[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are a specific type of nurse practitioner, while a DNP is a doctoral degree, specifically, a doctor of nursing practice. A DNP can prepare you for a career as an FNP, another type of nurse practitioner, or other nursing role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explains how to become an FNP, how to earn a DNP, and other important FNP vs. DNP distinctions. Keep reading to learn more about FNP and DNP careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]FNP and DNP Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]FNPs are [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]family nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link] with either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a DNP in family practice nursing who have passed the board examination. DNPs are nurses who have a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctorate in nursing practice[/hen-ui-link], in any of the available specialties, including family practice. The biggest FNP vs. DNP distinction is that the FNP is a nursing role, while the DNP is a nursing degree that prepares nurses for several different roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both FNP licensing and DNP programs require an MSN degree and RN license. There are also some [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-rn-to-dnp-programs/”]RN-to-DNP programs[/hen-ui-link], but these include the equivalent of an MSN degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, not all DNP specialties require passing a board certification, while becoming an FNP does. (However, if a DNP wants to become an FNP, they must pass the certification.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ style=”margin-top:2em”]Should I Become an FNP or Earn My DNP?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both FNPs and DNPs have strong career and earning prospects. Fortunately, you can earn an MSN, practice as an FNP, and then decide about pursuing a doctorate, if you aren’t sure now.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]DNP programs are demanding and can be very expensive, though you do have [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link]. However, if you want to work at a high level at an academic medical center, especially as a chief nursing officer or in other corporate roles, the DNP is a valuable qualification, even where it’s not a requirement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similarly, if you want to teach at a four-year college or university nursing school, the DNP may be a requirement and will give you an edge over candidates with an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to become a nurse anesthetist, the highest-earning advanced practice nursing role, it will be mandatory for new students. However, for many FNP jobs, while the DNP is valuable, it is not required. The final FNP vs. DNP decision depends on your specific goals and aspirations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]Page last reviewed May 4, 2022[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”45561,33961,34306″][/hen-ui-article-row]