CNS versus NP Track: How to decide which role?

Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) Track

Learn more at our ANP FAQ page.

The ANP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified for advanced practice in adult health care across the health continuum. This practice includes independent and interdependent decision making and direct accountability for clinical judgment. Graduate preparation expands the comprehensiveness of the adult nurse practitioner's role to include participation in use of research, development, and implementation of health policy, leadership, education, case management, and consultation.

The ANP track is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs, particularly those who live in rural or medically underserved areas of Northeastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate primary care sites near the student's home. Nurse practitioners or primary care physicians serve as preceptors.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Track

Learn more at our CNS FAQ page.

The CNS track prepares nurses to be leaders who are experts in adult nursing, provide direct patient care, and work in consultation, research and education. Clinical Nurse Specialists practice in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, their own offices and other community based settings such as industry, home care and HMOs.

In the CNS option, students have the opportunity to pursue individual interests with respect to adult clientele or health care settings. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate sites near the student's home.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Track

Learn more at our FNP FAQ page.

The FNP track prepares nurses to be leaders who manage the primary Health Care needs of families, from infancy through adulthood, primarily in medically underserved and rural areas. A family-centered approach to health promotion, disease prevention, and intervention in illness responses of individuals is emphasized.

The FNP track is designed for baccalaureate prepared RNs, particularly those who live in rural or medically underserved areas of Northeastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate primary care sites near the student's home. Nurse practitioners or primary care physicians serve as preceptors.

Gerontology Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist Curriculum

Learn more at our GNP FAQ page.

Gerontology Dual Options are available with the ANP, CNS, FNP and PMHNP Tracks. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for additional information regarding the Dual Tracks or Post Master's options.

The Nursing Management track prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in various levels of management within acute care and ambulatory settings. Nurse managers are prepared to assume leadership roles in all facets of the delivery of health care services, especially nursing.

Students can explore areas of interest and type of health care setting within the domain of nursing management. A concentrated practicum experience in management outside of one's local geographical area is expected.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): Adult Track

Learn more at our PMHNP FAQ page.

The PMHNP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified to address both the psychiatric and medical needs of adults with serious mental illnesses and those who have common medical illnesses with concomitant mental health problems. Community mental health promotion, as well as disease prevention and intervention, in medically underserved and rural areas are emphasized.

The PMHNP track is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs particularly those who live in rural or medically undeserved areas of Northeastern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Whenever possible, clinical experiences are arranged at appropriate sites near the student's home. Nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, clinical nurse specialists, and psychiatrists serve as preceptors.

Learn more at our PMHNP FAQ page.

The PMHNP track prepares advanced practice nurses who are qualified to address both the psychiatric and medical needs of families with serious mental illnesses and those who have common medical illnesses with concomitant mental health problems. Community mental health promotion, as well as disease prevention and intervention are emphasized. Nurse practitioners, primary care physicians, clinical nurse specialists, and psychiatrists serve as preceptors