FNP-C vs FNP-BC: What’s the Difference?
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice nurses equipped with specialized skills to manage a wide variety of patients in family healthcare settings. If you're exploring your nursing career path and have decided to pursue the FNP role, there are various certifications to consider based on your professional goals and the type of care you wish to provide. This article clarifies the distinctions between the FNP-C and FNP-BC certifications. To aid your decision-making process, we will address the following: What differentiates the FNP-C from the FNP-BC? What does the FNP-C involve? What is required for the FNP-BC? How do you obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner certification? What resources are beneficial for test takers?
What differentiates the FNP-C from the FNP-BC? | FNP-C | FNP-BC | |-------|--------| | Offered by the AANP | Offered by the ANCC | | Exam emphasizes clinical practice topics | Exam focuses on academic and leadership topics | | 150 test questions | 175 test questions | | Cost: AANP member $240, non-member $315 | Cost: AANP member $340, non-member $395 |
What does the FNP-C involve? Let's examine the FNP-C and its critical elements.
Definition The Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified (FNP-C) exam assesses the competencies of entry-level nurse practitioners to care for patients across all age groups.
Exam Candidates taking the FNP-C exam can anticipate:
- 150 multiple-choice questions, with 15 being pre-test questions that don't contribute to the final score. - Questions pertinent to nursing practice, including assessment, diagnosis, care planning, and evaluating patient outcomes. - Questions addressing care for patients of all ages, from prenatal to elderly. - Topics such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, diagnostic procedures, mental health assessments, cultural competence, and clinical decision-making.
An example question may be: An adult diagnosed with hypertension has followed a low sodium diet and taken hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 50 mg daily for two months. The patient denies a family history of cardiovascular diseases. At this visit, BP=150/90 and T=100 F. A physical examination reveals no bruits, a clear chest, no atrial gallop, edema and tenderness of the left ankle, and an intact neurological system. Which laboratory values will provide the best follow-up information? - Serum sodium and potassium - Total serum cholesterol and serum glucose - Serum uric acid and complete blood count - Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine
Eligibility for the FNP-C To qualify for the FNP-C exam, the following requirements must be met: - You must have a current RN license. - Complete a minimum of 500 clinical practice hours as part of an advanced practice degree program. - Finish core APRN courses (including advanced health assessment, advanced physiology/pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology). - Complete a graduate, post-graduate, or doctoral program in Family or Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner from an accredited institution.
Importance of the FNP-C Elevating your qualifications to the advanced practice nurse level is the initial step in becoming an FNP. To practice as an FNP, it's essential to pass a national certification exam like the FNP-C. The pathway to FNP licensure with an FNP-C involves: - Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). - Passing the NCLEX-RN. - Attaining your RN license. - Enrolling in a graduate nursing program. - Successfully passing the FNP-C exam. - Securing your NP license.
What is the FNP-BC? While akin to the FNP-C, the FNP-BC carries its specific aspects that should be understood before making a choice between the two certification exams.
Definition The Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) exam similarly assesses entry-level nurse practitioners’ competencies in clinical practice.
Exam Nurses obtaining the FNP-BC credentials can expect similar topics to the FNP-C exam, with the following format: - 175 questions on the FNP-BC exam, with 25 being pre-test questions that do not affect the final score. - Queries revolving around assessment, diagnosis, implementation, planning, and evaluation of patient outcomes. - Questions associated with care for all age groups. - Topics covering resource management such as care coordination. - Assessment of skills related to research evaluation. - Nursing theory topics addressing the ethical application of healthcare technology.
An example question might ask: A 40-year-old patient has experienced a generalized, nonpruritic skin rash with intermittent flare-ups over the last ten years. Currently, a well-defined erythematous plaque appears on the patient's left gluteal fold, exhibiting scales and some fissuring. The family nurse practitioner diagnoses: - Atopic dermatitis. - Ichthyosis. - Psoriasis. - Tinea corporis.
Eligibility for the FNP-BC To sit for the FNP-BC exam, candidates must meet the following criteria: - Hold a current RN license. - Complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours in an FNP program. - Finish core APRN courses (advanced health assessment, advanced physiology/pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology). - Hold a master's, post-graduate, or doctoral degree from an accredited FNP educational program.
Importance of the FNP-BC Similar to the FNP-C, the FNP-BC enables a nurse who has completed an advanced practice (APRN) degree to obtain FNP licensure. Upon passing the FNP-BC exam, you become eligible for a state license to practice at the FNP level.
How do you obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner certification? The certification you choose to pursue determines which credentialing organization you will work with to take the exam. - FNP-C: through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). - FNP-BC: through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Which certification should you pursue? Aspiring nurse practitioners focusing on direct clinical practice and patient care may lean towards the FNP-C, while those inclined towards academic or research-focused roles may find the FNP-BC a better fit.
What resources are available for test takers? As your exam date approaches, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Fortunately, a variety of resources can support your success. The AANP recommends a preparation period of at least 6-12 weeks for the FNP-C. They advise considering a review course, developing a study plan, and taking practice tests leading up to the exam.
For the FNP-BC, the ANCC provides a guide with practical suggestions for passing the certification exam. This includes tips on reviewing the ANCC guidebook and resources regarding the test structure, including example questions. The ANCC also encourages developing a personal study plan and enrolling in available review courses.
Next steps Pursuing a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner is a significant and smart decision. Although it demands time and energy, NPs are rewarded with a competitive salary, and the demand for their services continues to rise annually. After successfully passing either certification exam, you can apply for your FNP license through your state’s nursing board. With your license and the FNP-C or FNP-BC credentials, you are positioned to launch your job search for an FNP role and accomplish your professional objectives.
FAQs What are the differences between the FNP-C and FNP-BC? Aspiring nurse practitioners focused on clinical practice and direct patient care may opt for the FNP-C, while those interested in academic or research areas might prefer the FNP-BC. What is the salary for family nurse practitioners? As reported by the BLS in May 2021, the average salary for nurse practitioners in the U.S. is $118,040. What happens if you fail the FNP-BC? If you do not pass the certification exam, you can retest after 60 days. What if you fail the FNP-C? To retake the exam, you must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education related to the area of weakness identified in your score report, with these hours being completed after your exam date.
