Dual-Track Education for Nurse Practitioners: Current and Future Directions

Dual-track programs are increasing in number to meet needs of students who wish to earn nurse practitioner (NP) certification with more than 1 population focus. This article describes dual-preparation programs, reports how 1 program is structured and implemented, and examines challenges of such programs. NP programs should create opportunities for NP students to be seamlessly prepared for more than 1 role through dual-track NP programs. •Dual track students can care for complex patients across specialties•Layering curriculum can be an effective strategy to educate and train dual track students•Surveying dual track students provide valuable feedback for faculty to guide educational program improvement•Dual track plans of study should be a part of every college of nursing to challenge those students who want to have expertise in multiple populations