FNP Career Overview

  • What FNPs Do: As a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), you will diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication and therapy, conduct routine check-ups, order patient lab tests, assist in minor surgical procedures, focus on disease prevention, educate patients.
  • Where Do FNPs Work: The most common places you will work are in private practices, hospitals, clinics, schools, and hospice facilities.
  • Employment Projections: Job growth for Family Nurse Practitioners is projected to grow 31 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.
  • How Much Will You Earn: According to several public and private sources, Family Nurse Practitioners make between $97,990 and $117,298.
  • Number of FNP Programs: 388 universities offer nurse practitioner programs in the U.S. 38 universities offer an online FNP program.
  • How Long Does It Take to Become an FNP: If you already have your BSN, becoming an FNP will take between 2 and 3 years. To become RN-BSN, or RN to MSN will take about 2 to 3 years.
  • Requirements to Become an FNP: You need a bachelor’s degree, RN licensure, master’s degree in nursing, national certification, and state licensure.

Eight Steps to Become an FNP

  1. Earn Your RN – Earn your RN from an CCNE or ACEN accredited university. Your ADN/BSN credits will more likely be fully accepted in your MSN program. Guide to earning your BSN.
  2. Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Several study habits along with taking plenty of practice NCLEX-Tests will help you pass the first time. Check our guide and free exams with rationales.
  3. Earn Your MSN – Take courses in family nursing theory and intervention, acute and chronic illness management, research, primary healthcare concerns and leadership preparation.
  4. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – Complete at least 500 supervised clinical hours as a part of the master’s program.
  5. Become Board Certified – Earn your board certification in family practice through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) to become a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (CFNP).
  6. Obtain Licensure – Apply for licensure in the state you want to work in.
  7. Obtain a DEA Number – Apply for DEA registration to prescribe medication.
  8. Maintain Active Certification Licensure – Minimum amount of 100 continuing education credits and 1000 hands on clinical hours during the 5-year re-certification period. Keep active BLS and DEA licenses. Maintain an active RN license in the state where you practice.

What is a Family Nurse Practitioner

A Family Nurse Practitioner is a type of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) that provide comprehensive direct patient care to male and female patients throughout their lifespan. In a typical day you will collect medical histories, perform examinations, diagnose, order and evaluate laboratory tests, educate patients, make referrals, and prescribe medication. You can manage chronic conditions, treat acute conditions, care for children and infants, and care for older adults. You can also specialize further in areas such as cardiology, nephrology, palliative care and more. Read the overview of how to become a nurse practitioner.

How Do I Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Becoming an FNP requires a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing. There are many different pathways to becoming an FNP depending on whether you are already an RN or have no prior nursing experience.

  • BSN to MSN: If you have a bachelor’s in nursing you can complete a traditional master’s in nursing program in 2 years.
  • Bachelors to MSN: If you have a bachelors in something other than nursing you complete a Accelerated MSN or Direct Entry Master’s in Nursing program. These programs require you to have completed a certain number of pre-requisite courses such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pathology and more. After 2 to 3 years (depending on the program) you can earn a master’s in nursing.
  • BSN to DNP: If you choose to get a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) this will take about 4 years. You will graduate with both MSN and DNP degrees. A DNP degree prepares the advanced practice nurse to apply research to their clinical practice.
  • MSN to DNP: If you already have a master’s in nursing you can get a DNP degree in about 2 to 3 years.

Similar nursing careers: Pediatrics Registered Nurse, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

List of Family Nurse Practitioner Programs – Online and Campus

There are 354 Accredited Family Nurse Practitioner Programs offered in the US. Search and find the right one for you. Find online, campus and hybrid formats.

University Offered asCity/State
University of Alabama at Birmingham Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBirmingham, AL
University of Alabama in Huntsville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHuntsville, AL
University of Alabama Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTuscaloosa, AL
Auburn University at Montgomery Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMontgomery, AL
Auburn University Campus, OnlineAuburn, AL
University of Alaska Anchorage Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAnchorage, AK
Arizona State University Hybrid, OnlineTempe, AZ
Samford University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBirmingham, AL
University of South Alabama Campus, OnlineMobile, AL
Troy University – Troy Campus, OnlineTroy, AL
University of Arizona Campus, OnlineTucson, AZ
Grand Canyon University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhoenix, AZ
Azusa Pacific University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAzusa, CA
California Baptist University Campus, OnlineRiverside, CA
California State University-Dominguez Hills Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCarson, CA
Fresno Pacific University Campus, HybridFresno, CA
Holy Names University CampusOakland, CA
San Francisco State University Campus, HybridSan Francisco, CA
University of San Francisco Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Francisco, CA
Walden University Campus, OnlineMinneapolis, MN
Northern Arizona University Campus, OnlineFlagstaff, AZ
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-Little Rock Campus, HybridLittle Rock, AR
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJonesboro, AR
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs – Traditional Campus, OnlineColorado Springs, CO
University of Central Arkansas – Conway Campus, OnlineConway, AR
Harding University – Searcy CampusSearcy, AR
Colorado Mesa University – Traditional Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGrand Junction, CO
Howard University Campus, HybridWashington, DC
College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Barry University Campus, OnlineMiami, FL
Florida National University-Miami Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMiami, FL
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFort Lauderdale, FL
Nova Southeastern University – Ft. Lauderdale Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFort Lauderdale, FL
Palm Beach Atlantic University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWest Palm Beach, FL
Columbus State University Campus, OnlineColumbus, GA
Henderson State University – Arkadelphia Campus, OnlineArkadelphia, AR
California State University-Bakersfield Campus, HybridBakersfield, CA
South University-Savannah Campus, OnlineSavannah, GA
Georgia Southern University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineStatesboro, GA
Georgia State University Campus, HybridAtlanta, GA
DePaul University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
Governors State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineUniversity Park, IL
University of Illinois at Chicago Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
Lewis University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRomeoville, IL
North Park University CampusChicago, IL
California State University-Stanislaus Campus, OnlineTurlock, CA
California State University-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles, CA
Northern Illinois University Campus, HybridDekalb, IL
Olivet Nazarene University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBourbonnais, IL
Saint Francis Medical Center – College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePeoria, IL
University of St Francis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJoliet, IL
Saint Xavier University CampusChicago, IL
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEdwardsville, IL
California State University-Fresno Campus, OnlineFresno, CA
Loma Linda University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLoma Linda, CA
Oak Point University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOak Brook, IL
Goshen College Campus, OnlineGoshen, IN
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
University of Indianapolis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIndianapolis, IN
Indiana State University Campus, OnlineTerre Haute, IN
California State University-Long Beach CampusLong Beach, CA
National University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLa Jolla, CA
Indiana University East Campus, OnlineRichmond, IN
University of St Francis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFort Wayne, IN
Briar Cliff University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSioux City, IA
Samuel Merritt University Campus, HybridOakland, CA
University of San Diego/Hahn CampusSan Diego, CA
Clarke University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDubuque, IA
Morningside College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSioux City, IA
Fort Hays State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHays, KS
University of Kansas Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLawrence, KS
The Valley Foundation School of Nursing at San Jose State University Campus, OnlineSan Jose, CA
University of Northern Colorado Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreeley, CO
Washburn University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTopeka, KS
Spalding University Campus, HybridLouisville, KY
Grambling State Univ CampusGrambling, LA
Loyola University New Orleans Campus, OnlineNew Orleans, LA
Sonoma State University Campus, HybridRohnert Park, CA
Regis University-Choice Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDenver, CO
Southern Univ Baton Rouge Campus, HybridBaton Rouge, LA
Colorado State University-Pueblo CampusPueblo, CO
University of Connecticut-Storrs Campus Campus, HybridStorrs, CT
Fairfield University Campus, HybridFairfield, CT
Husson University Campus, HybridBangor, ME
University of Southern Maine Campus, HybridPortland, ME
Coppin State University CampusBaltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBaltimore, MD
American International College Campus, HybridSpringfield, MA
Endicott College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBeverly, MA
Quinnipiac University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHamden, CT
Sacred Heart University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFairfield, CT
University of Saint Joseph Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWest Hartford, CT
University of Delaware Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNewark, DE
University of Massachusetts-Lowell Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLowell, MA
University of Massachusetts-Amherst Campus, OnlineAmherst, MA
University of Massachusetts-Boston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
Northeastern University – Accelerated Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoston, MA
Southern Connecticut State University CampusNew Haven, CT
The Catholic University of America Campus, HybridWashington, DC
George Washington University Campus, OnlineWashington, DC
College of Our Lady of Elms Campus, HybridChicopee, MA
Davenport University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGrand Rapids, MI
University of Detroit Mercy CampusDetroit, MI
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Campus, HybridAnn Arbor, MI
Georgetown University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWashington, DC
University of Central Florida Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOrlando, FL
Florida Atlantic University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoca Raton, FL
Michigan State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEast Lansing, MI
University of Michigan-Flint Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFlint, MI
Oakland University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRochester Hills, MI
Florida Southern College CampusLakeland, FL
Florida State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTallahassee, FL
Jacksonville University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJacksonville, FL
Saginaw Valley State University Campus, HybridUniversity Center, MI
Wayne State University Campus, HybridDetroit, MI
Augsburg College Campus, HybridMinneapolis, MN
University of Florida – Gainesville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGainesville, FL
University of Miami Campus, HybridCoral Gables, FL
Metropolitan State University CampusSaint Paul, MN
The College of Saint Scholastica Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDuluth, MN
Cox College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSpringfield, MO
University of Central Missouri Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWarrensburg, MO
University of New Hampshire (DEMN), Durham Campus, HybridDurham, NH
Rivier University Campus, HybridNashua, NH
University of North Florida Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJacksonville, FL
University of South Florida College of Nursing Campus, HybridTampa, FL
Rowan University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGlassboro, NJ
Monmouth University School of Nursing and Health Studies Campus, HybridWest Long Branch, NJ
Stockton University Campus, HybridGalloway, NJ
New Mexico State University-Las Cruces Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLas Cruces, NM
Columbia University in the City of New York Campus, HybridNew York, NY
CUNY Lehman College Campus, HybridBronx, NY
D’Youville College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBuffalo, NY
The University of Tampa CampusTampa, FL
Albany State University Campus, OnlineAlbany, GA
Brenau University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGainesville, GA
Daemen College Campus, HybridAmherst, NY
Dominican College of Blauvelt Campus, HybridOrangeburg, NY
Le Moyne College Campus, HybridSyracuse, NY
Long Island University-Post Campus, HybridBrookville, NY
College of Mount Saint Vincent Campus, HybridBronx, NY
The College of New Rochelle-ASDBS Campus, NY
Clayton State University Campus, OnlineMorrow, GA
Georgia Southwestern State University Campus, OnlineAmericus, GA
University of Mary Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBismarck, ND
University of North Dakota Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGrand Forks, ND
North Dakota State University (Combined NDSU Fargo campus and NDSU Nursing at Sanford Health Bismarck) Campus, HybridFargo, ND
University of Akron Main Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAkron, OH
Case Western Reserve University Campus, HybridCleveland, OH
Cedarville University Campus, HybridCedarville, OH
Emory University Campus, HybridAtlanta, GA
Georgia College and State University Hybrid, Online, GA
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Campus, HybridCincinnati, OH
Kent State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKent, OH
Malone University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCanton, OH
Mount Carmel College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbus, OH
The Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus) Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbus, OH
Kennesaw State University Campus, Hybrid, GA
University of Hawaii at Hilo Campus, HybridHilo, HI
Ohio University-Main Campus (Athens) Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAthens, OH
Otterbein Nursing Program (Otterbein University) Campus, HybridWesterville, OH
Walsh University Gary And Linda Byers School of Nursing Campus, HybridNorth Canton, OH
Youngstown State University Campus, OnlineYoungstown, OH
Valdosta State University Campus, HybridValdosta, GA
University of Hawaii @ Manoa-MEPN Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHonolulu, HI
Oklahoma City University – Okla. City Campus, HybridOklahoma City, OK
University of Portland Campus, HybridPortland, OR
Hawaii Pacific University CampusHonolulu, HI
Idaho State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePocatello, ID
Bradley University Campus, OnlinePeoria, IL
Widener University-Main Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChester, PA
University of Rhode Island Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKingston, RI
Mennonite Nursing at Illinois State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNormal, IL
Loyola University – Chicago Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChicago, IL
Saint Anthony College of Nursing Campus, HybridRockford, IL
Ball State University Campus, OnlineMuncie, IN
Salve Regina University Campus, HybridNewport, RI
Purdue University-Fort Wayne Campus, OnlineFort Wayne, IN
University of Southern Indiana Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEvansville, IN
Francis Marion University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFlorence, SC
Mount Marty College Campus, HybridYankton, SD
East Tennessee State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJohnson City, TN
University of Memphis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMemphis, TN
Angelo State University Campus, HybridSan Angelo, TX
Indiana University-South Bend Campus, OnlineSouth Bend, IN
Indiana Wesleyan University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMarion, IN
Purdue University-Calumet Campus Campus, OnlineHammond, IN
Baylor University Campus, HybridWaco, TX
Saint Mary’s College Campus, OnlineNotre Dame, IN
Valparaiso University Campus, HybridValparaiso, IN
Allen College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWaterloo, IA
Bellarmine University Campus, OnlineLouisville, KY
Kentucky Christian University Campus, OnlineGrayson, KY
Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi Campus, OnlineCorpus Christi, TX
Texas A & M International University Campus, OnlineLaredo, TX
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Campus, HybridBelton, TX
Midwestern State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWichita Falls, TX
Prairie View A & M University Campus, OnlinePrairie View, TX
Eastern Kentucky University Campus, OnlineRichmond, KY
Morehead State University Campus, OnlineMorehead, KY
The University of Texas at Arlington Campus, Hybrid, OnlineArlington, TX
The University of Texas at Austin Campus, HybridAustin, TX
The University of Texas at El Paso Campus, OnlineEl Paso, TX
University of Louisville-Louisville Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLouisville, KY
Murray State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMurray, KY
The University of Texas at Tyler Campus, Hybrid, OnlineTyler, TX
Texas Woman’s University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDenton, TX
West Texas A & M University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCanyon, TX
Northern Kentucky University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHighland Heights, KY
Western Kentucky University-Bowling Green Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBowling Green, KY
Westminster College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSalt Lake City, UT
Old Dominion University Campus, OnlineNorfolk, VA
Seattle Pacific University CampusSeattle, WA
Seattle University Campus, HybridSeattle, WA
Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Science Center Campus, HybridNew Orleans, LA
McNeese State University Campus, OnlineLake Charles, LA
Nicholls State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineThibodaux, LA
Northwestern State University of Louisiana Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNatchitoches, LA
Southeastern Louisiana University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHammond, LA
Washington State University Campus, HybridPullman, WA
Marshall University Huntington Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHuntington, WV
Shepherd University Campus, HybridShepherdstown, WV
West Virginia Wesleyan College Campus, HybridBuckhannon, WV
Wheeling University BA-BS To BSN Program Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWheeling, WV
Concordia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMequon, WI
Marian University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFond Du Lac, WI
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLafayette, LA
University of Maine at Orono Campus, HybridOrono, ME
Marquette University Campus, HybridMilwaukee, WI
Viterbo College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLa Crosse, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMadison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMilwaukee, WI
Brandman University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineIrvine, CA
Wichita State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWichita, KS
University of Maryland-Baltimore Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBaltimore, MD
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Campus, OnlineBoston, MA
Spring Arbor University Campus, HybridSpring Arbor, MI
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Campus, OnlineStandish, ME
Salisbury University Campus, HybridSalisbury, MD
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOklahoma City, OK
King University Campus, Hybrid, Online, TN
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Campus, Hybrid, Online, TN
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Campus, Hybrid, Online, TN
University of Phoenix-Online Campus Campus, OnlinePhoenix, AZ
United States University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Diego, CA
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix Campus, HybridPhoenix, AZ
Regis College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWeston, MA
Minnesota State University-Mankato Campus, HybridMankato, MN
Simmons College Campus, HybridBoston, MA
Alcorn State University Campus, HybridAlcorn State, MS
University of Minnesota Campus, HybridMinneapolis, MN
Delta State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCleveland, MS
University of Mississippi Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJackson, MS
Winona State University Campus, HybridWinona, MN
Mississippi University for Women Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbus, MS
University of Southern Mississippi Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHattiesburg, MS
Maryville University of Saint Louis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
University of Missouri-Columbia Campus, OnlineColumbia, MO
University of Missouri-Kansas City Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
University of Missouri-St Louis Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSaint Louis, MO
Research College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineKansas City, MO
Southeast Missouri State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCape Girardeau, MO
Missouri State University-Springfield Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSpringfield, MO
MSU Bozeman College of Nursing Campus, HybridBozeman, MT
Creighton University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
University of Nebraska Medical Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOmaha, NE
University of Nevada-Las Vegas Campus, OnlineLas Vegas, NV
University of Nevada-Reno Campus, HybridReno, NV
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Campus, HybridTeaneck, NJ
The College of New Jersey Campus, HybridEwing, NJ
William Paterson University of New Jersey Campus, HybridWayne, NJ
University of New Mexico College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineAlbuquerque, NM
CUNY Hunter College Campus, HybridNew York, NY
Mt St Marys College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNewburgh, NY
Molloy College CampusRockville Centre, NY
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing Campus, HybridNew York, NY
Pace University – The Lienhard School of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineNew York, NY
University of Rochester School of Nursing Campus, HybridRochester, NY
Russell Sage College Campus, HybridTroy, NY
St. John Fisher College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRochester, NY
Binghamton University Campus, OnlineVestal, NY
University at Buffalo Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBuffalo, NY
Stony Brook University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineStony Brook, NY
SUNY College at Brockport CampusBrockport, NY
Downstate Health Sciences University Campus, HybridBrooklyn, NY
Wagner College CampusStaten Island, NY
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Campus, Hybrid, OnlineChapel Hill, NC
Gardner-Webb University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBoiling Springs, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCharlotte, NC
University of North Carolina Wilmington Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWilmington, NC
Winston-Salem State University Campus, OnlineWinston-Salem, NC
Western Carolina University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCullowhee, NC
University of Toledo Campus, Hybrid, OnlineToledo, OH
Ursuline College Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePepper Pike, OH
Wright State University-Main Campus Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDayton, OH
Xavier University Campus, OnlineCincinnati, OH
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Campus, HybridBloomsburg, PA
DeSales University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCenter Valley, PA
Carlow University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
Drexel University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhiladelphia, PA
Gannon University Campus, OnlineErie, PA
Duquesne University Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
Misericordia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineDallas, PA
La Salle University Campus, Hybrid, OnlinePhiladelphia, PA
University of Pennsylvania CampusPhiladelphia, PA
Pennsylvania State University Campus, HybridUniversity Park, PA
University of Pittsburgh Campus, OnlinePittsburgh, PA
Robert Morris University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMoon Township, PA
University of Scranton Campus, HybridScranton, PA
Temple University Campus, HybridPhiladelphia, PA
Villanova University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineVillanova, PA
Wilkes University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineWilkes-Barre, PA
Clemson University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineClemson, SC
Medical University of South Carolina Campus, OnlineCharleston, SC
University of South Carolina-Columbia Campus, Hybrid, OnlineColumbia, SC
South Dakota State University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineBrookings, SD
Austin Peay State University Campus, OnlineClarksville, TN
Belmont University Campus, HybridNashville, TN
Carson-Newman University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineJefferson City, TN
King University OnlineBristol, TN
Middle Tennessee State University Campus, OnlineMurfreesboro, TN
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Campus, HybridKnoxville, TN
Tennessee Technological University Campus, OnlineCookeville, TN
Union University Campus, HybridJackson, TN
University of Houston-Victoria Campus, Hybrid, OnlineVictoria, TX
University of the Incarnate Word Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Antonio, TX
Stephen F Austin State University Campus, OnlineNacogdoches, TX
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Campus, HybridSan Antonio, TX
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing Campus, OnlineGalveston, TX
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHouston, TX
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLubbock, TX
Brigham Young University-Provo CampusProvo, UT
University of Utah College of Nursing Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSalt Lake City, UT
Norwich University CampusNorthfield, VT
University of Vermont Campus, HybridBurlington, VT
Jefferson College of Health Sciences Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRoanoke, VA
George Mason University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineFairfax, VA
Hampton University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHampton, VA
James Madison University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineHarrisonburg, VA
Liberty University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineLynchburg, VA
Marymount University Campus, HybridArlington, VA
Radford University (Roanoke) Campus, OnlineRadford, VA
Virginia Commonwealth University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineRichmond, VA
University of Virginia Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCharlottesville, VA
Gonzaga University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSpokane, WA
Pacific Lutheran University Campus, HybridTacoma, WA
University of Washington CampusSeattle, WA
West Virginia University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineMorgantown, WV
Alverno College Campus, OnlineMilwaukee, WI
Bellin College Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreen Bay, WI
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Campus, Hybrid, OnlineEau Claire, WI
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Campus, Hybrid, OnlineOshkosh, WI
Purdue University Campus, HybridWest Lafayette, IN
California State University-San Marcos Campus, Hybrid, OnlineSan Marcos, CA
West Coast University CampusNorth Hollywood, CA
South University-Montgomery CampusMontgomery, AL
University of California-Los Angeles CampusLos Angeles, CA
Marshall University Campus, WV
Saint Louis University Campus, Hybrid, Online, MO
Rutgers University-Camden Campus, Hybrid, OnlineCamden, NJ
Rutgers University SON Newark Campus, HybridNewark, NJ
Duke University Campus, HybridDurham, NC
East Carolina University Campus, Hybrid, OnlineGreenville, NC
Texas State University San Marcos and St. David School of Nursing Campus, HybridSan Marcos, TX
South University-Tampa CampusTampa, FL
California State University-Channel Islands CampusCamarillo, CA
Chamberlain University Campus, OnlinePhoenix, AZ
South University CampusGlen Allen, VA
Augusta University CampusAugusta, GA
University of North Georgia Campus, OnlineDahlonega, GA

FNP Certification and Licensure

Certification means that you are qualified to provide care for patients within your specialty. You obtain certification by taking a national exam through either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). After you obtain national certification you can apply for licensure through the state’s board of nursing (BON). Licensure means that you are legally able to practice in a given state. This requires submitting transcripts from your FNP program, current licensure as an RN in the state where you are applying, a fee (varies by state), and proof of national certification.

Where Do FNPs Typically Work

FNPs have a broad patient population therefore you can work in a variety of settings. These can vary from private practices, community health settings, university health clinics, urgent care clinics, prison systems, occupational health and more. Further specialization in areas such as such as cardiology, nephrology, palliative care etc., can allow you to work in more specialized clinics or hospitals.

How Much Do Family Nurse Practitioners Earn

The expected salary for FNPs can vary by state, city, experience, and practice setting. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics nurse practitioners earn a median of $104,610 per year. Multiple sources show that FNPs can make between $97,990 and $117,298. In general, urban areas tend to pay more than rural areas. Private practices will often pay more than community health settings. You can also get other financial benefits such as loan forgiveness by working with medically underserved populations. You can get loan forgiveness through the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program, through Perkins Loan Forgiveness, or the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program after qualifying. As you gain experience as an FNP you can negotiate a higher salary.

Online FNP Programs

Online FNP programs allow aspiring NPs to have more flexibility with their personal, professional, and educational lives. These programs allow you to complete coursework online and arrange your clinical hours in an area that is convenient for you. Depending on the program you may be required to come to campus occasionally.

What is a Typical FNP Curriculum

Course work varies a little by university. Most graduate nursing programs will require that you take one course in the following subjects, similar to what Boston College’s FNP program outlines:

  • Ethical Issues in Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Conceptual Basis for Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse
  • Advanced Pharmacology
  • Advanced Health Assessment
  • Research Methods for Advanced Practice Nursing
  • Advanced Pathophysiology
  • Family Theory

The Role of the FNP in the Primary Care Provider Shortage

With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act placing increased importance on preventative and primary care, along with the aging of the baby boomer population, there is a growing need for primary care providers. The Association of American Medical Colleges predicted an increased demand for physicians, specifically in the area of primary care between 2013 and 2025. As providers who are qualified to care for people of both genders throughout their lifespan FNPs provide a cost-effective solution to filling this gap and complementing the role of the physician. See Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant guide.

Resources

Books

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