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Differences Between NP Review Courses [table included]

Updated: Oct 24, 2020

When I graduated from my nurse practitioner (NP) program in 2005, there was really only one choice when it came to nurse practitioner certification review courses -- THE Dr. Margaret Fitzgerald. In fact, my colleague remarked the other day that her child, with whom she was pregnant during school, “Probably thinks Dr. Fitzgerald is her grandmother.” Meaning, that she has listened to the audio recordings repeatedly.


Today, NP students and graduates have choices. The market for high-quality review courses, books, and online content has expanded. Some of the companies provide diagnostic testing that allows NP students to identify weak areas and adjust their study plans accordingly. Other reviews distinguish themselves by focusing on the more emotional side of test-taking by offering strategies to reduce test anxiety. These are just some of the expanded offerings of the traditional lecture, workbook, and practice questions/exams that tend to always be included.


What to Buy?


The purpose of this blog is to offer my professional perspective. I will summarize key features of the companies and outline the basic price points. To help you make a final decision, I will give you 3 Key Questions to Ask Yourself About Buying NP Review Materials.


To be transparent, I will focus on reviews for the FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) because that is my background clinically and because I was a former FNP Program director. However, I think you will find the content relevant to the Adult-Gerontology Population as well.


Let’s get started.


Before we dive into the NP reviews, it is important to understand what is going to be on the test. Overall the exams are much more similar than they used to be. For FNPs there are two national certifications: 1) American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) and 2) American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (AANPCB). A brief summary of each:


American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC):


American Academy of Nurse Practitioner Certification Board (AANPCB):

  • Also known as “AANP” test

  • Linked to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

  • Known for focus on practice-related questions

  • Now a 5 year certification like the ANCC (it was a 3 year certification in the past)

  • Generally, unofficially considered to be “easier”

  • Credential offered: FNP-C

  • Website: https://www.aanpcert.org/certs/fnp


Discussing the difference between the two exams is beyond this blog’s scope. But quickly this is what I have told my former NP students. First, employers only care that you are national certified. One certification is no more or less prestigious. Second, do your homework by actually reading about each test directly from the organization itself. Do not rely solely on discussions with others. Finally, it is YOUR responsibility to know the difference and make the best choice for yourself.


Video:


My Perspective of the Companies


Fitzgerald Health Education Associates

Strong, historic reputation as the leader of this space. Dr. Fitzgerald is legendary for her teaching, dedication to continued practice, and passion for pharmacology. The company offers frequent free content on test-prep and has expanded to include diagnostic testing. I tell people that I “grew up” on Fitzgerald as a new NP. I had her cassette tapes - yes cassette tapes. Then I got the CDs. Now, I continue to use the products to capture continuing education credits.


APEA

Wins the award for best supporting materials and visual appeal. The pocket guides/flashcards on antibiotic choices, billing and coding, developmental milestones, dermatology, etc are the best. Visual, engaging, and most of all useful. Dr. Hollier is an excellent speaker, gives great examples based on her actual practice. I am still becoming more familiar with her content, but I have not been disappointed in anything that I have bought. I get great vibes when I hear her speak at events. It leaves you feeling like, “Yeah I want to be like that!” Great sense of humor too.

Barkley & Associates

This company was one the first to offer students and graduates diagnostic tests to help hone the approach to study. They also offer a free assessment of the 3P’s - pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment. As an NP faculty I used their review and practice exams for my students in their final semester and then held focused reviews on areas where my students scored weaker on the content. As a faculty member, the company was great to help me offer a discounted rate to my students since we used it as a textbook. Other companies do the same, but I just found this group the easiest to work with me. As a disclaimer, I have written test review questions for the Barkley FNP Certification Review Book.


Liek

There is a distinction to be made in the Liek Book and Liek Review. The Liek book is published by Springer Publishing and is one of the primer “practice-question” books. Many students purchase the question book ($80.00), access the app of practice questions ($39.00), or get the flashcards ($24.99). There is an FNP Review that is managed via Springer Publishing, visit the Springer-owned Liek options at: https://www.springerpub.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=leik


There is a seperate, privately owned review that Liek manages. The website is slightly overwhelming to look at, but an intensive review is offered. To visit that site, go to: http://www.npreview.com/. I have not used this review before, so in fairness, I can not offer any insight.


Sarah Michelle NP Reviews

Here is the new kid on the block, but coming on strong! Sarah Michelle NP Reviews launched in 2020 but is making traction. The Facebook Group, “FNP/AGNP Reviews” has over 7,000 members and is quite active. The major feature of this review is the support and sense of community it offers. There are distinct materials and strategies offered to deal with test anxiety, participants are sharing experiences, and the reviews are saying the material rivals the market staples. It could be the best value, depending on what your goals are. This is a company to keep your eye on!


ANCC

The American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) has its own recommended review book. If taking this test, I would just point this feature out and be very aware. When studying for my own FNP exam (many, many years ago) I think I would have purchased this book had I known it was available. They also offer some free resources on their website to help with test preparation, as does the AANPCB.


Google Doc with Active Hyperlinks: Table of NP Review Courses, Quick Review


The expense of review courses, coupled with looming student loans and other obligations, is a serious consideration. I personally do not recommend that you buy each and every review. Your NP program should have prepared you for the exam. The purpose of the review is to pull together key concepts, refresh content in your mind, and get you prepped for the testing portion.


After reviewing and digesting this information, here are some questions to ask yourself.


3 Key Questions to Ask Yourself About Buying NP Review Materials:


  • Will the COVID-19 Pandemic impact travel if attending live?

  • Will you complete a review as part of your NP Program?

  • What is the pass-rate of participants?



I recommend that you purchase one review to complete as you complete your NP training. Then, if you feel it necessary, purchase one additional product. Two review products, plus training from an accredited NP program should equal success in most cases. This was my advice and strategy for my NP students.


I hope this content was helpful. My goal is to share my knowledge and experience to help make others successful. Please write a review or leave a comment and share with others your perspective of NP review materials.


To learn more about me and my projects, visit my website at dnpmollyb.org, follow me on Facebook @DNPmollyB.


Join my Facebook Live Session, October 31, 2020:

All About the DNP Degree, Why It's NOT So Scary: https://fb.me/e/3r4J03oCf


Attend my live courses coming up on December 16, 2020:


Dr. Molly J. Bradshaw DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC


_________________________________________________

Dr. Bradshaw is an Associate Professor and DNP Program Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a practicing nurse practitioner at First Choice Immediate Care, in Columbia, KY. DNPmollyB, LLC is dedicated to helping NPs successfully transition to practice.




 
 
 

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