{"id":9968,"date":"2022-06-24T15:37:43","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T19:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=9968"},"modified":"2024-12-17T10:12:56","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T15:12:56","slug":"family-nurse-practitioner-vs-pediatric-nurse-practitioner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/family-nurse-practitioner-vs-pediatric-nurse-practitioner\/","title":{"rendered":"FNP Vs. PNP: What\u2019s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many nurses consider advancing their careers and becoming a nurse practitioner. These are many different types of nurse practitioners out there, including FNPs and PNPs. As you consider your future in nursing, you may also be wondering, \u201cShould I become a family nurse practitioner (FNP) or a pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP)?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The FNP and PNP career paths each offer the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families. While both are rewarding and meaningful, deciding career path to follow \u2013 and which program to study \u2013 can be challenging. Of course, going to graduate school should best suit your career goals and interests. To better determine which professional nurse practitioner path is right for you, keep reading this guide. Below you will find definitions, descriptions, and differences between FNP vs. PNP degrees and developing careers.<\/p>\n

Nurse Practitioner Overview<\/h2>\n

Nurse practitioners<\/a> are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs<\/a>) who\u2019ve earned a minimum of a Master\u2019s of Science in Nursing (MSN). Nurse practitioners assess, diagnose, and treat patients with diverse conditions. However, their scope of work can vary greatly, depending on their specialization.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> projected that the nurse practitioner profession will skyrocket between 2020 and 2030. As one of the fastest-growing careers in the nation, the BLS estimated a 52% increase<\/strong> within the decade, adding 11,490 nurse practitioner jobs each year.<\/p>\n

Two specializations of nurse practitioners include family nurse practitioners<\/a> (FNPs) and pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs). Although the FNP and PNP concentrations are both considered APRNs, the two healthcare positions have an array of curriculum and career differences.<\/p>\n

FNP vs. PNP: Distinctions Between Degrees and Duties<\/h2>\n

The general difference between family nurse practitioners vs. pediatric nurse practitioners is the patient populations they serve. FNPs provide care for patients across the lifespan, from infants to geriatrics. Meanwhile, PNPs only see patients under the age of 18.<\/p>\n

As a result, FNPs have a more extensive range of potential career environments to choose from \u2014hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient facilities, private practices, and more<\/em>. In contrast, pediatric nurse practitioners are limited to children-focused work settings.<\/p>\n

Additional differences between FNPs and PNPs include program and professional requirements, concentration content, career responsibilities, and salary potential, as detailed below.<\/p>\n

FNP vs. PNP Program and Professional Requirements<\/h2>\n

Advanced practice registered nurses perform a very high level of care, and may serve as primary care providers to patients in need. Therefore, they must complete certain requirements before becoming eligible to practice. Every state has different requirements for APRNs. Additionally, every job title has different educational and licensure requirements.<\/p>\n

For example, aspiring FNPs in Connecticut must:<\/p>\n