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

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