FNP Programs
By EveryNurse Staff on January 12, 2023
FNP programs are graduate-level programs designed to educate future health care leaders to provide primary care for individual patients and their families. The Family Nurse Practitioner track is a clinical practice specialty for registered nurses who want to learn how to manage common diseases and provide therapeutic and preventative healthcare for patients in a variety of settings.
As an FNP, you will be able to provide care to patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. You will also be able to diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care, counsel patients on behavioral health issues, and advocate for patients and their families.
FNP Programs Overview
FNP programs are designed for RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) who are interested in promoting health, preventing illness, and caring for patients as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Students who graduate from an FNP program are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and are eligible to pursue an NP license in their state.
Additionally, graduates are eligible to pursue board certification and credentialing offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).
Family Nurse Practitioner Program Curriculum
The curriculum for FNP programs includes courses in advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, leadership and management, sexual and reproductive heatlh, symptom assessment and management, advanced clinical practice, and research. Students also complete clinical practicum hours in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
FNP curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practice and is designed to prepare nurses to provide high-quality patient care. Students cultivate a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, while also gaining experience in advanced clinical skills.
What You’ll Learn in an FNP Program
FNP programs focus on the diagnosis and treatment of common health problems, such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and musculoskeletal disorders. Coursework focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of these conditions. In addition to treating routine health problems, FNP students also learn how to manage injuries and illnesses that require immediate attention.
Students who complete an FNP program are prepared to provide a variety of patient services, including:
- Administering medications and intravenous fluids
- Developing treatment plans for common medical conditions
- Performing diagnostic tests
- Conducting physical examinations
- Educating patients on disease prevention
Online FNP Programs
Online FNP programs are an excellent option for nurses who want to gain the knowledge to reach the next level of practice but have a full-time job or other responsibilities that make attending a traditional campus-based program difficult. Online FNP programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as traditional programs, but students complete coursework and clinical requirements online, often at their own pace. This flexibility allows students to continue working while they pursue their degrees.
Blended and 100% Online FNP Programs
Nursing schools are increasingly adopting flexible course formats to meet the needs of a diverse population of students. 100% online programs and “blended” programs that combine online and in-person courses are a great option for students who want to complete FNP training with minimal disruption to their lives. This type of educational experience gives students the best combination of clinically-intense coursework and the support of a traditional educational setting.
Helpful Links
Post Graduation Career Options for FNPs
There are many career options for FNP graduates. A recent study by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners found that Family Nurse Practitioner certification is the most frequently reported area of specialization for NPs, which speaks to the versatility of the FNP career path. Additionally, nurse practitioners were recently ranked as the #2 best healthcare job by U.S. News World Report, which further confirms that this career path is in high demand with excellent employment prospects.
Some of the most promising careers for FNPs are in the following practice settings:
Private Practice
FNPs in private practice are able to work with patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They also have the flexibility to establish their own schedules and determine what types of cases they would like to focus on. Their advanced clinical expertise makes FNPs highly sought-after clinicians in a variety of medical settings.
Hospitals and Health Systems
Nurse practitioners are in high demand at hospitals and other healthcare facilities that face time constraints when managing large volumes of patients. FNPs play a critical role in providing quality care to patients in these settings, which include urgent care clinics, industrial health centers, and correctional facilities.
Specialty Clinics
As primary care providers, nurse practitioners are the key members of clinics that specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatric care, maternity care, or mental health. In these clinics, FNPs provide comprehensive care to patients and collaborate with other specialists on patient treatment plans.
Community-Based Organizations
From homeless shelters to schools to senior centers, FNPs work in a variety of community settings to promote health and wellness. In these settings, nurse practitioners help patients access the healthcare services they need and work with community members to advance public health efforts in their communities.
Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Another popular career for FNPs is working at a school or college as a professor or researcher in nursing education. Nurse practitioners in academia are able to share their clinical expertise with the next generation of nurses and help shape the future of nursing education.
NPs may also work as school nurses, which is a growing area of nursing that focuses on promoting health and wellness among students. In this role, FNPs play a critical role in preventing health problems and managing chronic illnesses among students.
Public Health Agencies
In public health agencies, FNPs work to protect and improve the health of entire populations. They may work in a variety of roles, such as disease-prevention specialists, epidemiologists, or health educators. Their work in this field is vital to advancing the health of communities nationwide.
Military and Veterans Affairs
FNPs are able to work in a variety of settings within the military, including in medical facilities on bases or in clinics that serve veterans. In these roles, FNPs provide comprehensive primary care to patients while also meeting the unique needs of service members through counseling or other services.
Managed Care Organizations
As members of managed care organizations, FNPs work to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare for patients. They may work in a number of different roles, such as case managers, utilization reviewers, or care coordinators. In these roles, FNPs use their clinical expertise to help patients get the care they need.
Home Health Care
In home health care, FNPs provide primary care to patients in their own homes. This can include providing treatment for acute and chronic illnesses, helping patients manage complex medical conditions, and providing end-of-life care. Home health care is a growing field, and FNPs are in high demand for this type of care.
FNP Programs FAQ
FNP programs typically take 27-36 months to complete, depending on the number of prerequisite courses you have completed prior to beginning the program and whether you choose a full or part-time schedule. Students who are able to transfer credits from a previous nursing program may be able to complete the FNP program in as little as 24 months.
FNP programs can be very challenging depending on your aptitude for the course material and your level of clinical experience. However, as a BSN-educated nurse, you are already well-prepared for the academic coursework and clinical requirements of an FNP program.
According to the most recent survey conducted by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2019, FNPs reported an average annual salary of $114,000. This is the equivalent of a $54.80 hourly wage. In addition to base compensation, many NPs reported receiving incentive payments and bonuses associated with patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, practice revenue, and the number of patient encounters, which can add significantly to their annual income.
