There are two certification options for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) - FNP-C and FNP-BC. The main difference between these credentials is the certification board.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards the FNP-BC certification, while the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) awards the FNP-C certification. Some of the other differences between the two are:
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Upon graduation, family nurse practitioner students are awarded the credentials of FNP. But before being allowed to practice, FNPs MUST be certified. Depending on the state nursing board, certification must come from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
FNP-BC means Family Nurse Practitioner - Board Certified. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers FNP-BC certification to eligible family nurse practitioners. In addition to meeting FNPBC eligibility requirements, you must pass a competency-based exam to earn this FNP certification.
Learn more details about FNP-BC renewal in there ANCC's Renewal Requirements Handbook. There, you'll find more specific information on CH and the renewal guidelines for expired FNP-BC credentials.
FNP-C is a medical abbreviation for the Family Nurse Practitioner Certified credential offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). To earn FNPC certification, nurse practitioners must meet all eligibility requirements and pass a competency-based exam.
Review the AANP's FNPC Renewal Guidelines for more specific renewal details.
Choosing between FNPBC and FNP-C credentials is a personal decision based on your career goals. For example, the FNP-BC has more questions on professional issues like healthcare policy and ethics. So, if you wish to enter academia, this may be your preferred certification.
On the other hand, FNP-C focuses on clinical skills like patient assessment, treatment planning, and diagnosis across the lifespan. So, you might prefer the FNP-C certification if you want to work in a clinical environment.
The most important reason you should get an FNPBC or FNP-C certification is so you can legally practice as a family nurse practitioner. But you should also want certifications to indicate that you have met specific educational requirements and maintain continued professional competence.
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