Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) are both advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with specialized training. While FNPs focus on providing comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages in outpatient settings like community clinics and private practices, ACNPs specialize in treating acutely ill or critically injured patients, primarily in hospital or acute care environments. These roles share some core coursework but differ significantly in their scopes of practice, patient populations, and care settings.
Family Nurse Practitioner vs Acute Care Health Nurse Practitioner Comparison Table
Now that we've clarified the fundamental distinctions between FNPs and PMHNPs, let's explore their differences in more detail.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) |
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) |
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Overview |
Provides primary care services to individuals and families of all ages. | Provides critical care to patients with complex medical conditions or life threatening illnesses |
Scope of Practice |
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Clinical Hours |
Typically requires a significant number of clinical hours, often in various settings, such as family medicine clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. | Typically require a significant number of clinical hours to gain experience in critical care settings. |
Professional Associations |
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Licensing & Certification |
Requires a state nursing license and national certification from a recognized nursing organization,such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) | Must have a valid RN license and pass the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) certification exam from either the ANCC or AACN. |
Typical Courses |
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Education |
Typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a focus on family nurse practitioner | Master's degree in nursing (MSN) with a focus on acute care or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). |
Accreditation |
Programs must be accredited by the | Programs must be accredited by the |
Areas of Specialization |
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Main Difference in Career and Salary: FNP vs ACNP
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences in roles and responsibilities of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), let’s take a look at the difference in salaries as well as the overall career outlook.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) |
Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) |
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|---|---|---|
Salary |
Median Annual Salary: $161,706 | Median Annual Salary: $112,891 |
Workplace Settings |
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Job Growth |
Strong job growth expected due to increased demand for primary care services | Strong demand as reflected in a 92% increase in critical care spending in the US. |
Common Conditions Treated |
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FNP vs. ACNP: Key Questions to Consider for Your Nursing Career
Now that we have covered all the primary differences between Family Nurse Practitioners and Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, here are a few questions to ask yourself when considering which career path to take
Are you drawn to the fast-paced, high-acuity environment of acute care, or do you prefer a more primary care-focused role?
- FNP: Ideal for those who enjoy working with patients of all ages and providing comprehensive primary care services
- ACNP:Perfect for individuals who thrive in critical care settings and are passionate about treating complex medical conditions.
Do you enjoy working with patients of all ages, or are you particularly interested in caring for critically ill adults?
- FNP:Provides a diverse patient population, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly.
- ACNP:Primarily focuses on adult patients, often in intensive care units or emergency departments.
What are your long-term career goals, and which role aligns better with your aspirations?
- FNP:Offers opportunities for leadership roles in primary care clinics, community health organizations, and academic settings.
- ACNP:Can lead to specialized roles in critical care units, trauma centers, and medical transport services.
Do you prefer a more autonomous role with a broader scope of practice, or are you comfortable with a more collaborative approach?
- FNP:Provides a higher degree of autonomy in diagnosing, treating, and managing common primary care conditions.
- ACNP:Often involves close collaboration with other healthcare professionals in critical care settings.
Are you prepared to invest in additional education and training to specialize in acute care nursing?
- FNP: Typically requires a master's degree in nursing and may involve additional certifications
- ACNP:: Often requires a specialized master's degree or DNP and may involve advanced certifications in areas like critical care or emergency medicine.