You have seen nurse practitioners sign their name sometimes as FNP-C and sometimes as FNP-BC. Both are family practitioners, but the differences lie in their certifications, scope, career paths, and salaries. In this blog, we will learn the difference between FNP-C vs. FNP-BC, and which career is best for you to choose.
What is FNP-C?
FNP-C stands for Family Nurse Practitioner certified. The FNP-C is a family nurse practitioner who has passed the AANPCB (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board) exam and provides primary care to patients from infants to adults.
What is FNP-BC?
FNP-BC stands for Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified. It is a nurse practitioner who has passed the board certification exam from an organization like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). FNP-BC provides care to patients from infants to older adults.
Difference between FNP-C vs FNP-BC
The difference between FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner certified) and FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified) is as follows:
Certifying body:
- FNP-C: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
- FNP-BC: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Exam focus:
- FNP-C: Clinical reasoning and learning process, question style is case-based and scenario-based.
- FNP-BC: Exam focus is on primary care and patient management, and the exam questions are mostly multiple choice and knowledge recall.
Renewal:
- FNP-C: Every 5 years with practice hours and continuing education.
- FNP-BC: Same as FNP-C every 5 years with practice hours and continuing education.
Best fit:
- FNP-C: It is best for nurse practitioners wanting a clinical focus.
- FNP-BC: It is best for nurse practitioners who are interested in both leadership and clinical work.
Similarities between FNP-C and FNP-BC
Here are the similarities between FNP-C and FNP-BC:
- Both can diagnose and prescribe medications to the patients.
- They provide primary care to patients of all ages from newborn to adults.
- Both FNP-C and FNP-BC have passed the national certification exam.
- FNP-C and FNP-BC work in hospitals, clinics, urgent care, and community health centers.
- Both focus on holistic, family-centered care.
- Professional standards of both include following the same ethical guidelines, evidence-based practices dictated by state and federal laws.
- Exam structure of FNP-C and FNP-BC
- The number of questions for FNP-BC is 150 in total, and the time limit is 3 hours. The passing rate is 73%.
- The number of questions for the FNP-BC exam is 175 in total, and the time limit is 3.5 hours. The passing rate is 85%.
What do FNP-C and FNP-BC stand for?
FNP-C is a medical abbreviation for Family Nurse Practitioner Certified, and FNP-BC is the medical abbreviation for Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified.
What is the main difference between FNP-C vs FNP-BC?
The key difference is that FNP-C is certified by ANCC, and the FNP-BC is certified by AANPCB.
Can I switch from FNP-C to FNP-BC?
- Yes, you can switch from FNP-C to FNP-BC, but you have to fulfill the following requirements.
- You must meet AANP’s eligibility requirements.
- You have to pass the FNP-BC exam through AANP.
- Once you earn your FNP-BC, you have to follow AANP’s recertification process.
What is the passing rate for FNP-C and FNP-BC exams?
The passing rate for FNP-C is 73% and for FNP-BC is 85%. Source FNP-C vs. FNP-BC: Family Nurse Practitioner Certifications | Nurse.com
What are the salaries of FNP-C and FNP-BC?
The salaries of both depend on various factors such as location, experience, healthcare setting, etc.
Conclusion
What is the difference between FNP-C and FNP-BC? The main difference lies in the certifying body. Both certifications open the doors to a rewarding career, and the roles of both FNP-C and FNP-BC remain the same. It is the individual’s choice whether they want to choose a clinically focused path, which is FNP-C, or a mix of clinical and leadership opportunities, which is FNP-BC. No matter what you choose, both careers have a meaningful impact on patient care.
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