If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner, two of the most in-demand NP roles are the adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (AG-ACNP) and the family nurse practitioner (FNP). While both roles provide advanced care, there are differences in scope, setting and patient population.
This guide compares the differences between Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN – AG-ACNP) and Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN – FNP) programs. It provides examples of career options to help you determine which path aligns with your goals and needs. You’ll also find out what to expect from the online nursing programs at Youngstown State University (YSU) and discover unique features and insights of the online MSN – AG-ACNP and online MSN – FNP degrees.
What Is an AG-ACNP?
As an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, your skill set encompasses providing direct acute care to the adult and older adult population while incorporating various theories from nursing and related fields into your role. After receiving your degree, you may serve patients in various settings, including hospitals, intensive care units, trauma centers, emergency departments and long-term care facilities.
What Is an MSN AG-ACNP?
The MSN – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner degree from YSU teaches clinical manifestations of and patient responses to specific patient care challenges, such as pulmonary or cardiovascular. This program has an emphasis on physical assessment findings for determining diagnoses and planning patient care needs. It also covers health promotion and maintenance.
This accredited nursing program requires you to complete 45 credit hours, which include 27 credit hours of core courses and 18 credit hours of specialty and practicum courses. It also consists of 540 hours in an acute care setting, accompanied by a supervised clinical practicum. The core curriculum features an integrated capstone course, as well as studies in pathophysiology, diagnostics and technologies, pharmacology, and other key topics.
Ideal MSN – AG-ACNP candidates demonstrate a desire to show compassion and empathy while performing various clinical skills to care for patients with diverse age-related health challenges.
What Is an FNP?
As a family nurse practitioner, you’ll provide care by incorporating a variety of theories from nursing and related fields into your advanced practice nursing roles. This role serves patients in hospitals, clinics, private practices, hospice centers, school clinics, home healthcare settings and other healthcare facilities.
As an FNP, your skill set includes conducting physical examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests and helping to treat common illnesses and injuries. You will also develop care plans, prescribe medications, order tests, and educate patients on topics like healthy lifestyles, disease prevention and medication management.
What Is an MSN FNP?
The Family Nurse Practitioner degree at YSU focuses on professional nursing issues, nursing science and research methods to build a successful, evidence-based practice. You’ll learn how to deliver primary care to families and individuals of all ages within the healthcare system. You must complete 46 credit hours, which include 27 credit hours of core courses and 19 credit hours of specialty and practicum courses. The MSN – FNP online program also includes a supervised clinical practicum, consisting of 600 hours in various primary care settings.
The ideal candidate for this program has strong clinical and communication skills and takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to healthcare.
What Are the Career Paths for Each Degree?
The career path for these degrees varies based on factors such as care settings and the typical roles you’ll perform. An AG-ACNP often works in intensive care units, trauma units, long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers for adults. Roles include conducting patient assessments, diagnosing patients, and implementing and developing actionable treatment plans.
As an FNP, you’ll work with patients of various ages from infants to older adults. A typical setting includes private practices, community health centers, schools, hospitals, urgent care centers and other healthcare facilities. Some typical responsibilities include conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating various illnesses and injuries, and providing patient education and preventive care.
FNP or AG-ACNP: Choosing the Ideal Path
Each of these online nursing programs has unique features, but both require some of the same skill sets, such as maintaining accurate patient documentation. The online MSN – AG-ACNP program focuses on patient care for adults and older adults, while the online MSN – FNP program focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients of all ages. Before you decide which is the right path for you, reflect on your own career goals and aspirations. Think about which care setting you prefer, whether it’s a general clinic or school, a long-term care facility, or an intensive care unit.
You may also consider the patient populations with whom you connect the most. You may have an affinity for working with children and young adults, or you might prefer assisting an older patient population. Here are some more questions to consider while reflecting on which path is right for you.
- Do you enjoy helping people learn how they can improve their health and providing them with a detailed plan to support them in the future?
- Would you rather work in fast-paced settings, such as trauma or emergency units, or prefer a slower-paced setting, like a school or rehabilitation clinic?
- Are you a strong communicator who wants a career that involves lifelong learning as practices and medical breakthroughs evolve?
Inside the Online Nursing Experience at YSU
YSU offers flexible online nursing programs that allow you to study and learn at your own pace. These courses are designed for experienced, working RNs and provide a professional edge in the ever-changing world of healthcare.
Multiple start dates throughout the year are available, providing you with the flexibility to begin your education at a time that suits you best. YSU courses are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These programs are also affordable, offering options to pay by the course, making it convenient and easy to pay for your education.
If you’re ready to learn more about your options, explore YSU’s online MSN – AG-ACNP program and online MSN – FNP program. To apply for either of these programs, start by filling out an application form today.
