765 per quarter credit hour

Admission Criteria:

  • 38 quarter credits
  • Core courses (3 credits)
  • Specialization courses (15 credits, includes the required 500 practicum hours)
  • Prior nursing credit from Family Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program (up to 20 credits)

Sample Curriculum:

  • Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I
  • Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults
  • Advanced Practice Care of Older Adults Practicum

Herzing University

Tuition and Fees (Estimated)**: $755 per credit

Admission Criteria:

  • Hold a graduate degree in nursing from an accredited university or college (such as a master’s or doctoral degree)
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse in the state in which they live (Note: Holding a multi-state, compact state license and being a resident in a compact license state will be deemed to have met this requirement).

Sample Curriculum:

  • Clinical Decision Making for the AGACNP
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner I
  • Advanced Care of Adults in Acute Settings I
  • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner IIAdult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner II
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Pathophysiology

University of Pennsylvania

Tuition and Fees (Estimated)**: $6,916

Admission Criteria:

  • BSN and MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • RN and APRN License
  • Distinct courses in Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment that cover across the lifespan
  • Minimum of three months working as an APRN, off orientation, managing the care of acutely, critically, or medically complex patients

Sample Curriculum:

  • Diagnosis and Management of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Patients I
  • Diagnosis and Management of Adult Gerontology Acute Care Patients II
  • Adult Gero Acute Care NP: Prof Role & Clinical Practicum for Primary Care Preparation

University of Pittsburgh

Tuition and Fees (Estimated)**: $1,255 per credit

Admission Criteria:

  • Minimum of one year nursing experience recommended
  • BSN required
  • Previous MS, MSN, or DNP as a NP or CNS (from ACEN, NLN, or CCNE accredited program)
  • GPA ≥ 3.0 in the MS, MSN, or DNP degree

Sample Curriculum:

  • Management of Adult Episodic/chronic health problems in Acute Care Theory
  • Management: Geriatric Health
  • Management of Complex Health Problems of the Acutely and Critically Ill Adult 2

Program Details:

  • Duration: 3 - 5 terms
  • Credits: 24
  • Clinical Hours: 540 clinical hours

Saint Joseph's University

Tuition and Fees (Estimated)**: $954 per credit

Admission Criteria:

  • Reside in Pennsylvania
  • Have unencumbered RN and CRNP licensure in Pennsylvania
  • Hold a BSN and MSN degree from a regionally-accredited institution
  • Have a 3.0 GPA

Sample Curriculum:

  • Adv Ph'cology Critical Care
  • Adult Geron AC Prac III
  • Adult-Geron Acute Care NP I
  • Adult-Geron Acute Care NP Pra
  • Adult-Geron Acute Care NP II

Acute Care NP Exam: ANCC vs AACN

The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification is offered by both

  • the American Nurses Credentialing Center(ANCC)
  • the American Association of Critical Care Nurses(ANCC)

While the core concepts and knowledge requirements are similar, there are some key differences in the exam format, content and fees.

ANCC AGACNP Board Certification Exam

AACN ACNPC-AG Board Certification Exam

Number of Questions

 Scored questions: 150
Pre-test questions: 25		 Scored questions: 150
Pre-test questions: 25

Exam Time

 3.5 hours 3.5 hours

Exam Questions Breakdown

 1.Core Competencies: 23% (35 Questions)
A. Knowledge
  • Advanced pathophysiology
  • Advanced pharmacology
B. Skill
  • Advanced physical assessment
2. Clinical Practice: 45% (67 Questions)
A. Knowledge
  • Standards of care and clinical guidelines
  • Standardized assessment tools
  • Psychosocial factors (e.g., emotional, cultural, spiritual)
  • Cost-effective care
  • Health promotion and disease prevention
B. Skill
  • Risk stratification (e.g., physiologic, vulnerable populations)
  • Diagnostic testing and procedures
  • Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments and procedures
3 Professional Role: 32% (48 Questions)
A. Knowledge
  • Scope and standards of professional practice
  • Health care policy and systems
  • Quality improvement processes
B. Skill
  • Research and evidence-based practice
  • Educational strategies and health literacy
  • Relationship development (e.g., patient, family, inter-professional)
 1. Clinical Judgment:(80%)
  • Cardiovascular 15%
  • Respiratory 11%
  • Endocrine 5%
  • Hematology/Immunology/Oncology 6%
  • Neurology 8%
  • Musculoskeletal 3%
  • Gastrointestinal 3%
  • Renal/Genitourinary 5%
  • Integumentary 1%
  • Multisystem 14%
  • Psychosocial/Behavioral/Cognitive Health 3%
  • Factors Influencing Health Status 5%
2. Professional Caring and Ethical Practice(20%)
  • Advocacy/Moral Agency 3%
  • Caring Practices 3%
  • Collaboration 3%
  • Systems Thinking 3%
  • Response to Diversity 3%
  • Clinical Inquiry 3%
  • Facilitation of Learning 1%

Eligibility Requirements
  • Hold a current RN license in the US or an equivalent license in another country
  • Have a master's, post-graduate certificate or DNP P in adult-gerontology acute care nursing from a CCNE, ACEN, or NLN-accredited program
  • Complete at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hours as part of your AGACNP program
  • Complete three graduate-level APRN Core courses in advanced physiology/pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology
  • Hold a current RN or APRN license in the US or an equivalent license in another country
  • Have a master's, post-graduate certificate or DNPin adult-gerontology acute care nursing from a CCNE, ACEN, or NLN-accredited program
  • Complete at least 500 faculty-supervised clinical hoursas part of your AGACNP program

    • Pass Rate

    		 83% as of 2023 80.2% as of 2023

    Cost

    		 Member: $295
    Non-member:$395    		 Member: $270
    Non-member:$380

    Renewal Requirements

    		 Every 5 years Every 5 years

    Sample Questions

    		 AGACNP Sample exam question AGACNP-AG Sample exam question

    Retake Policy
    • 60 daysafter the last testing date.
    • Not more than 3 times in any 12-month period
    • 4 timess in a 12-month period

    Common Interview Questions for Acute Care NPs

    When interviewing for an Acute Care NP position, be prepared to answer questions that assess your clinical knowledge, critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and patient care philosophy. Here are some common interview questions you may encounter:

    Acute Care Clinical Knowledge and Experience

    • Describe your experience in caring for patients with [specific condition or disease].

    • What is your approach to managing [specific medical emergency]?

    • How do you assess and prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced acute care setting?

    • What are the key differences between caring for patients in a hospital setting versus a clinic setting?

    • How do you stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices in acute care?

    Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

    • Describe your experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

    • How do you communicate effectively with patients and their families?

    • How do you handle difficult conversations with patients or their families?

    • What is your approach to breaking bad news to patients?

    FNP to Acute Care NP FAQs

    • How long does it take to go from FNP to Acute Care NP?

      The transition from FNP to Acute Care NP can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, depending on several factors:

      1. Previous experience: If you have significant experience in acute care settings, such as working as a staff nurse or emergency room nurse, the transition may be shorter.
      2. Educational requirements: Some states may require additional coursework or certifications for FNPs to become Acute Care NPs.
      3. Clinical hours: You may need to complete additional clinical hours to meet the requirements for the Acute Care NP certification.
      4. Personal commitment: The amount of time you dedicate to studying, practicing, and gaining experience will significantly impact the length of the transition.

    • Is it worth going from FNP to Acute Care NP?

      Whether it's worth transitioning from FNP to Acute Care NP depends on your individual career goals and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:

      1. Interest in acute care: If you enjoy working in fast-paced, high-acuity settings and are passionate about providing critical care, the transition to Acute Care NP could be a great fit.
      2. Career advancement: Acute Care NPs often have higher earning potential and more advanced career opportunities compared to FNPs.
      3. Expanded scope of practice: As an Acute Care NP, you'll have a broader scope of practice, allowing you to diagnose, treat, and manage a wider range of conditions.
      4. Increased autonomy: Acute Care NPs typically have more autonomy in their practice compared to FNPs, making decisions and providing care with less supervision.
      5. Educational and financial investment: Transitioning to Acute Care NP may require additional education and financial nvestment. Consider the costs and benefits before making a decision.

    • What factors should I consider when selecting an ACNP program?

      Choosing the right ACNP program is crucial for your professional development. Here are some key factors to consider:

      1. CCNE or ACEN Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This guarantees the program meets high-quality standards.
      2. Curriculum Focus: Evaluate if the program aligns with your career goals and interests. Some programs may specialize in specific areas like emergency medicine, critical care, or cardiology.
      3. Clinical Rotations: Assess the quality and variety of clinical rotations offered, ensuring they provide hands-on experience in diverse acute care settings.
      4. Success Rates: Research the program's success rates in terms of board pass rates and job placement.
      5. Online or Hybrid Options: If you have work or family commitments, explore programs that offer online or hybrid learning formats.
      6. Part-Time or Full-Time Options: Assess if the program offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate your lifestyle.

    • What are the job prospects and salary expectations for ACNPs?

      The average annual salary for ACNPs is $112,891 with a 92% increase in critical care spending in the US.

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