Out of the many career options available after graduation from a RN program, becoming a nurse practitioner is one that allows nurses to practice with autonomy and specialization in a specific field of healthcare.
Below are some of the specialty options for Nurse Practitioners as described by the American Nurses Association:
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The general role of an FNP mimics that of a primary care physician. An FNP focuses on providing prevention and non-emergent care to patients. Some responsibilities may include exams and screenings, maintaining records, adjusting treatment plans, and providing education and support to patients. FNPs are able to provide care for patients across all age groups and a broad range of conditions. .
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
A pediatric nurse practitioner focuses on working with patients' from the age of 0 to about 18 years. There are multiple brackets of PNPs, two of them being PNP in Primary Care and PNP in Acute Care. A PNP-PC has a similar role to an FNP of primarily focusing on treatment of non-emergent conditions and prevention. A PNP-AC focuses on pediatric patients who are undergoing an acute condition, typically in an ER, ICU, or specialty acute-care setting.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
An adult-gerontology nurse practitioner care for the elder population, which is typically those 65 and older. AGNPs are trained to care for those in later adulthood as there are unique changes and needs that the body and mind go through later in life. AGNPs typically specialize in acute or primary care and can practice in critical care settings in the hospital or in out-patient settings.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Psychiatric nurse practitioners focus on the mental health aspect of a patients' care. PMHNPs often work alongside a psychiatrist to help maintain a treatment plan for mental health conditions and substance use disorders. PMHNPs are able to work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, and various levels of mental health centers.
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP)
Neonatal nurse practitioners care for the smallest and youngest. NNPs work with infants up to 2 years old who were born prematurely and/or those who were born with an illness or condition. NNPs typically work with a healthcare team to provide screening, diagnosing, and treating neonates and infants.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Women's health nurse practitioners specialize in women-specific care such as reproductive and sexual health services. WHNPs work to provide gynecologic care to women in hospitals, fertility clinics, and private practice.
As of Fall 2024, Binghamton offers programs in Family Health NP- DNP, Community Health NP- DNP, Adult-Gerontology NP- DNP, and Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP- DNP.
Family Health NP- DNP
Community Health NP- DNP
Adult-Gerontology NP- DNP
Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP- DNP
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