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.

Campus and Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

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

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