Are you considering taking up nursing as a career this year? If yes, why not take up one of the best dual FNP/ACNP programs in 2022?

Nursing is one of the best careers in the world. This profession bags countless new job opportunities. Knowledge and experience in the nursing field will arm you with job security and satisfaction.

However, let’s take at the best dual FNP and ACNP programs in 2022.

Best Dual FNP/ ACNP Programs

Dual FNP/ACNP programs concentrate on training, equipping, and educating nurses in two high-demand areas of the healthcare industry to attend to patients’ health needs.

An FNP and ACNP nurses handle clients of all age grades. They both assist the doctor in caring for patients who are suffering from acute injury or sickness.

Furthermore, the program also concentrates on training nursing practitioners to develop versatile and dynamic skills in both family and critical care services.

Earning a dual FNP / ACNP degree has so many advantages. Since both sections are related getting a dual FNP And ACNP degree can save you time, money, and energy.

A dual FNP/ACNP program gives nurses a head start in the job market.

Online ACNP/FNP dual programs are focused on training nurse practitioners in both family and acute care practice.

Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the schools offering the best dual FNP/ACNP programs in 2022.

Universities Offering The Best FNP/ ACNP Dual Programs.

The following are some of the schools that are offering the FNP and ACNP dual programs.

Madonna University

This is one of the best universities in the united states to get a nursing degree which is accredited by the higher learning commission.

The school offers dual FNP/ACNP programs for those who are interested in pursuing a career in family care and acute care nursing practitioner degrees.

The Madonna university FNP and ACNP programs require students to complete at least 60 hours of clinical studies practicals. 

To gain admission into this prestigious school you should be able to present 2 letters of professional recommendation, an essay, and a resume.

Rockhurst University

Rockhurst University offers one of the best dual FNP/ACNP degrees in the Kansas United States.

Students must complete at least 49 hours of online learning to be successful in this degree coupled with a minimum of 3.0 GPA after 4 years of study.

Furthermore, Students student have a minimum of 3.0 GPA for an undergraduate nursing degree and a license as a registered nurse to gain admission into this school.

This university was also accredited by the higher learning commission. 

University Of Arizona

Just like Madonna university, the university of Arizona is one of the best universities in the united states to get an FNP degree which is accredited by the higher learning commission.

Students must have at least 89 credits and over 1400 clinical practical hours to be successful in this course.

However, if you are searching for admission to study the dual FNP ACNP programs at the University of Arizona you must present 2 references, a resume, and an official transcript.

University Of South Alabama

The university of south Alabama offers one of the best dual FNP/ACNP degrees in the United States which is accredited by the Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools, Commission On Colleges.

You must take part in at least 57 hours of online learning to be successful in the course to be Successful at this school.

However, if you don’t have a minimum of 3.0 GPA from a BSC degree and a transcript from your former institution you would be admitted into the university of Alabam.

University Of Tennessee

The university of Tennesee is also one of the best universities in the united states to get a dual FNP program which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and school commission on colleges.

To be successful at this school you must complete at least 73 hours of online studies.

However, to get admitted into the university of Tennessee applicants should submit at least two reference letters and a list of their past working experience.

I bet you may not know that FNP and ACNP have their differences and similarities. Well, let us check them out below.

Similarities Between FNP And ACNP

FNP and ACNP specialize in patient care, they are in charge of conducting physical evaluation and examination of patients. They also maintain records of patients in the family or acute care unit.

Both positions need to have some set of educational requirements and licensing to prove that you are a registered nurse.

Furthermore, they also require time management skills, the ability to collaborate and work with other healthcare officials, and strong communication skills.

Both positions must undergo a series of rigorous training and examination to meet the high educational health care standard.

This set of professionals also needs to be compassionate and watchful. You must also be equipped to solve problems at the hospital using critical thinking.

In addition, leadership is an important skill that I required of every family and acute care nurse because at some point they would have to take charge when a doctor is not accessible.

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Difference Between FNP and ACNP

FNP and ACNP have projects and courses which are specific to the specialty. 

For instance, an FNP student must take a course on primary healthcare while ACNP students mostly focus on adult care in a critical care setting.

FNP and ACNP nurses have different working environments.

An FNP main job description is the provision of assistance in primary care, especially in rural and underserved communities that cannot access the city areas for medical assistance.

Furthermore, you can find them in community clinics, outpatient centers, and private hospitals.

FNPs assist doctors with attending to minor health cases which are related to wellness. They also act as medical assistants to patients who are recovering from a chronic medical conditions.

They act as a mediator between the people and doctors because FNPs can offer some of the services that primary care doctors provide.

As FNPs are regarded as primary healthcare workers the ACN nurses are in charge of adults who are experiencing sudden healthcare challenges.

As the population of the world increases the services of FNP and ACNP are expected to be in greater demand.

In addition, ACNPs are in charge of nephrology, surgery, cardiology, and neurology. They work hand in hand with surgeons, specialists, and other health care professionals to achieve positive results.

They also assist patients in with acute conditions in the recovery ward.

Finally, nurses play important roles in the health care system. Their assistance to physicians and specialists facilitates high-quality and faster medical assistance to patients.

Salaries Of FNPs And ACNPs

According to research FNPs have an annual paycheck of about $90,000 which can be increased as they progress in the profession.

While ACNPs have an annual salary of $97,000 which can also be increased as they progress in the field.

However, the salaries of these two position depend on the region of the hospital and the experience and specialty of the nurses.

These two professions are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that by the year 2030 there would be a 52% increase in the services of FNPs and ACNPs.

This increase in demand is due to longer life expectancies and the inaccessibility of doctors in some areas.

FNP and ACNP Educational Requirements

All NP must earn an MSN degree and licensure to practice. The FNPs must take courses relating to family care, these courses would enable them to prepare for family-focused practices.

All NP students are expected to complete at least 500 clinical practice hours during their program.

Furthermore, ACNPs must have advanced clinical leadership and decision-making skills because they would be faced with critical positions from time to time.

Skills Every Nurse Practioner  Should Have.

 Many skills are needed by nurses, to be good at what they do. 

Nurses need to be good researchers they must be ready to do groundwork examinations from time to time. 

The medical school has provided a strong foundation for research and evaluation. 

Research is important in a nursing career because some patients, might not show standard symptoms for a particular illness. 

You would have to conduct background studies to find out what exactly is wrong with them.

Furthermore, nurses are expected to be critical thinkers they must be able to analyze well to find the best solution that would aid the recovery of patients. 

Leadership skills are also important in your nursing career because nurses are charged with the responsibility of assisting people to make the right choices.

Having good communication skills is another skill that a nurse should possess. You must be able to communicate effectively with your patients. 

Taking up and excelling in a nursing career might be difficult If you are not a people person.

Finally, every healthcare worker must perform their skill properly because healthcare is one of the most important aspects of a nation’s economy.

Nurses need to be focused and clear-headed whenever they are carrying out a task because would always patients turn to them whenever they are going through health challenges.

How Can You Become A Nurse Practitioner

After going through the FNP/ACNP job description and responsibilities you might choose you might decide to specialize or go through a dual degree.

Send an application to the universities that offer advanced nursing degrees in mental health studies, nurse educators, FNP, and ACNP to enable students to tailor their nursing careers to what they love doing.

There are online courses and programs that are available for nursing students If you cannot physically attend a university.

These classes have made schooling easier and more convenient for busy health care professionals. 

Keep reading and find out the steps to being a successful nursing Practitioner.

Steps To Being A Nurse Practitioner

These are the steps you need to take to be successful in your nursing career:

1. Get A Bachelor’s Degree

You cannot be a nurse practitioner without undergraduate training in nursing. A bachelor’s degree gives you the best foundation you need in the healthcare field.

Apart from giving you the right foundation a BSC in nursing allows you to get licensed as a registered nurse.

With a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you would have little work experience from clinical practical’s. This experience is necessary for starting up your career as a nurse practitioner.

A BSC in nursing gives you the advantage to apply for an advanced practice degree.

2. Gain Work Experience

As stated earlier, work experience is vital in your nursing career. You need to gain some work experience to get into graduate nursing programs.

Go through the requirements of the program you intend to take part in and see how much work experience is required.

Still can assist you in terms of funding your nursing graduate program because you would have an opportunity to work and school.

Gaining work experience in nursing can help you in deciding the area of healthcare you want to concentrate on as a nurse practitioner.

Through this, you would be confident in choosing the right graduate degree.

3. Enrol In A Graduate Nursing Program

An MSN or DNP program is your best bet if you want to climb the ladder of success in a nursing career.

Both programs have benefits and they allow you to specialize in a medical area that you love.

A graduate program would make the process of your nurse practitioner credentials easy and fast. It is processed faster when you specialize in a particular medical field.

You can run an MSN degree in less than 24 months, processing your dream of becoming a registered and licensed nurse quickly.

It’s not compulsory to further in a DNP program but you can do it if you wish.

However, if you are in search of leadership positions in the health care section a DNP would work for you.

It’s the highest level of training and you would be given managerial positions that are not accessible with just an MSN degree.

Remember, an MSN can get you your nursing license so you are not compelled to follow this path.

You don’t need a  DNP to get licensed but if it’s your dream to get a Ph.D. in nursing ensure you go for it.

4. Earn Your Nursing License.

Once you are done with an MSN degree, you are fit to get your nursing license.

Many organizations are in charge of licensing nurses. To get licensed, go through the process of licensing in your country.

You cannot practice without a license so ensure you get your nursing license and start leaving your dream as a nurse.

5. Get A Job

Once you have gotten a license the next step to take is to start practicing. 

You can decide to practice independently or work under a doctor. This would give you the practical skills that are required of a healthcare practitioner.

In the coming years, there would be a 45% increase in the demand for nurses so, finding a job a nursing job wouldn’t be difficult.

However some areas are in low demand for nurses so, stay open-minded until you find the best position that suits you.

6. Recertification

Technology has changed the world in so many ways and nursing is not left aside.

All your certification requires registration or recertification from time to time. 

You would need to continue researching and finding new ways to solve healthcare problems in society.

Furthermore, this recertification is needed in renewing your mind and resharpening your skills as a healthcare practitioner.

Recertification varies from time to time depending on your type of license.

Advantages Of Enrolling Into The Dual FNP/ACNP Program.

1. It Saves Time.

One of The advantages of getting a dual FNP and ACNP program is that you would have a shorter graduate time. 

Ordinarily, you would have to spend at least 8 years studying an FNP and ACNP but with a dual  FNP/ACNP program you can graduate in less than 6 years.

You can use the rest of your time to work towards getting an accredited license. 

2. Flexibility.

A dual FNP/ACNP program gives you the opportunity to specialize in FNP or ACNP or even both. It gives you an opportunity, to apply to the areas of family and acute care nursing.

Having a dual degree saves you the stress of job hunting because jobs would always be available for you.

3. Save Money Over The Long-term 

Wouldn’t you want to save money while schooling? A dual program allows you to save money on your schooling.

A dual program saves time and money. You can save a year of tuition fees when you go through a dual FNP/ACNP program. Rather than completing an FNP and ACNP program separately.

4. Leadership Opportunities

The more experience you have as a nurse the higher position you would get. Furthering your degree gives you better opportunities in the healthcare sector.

After graduating from a dual FNP and ACNP program you can become a clinical director of a hospital.

5. You Would Have More Choices. 

Having a dual FNP/ACNP degree can give you more opportunities when it comes to career options.

If there’s no opening on any of the two sections, you can always switch to the other. You can get a job in another position.

6. Higher Salary. 

Having experience in different fields can skyrocket your career as a medical practitioner.

Nurses with dual experience have the potential to earn higher salaries than their peers. 

Because your skills are versatile you would be called by other medical practitioners for consultations from time to time.

Furthermore, due to your experience, most employers would be willing to offer you a higher salary for you to work as part of their healthcare team.

7. Less Competition.

You wouldn’t compete with other medical practitioners in climbing the healthcare ladder.

In the medical field, these two medical positions are one of the best areas of specialization.

An FNP/ACNP degree sets you aside from other medical practitioners because you have the skills from both degrees.

What Do Nurses Do?

The services or job description of a nurse depends on the rules and regulations guiding healthcare workers in a particular area. 

However, below are some of the duties of nurses:

• Nurses work with healthcare officials because they are in charge of treating and diagnosing patients.
• Nurses help in treating acute and chronic health conditions
• They assist doctors in administering medicine and caring for patients. They perform almost the same functions as a doctor.
• Provide health education, care plans, and counseling for the masses. 
• Nurses are in charge of medical history
• They conduct physical examinations
• Nurses monitor patients’ health from time to time.
• Nurses operate medical equipment.
• Nurses perform wound care such as cleaning and bandaging patients’ injuries.

Just like doctors nurses, can choose to specialize in a particular field like child care or geriatrics.

Things To Lookout For In An FNP/ACNP Program.

Before enrolling in this nursing program there are important requirements you need to be on the lookout for.

Critically go through the universities to identify the specialization that aligns with your goals and dreams.

Take note of the following:

1. Admission Requirements

Go through the admission requirements of the school you want to attend.

Admission requirements for FNP/ACNP vary by university.

You are expected to have an official transcript, reference letters, clinical experience, a GPA of 3.0, and a bachelor’s science in nursing from a notable university.

2. Program Curriculum.

Curriculum and courses are also important when you want to enroll in an FNP/ACNP Program.

Go through your school’s curriculum and pick the best school that suits your desires.

3. Clinical Experience

To be successful in an FNP/ ACNP program you need some clinical experience.

Your hours of clinical practicals would be measured and calculated when you apply for an FNC/ACNP program.

4. Accreditation

Before enrolling in a nursing program you must ascertain that an FNP/ACNP is accredited by the accreditation commission for education in nursing (ACEN). 

5. Program Length.

An FNC/ACNP takes a total of 24 months to complete.

Although this can vary by University.

6. School Graduation Rate.

The school’s graduation rate is also important in determining the quality of the Nursing program that is offered by the school.

It showcases the number of students who graduate from the school within the acceptable time frame.

7. Online Learning Requirements

An online FNP/ACNP offers diverse opportunities for students to work and learn.

You would have the opportunity to select the best course that aligns with your dreams and goals.

Financial Aid and Scholarships For Nurses.

Many financial aids and grant opportunities are available to those in the medical field.

Go through the list of scholarships for nurses in your country and pick the best grant that suits you.

Furthermore, some schools offer scholarships to those who showcase strong academic performance. 

You can apply for a scholarship if your GPA meets the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

It’s no doubt that you are now aware of the best dual FNP/ACNP programs in 2022.

Go through their admission requirements and send an application if you qualify for an FNP/ACNP program.

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