Nurse practitioners (NPs) continue to be recognized as one of the most important and in-demand careers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
New Jersey, United States - June 26, 2024 —

Nurse practitioners (NPs) continue to be recognized as one of the most important and in-demand careers according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the second year in a row NPs are projected to have the highest growth rate among all occupations with approximately 18,600 nurse practitioners anticipated to enter the workforce through 2032. This is due to a variety of factors—including physician shortages, a rapidly expanding baby boomer population, and the increasing autonomy of nurse practitioners.
To help fill the nursing provider or practitioner shortage, Felician University is offering two advanced nursing degrees in an online format: Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) and Master of Science in Nursing – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN-AGPCNP). The online MSN-FNP and online MSN-AGPCNP programs are designed to offer working nurses with convenience and flexibility so they can continue to care for patients as an RN while advancing their knowledge, skills, and credentials. The distinguishing factor between these two degrees is that the online Family Nurse Practitioner program teaches health care across the lifespan, whereas the MSN-AGPCNP program focuses on the health of adolescents through to older adults.
While both registered nurses and nurse practitioners are in demand, NPs have the unique distinction of being permitted, depending on state, to prescribe treatments, order tests, and diagnose patients—similar to those duties ordinarily performed by physicians. By offering clinical expertise that combines diagnosis and treatment of various health conditions, NPs can provide invaluable services for the health of patients of all ages. In doing so, NPs are providing primary care services to patients, and are helping to alleviate the limited resource strain the public is feeling, by providing a valuable solution to the nationwide primary care shortage.
Nurse practitioners are not physicians. However, they may work autonomously (in most states) or in collaboration with a care team and are licensed to provide many of the same or similar functions a physician performs. Nurse practitioners are responsible for managing a patient’s overall health plan and care including educating patients on disease prevention and guidance for a healthy lifestyle. They may also diagnose and treat chronic conditions; order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests (x-rays, labs, etc.); and prescribe medications.
In short, nurse practitioners are vital to the sustainability and growth of our modern healthcare system. They offer a wide range of acute, primary, and specialty care services intended to help keep patients healthy at all stages of life.
Felician University’s online MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner and MSN-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner programs prepare experienced nurses for career advancement through new career opportunities, leadership roles, expanded nursing knowledge and clinical competency. These unique online MSN degree programs incorporate simulation and technology into practice, provide evidence-based care and prevention, and advance nursing science.
About Felician University
Felician University is an independent co-educational Catholic/Franciscan University founded and sponsored by the Felician Sisters to educate a diverse population of students within the framework of a liberal arts tradition. Its mission is to provide a full complement of learning experiences, reinforced with strong academic and student development programs designed to bring students to their highest potential and prepare them to meet the challenges of the 21st century with informed minds and understanding hearts.
The University operates on two campuses in Lodi and Rutherford, New Jersey. It began as Immaculate Conception Normal School with the first summer session commencing on July 5, 1923.
The master’s degree program in nursing and post-graduate APN certificate program at Felician University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Contact Info:
Name: Felicia Lyons
Email: Send Email
Organization: Felician University
Address: One Felician Way, Rutherford, New Jersey, 07070
Website: https://online.felician.edu/programs/online-msn-fnp
Release ID: 89133809
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FAQs
Differences Between AGNP and FNP Specializations
For those considering AGNP vs. FNP specializations, it can be helpful to keep these two main distinctions in mind: An AGNP can work in primary care or acute care, but usually works in acute care, while an FNP will almost always work in a primary care environment.
What is the difference between a primary care NP and a FNP? ›
Usually the primary health care provider, an FNP often provides care through the lifespan of each patient. NPs are a type of advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) that typically work with a specific age group and/or population with a type of health condition, such as cancer.
What does AGNP C stand for in nursing? ›
Following master's graduation, you may be eligible to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center's certification examination. For the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification (AGNP-C), you will need at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience.
What is a gerontology nurse practitioner? ›
The field examines the biological aspects of aging, such as artery walls stiffening in the cardiovascular system, and the unique psychological, social and physiological aspects of aging as well. Adult gerontological nurse practitioners focus on the care and treatment of adults from later adulthood to end of life.
Is agnp worth it? ›
You're increasing your earning potential
The average median base salary of an AGPCNP $102,038. Based on your location, your practice location, and your experience this number can grow by $15,000 to start.
What is higher than an NP? ›
DNP is an educational degree while NP is a certification. An NP is a master's- or doctorate-prepared nurse who is certified and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). A DNP is a higher education degree. An NP can earn a DNP degree, but a DNP-prepared nurse does not have to be an NP.
Is an FNP as good as a doctor? ›
While it can be tempting to want care from someone with the title “Doctor”, nurse practitioners are equally skilled and knowledgeable in their field. Nurse practitioners are typically not as booked as doctors, and can fit patients in sooner, providing relief without long delays or wait times.
Is an NP just as good as an MD? ›
Although NPs and MDs both deliver patient care, there are some key differences regarding how they can and cannot treat patients. Medical doctors have full practice authority in every state, which means they have the ability to: Diagnose and treat acute conditions. Order and interpret diagnostic tests.
Why be a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor? ›
Many duties can overlap, but a nurse practitioner's role differs from a doctor's in flexibility and scope. A nurse practitioner, for example, can often be available to patients who need immediate care sooner than from a doctor, allowing nurse practitioners to serve as a frontline of defense in helping patients.
What does the C after NP mean? ›
A “C” tacked on to the front or back means “certified” by AANP. FNP-BC vs. NP. When you see “BC” it means board certification. “FNP-BC” means a family nurse practitioner board certified by the ANCC.
Perhaps most importantly, the certification exams have different scopes. The FNP-C is meant for FNPs who plan to go into clinical practice. The FNP-BC is aimed at nurse practitioners who want to make an impact on the profession as a teacher or policymaker (although they are still licensed to practice).
What is the role of a nurse in gerontology? ›
The gerontological rehabilitation nurse demonstrates clinical expertise in the care provided to aging adults. This expertise includes assessing and identifying problems; planning, intervening in, and evaluating care; and participating in the interdisciplinary plan of care.
What are the highest paid nurse practitioners? ›
Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner
They work with patients to help improve their appearance through a variety of nonsurgical procedures. Aesthetic NPs earn the highest nurse practitioner salary in America.
Which nurse practitioner is most in demand? ›
What Nurse Practitioner Specialties are in High Demand?
- Family Practice. ...
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care. ...
- Psychiatric Mental Health. ...
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. ...
- Pediatric Primary Care. ...
- Pulmonology Nurse Practitioner. ...
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. ...
- House Call Nurse Practitioner.
What kind of nurses get paid most? ›
Highest-Paid Nursing Jobs:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $212,650.
- Certified Nurse Midwife - $129,650.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse - $128,211.
- General Nurse Practitioner - $126,260.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist - $124,374.
- Pain Management Nurse - $121,916.
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - $119,801.
Is ACNP or FNP better? ›
ACNPs are trained to make important and life-altering decisions for patients in critical conditions. This means FNPs are more likely to focus on long-term plans for patients for whom they will provide extended medical care, while ACNPs are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients in fast-paced environments.
What is the difference between an FNP and an AGAC? ›
FNPs see patients of all ages and backgrounds, from children to the elderly. AGACNPs, on the other hand, work exclusively with adult and geriatric patients.
What is the difference between a geriatric nurse and a gerontology nurse? ›
While geriatrics deals with the care of the elderly and their needs, gerontology is the study of aging and its impacts on the population. Gerontologists perform a support function in educating and understanding aging, while geriatricians deal with the care of these older adults.
What are the different types of Agnp? ›
AGNPs work with adult and teenage patients. They can work either in primary care (AG-PCNP), which entails comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of needs, or they can provide acute care (AGACNP), typically to patients in ICU, emergency, or acute care units.