An FNP program is a type of program that permits a registered nurse (RN) to enter an APRN program. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is the minimum educational requirement to become a licensed APRN, so FNP programs will typically offer students the choice of either an MSN or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to meet this prerequisite. Both types of degree programs focus on family medicine and primary care, ensuring that you hone the skills needed to sit for board certification examinations and state licensure requirements.

The training offered in an FNP degree program prepares you to provide continuous care to families. FNPs help patients across the lifespan, from children to the elderly, and the close relationships they form with their patients create unique opportunities to impact lives. For example, FNPs can help people reduce their out-of-pocket costs by delivering the type of primary care that prevents acute illness and keeps them out of the emergency room.

Online FNP programs offer a number of advantages:

• Flexible scheduling. Most traditional FNP programs take place during normal academic hours, which means a lot of classes are during the day. If you’re already working in clinical practice, this may not be feasible. Online FNP programs offer greater flexibility, and you don’t have to commute to class.
• Lower costs. In addition to removing transportation costs, online programs also eliminate food and housing expenses associated with on-campus programs.
• High-quality education. Because online FNP programs don’t limit you to a specific geographic location, you have more options when seeking the best accredited school and program for your needs.
  

If you’re interested in advanced practice nursing, there are a number of online FNP program options to choose from based on where you are in your nursing career. Some programs are open to RNs with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while others require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to enter the program. There are even programs for students who already have their MSN, such as a post-master's certificate (PMC) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The common factor among FNP-focused programs is that they prepare you to sit for FNP certification examination and other nurse practitioner examinations. 

ADN to MSN - FNP

Registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) can enter an ADN to MSN program to qualify for FNP certification board examination. An ADN to MSN program allows RNs who have already developed expertise in nursing and are working in clinical practice to focus solely on advanced practice nursing courses that allow them to earn an MSN degree. ADN to MSN programs can be completed in as few as 36 months.

RN to MSN - FNP

If you’re currently a registered nurse (RN), you might consider an RN to MSN program. RN to MSN programs are typically designed specifically for those already working in clinical practice. They tend to be especially flexible in their scheduling. These programs can usually be completed in two years.

BSN to MSN - FNP

Registered nurses with a BSN degree who are interested in advanced practice nursing can choose a BSN to MSN program. This type of program is the best option for BSN degree holders who are ready to take on more responsibility and want to meet the degree requirements for becoming an FNP. These programs can often be completed in as little as two years.

BSN to DNP - FNP

BSN holders interested in advanced practice nursing and want to pursue a doctorate degree can opt for a BSN to DNP program with an FNP specialization. The benefits of a DNP may include opportunities for leadership and administrative positions and higher earning potential. If your ultimate career goal is to oversee a health organization’s nursing department, for example, getting a DNP can make a lot of sense. Some nurses also choose the DNP path to become a nurse educator so they can help train other nurses. DNP programs may take three or four years to complete.

MSN to DNP - FNP

Current MSN degree holders can opt for an MSN to DNP program with an FNP specialization. This type of program can prepare you for advanced leadership roles and allow you to practice more autonomously.

Post-graduate FNP certificates

Post-graduate certificates provide opportunities for RNs seeking NP certification, as well as current NPs seeking an additional NP specialty such as family nurse practitioner. Certificate programs can also be used to earn continuing education or clinical hours. Current NPs can earn a second NP specialization in as few as 12 months.

Working as an FNP enables you to evaluate, diagnose, treat patients, and function with a high level of autonomy. This means that to be successful as an FNP, you’ll need extensive knowledge of medicine and of clinical practice. The typical FNP curriculum will usually include courses like the following:

• Pharmacology. FNPs often prescribe medications to help patients address acute or chronic conditions, which requires an in-depth knowledge of how different medications affect the body and interact with one another.
• Physical assessment. From annual wellness check-ups to diagnostic exams, FNPs must be skilled in conducting thorough physical assessments, identifying any potential abnormalities or signs of illness.
• Evidence-based practice. FNPs also need to be familiar with evidence-based practice, which involves diagnosing and treating patients on the basis of clinical data, medical histories, and documents from comparable cases.
• Advanced anatomy and physiology. While registered nurses gain ample exposure to human anatomy and physiology, FNPs must often have an even more intricate and comprehensive understanding of how bodily systems work.

These are just a few examples of what you can expect from the typical FNP curriculum.

To become a board certified and state licensed FNP, you’ll first need to earn a degree from an accredited program. The following organizations offer FNP accreditation:

• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests in nursing education and nursing practice, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure institutions and its programs meet or exceed the criteria for education quality. The ACEN accredits nursing education programs that are focused on practical nursing, registered nursing via the ADN or BSN, and graduate level nursing.  

After graduating from an accredited program, you must complete board certification examination. Once board certified, you must apply for state licensure in the state where you intend to practice as an FNP. There are two board certifications available so it's important that you verify which examination meets state licensure requirements. The following organizations offer the board certification examination for family nurse practitioner. 

• The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which administers the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC) exam
• The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), which administers its own Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP)

While other types of nurse practitioner programs exist, these are the two examinations that focus on the FNP role; other certification examinatinos are focused on specialties such as psychiatric mental health, acute care, pediatrics, or women’s health.

One thing to keep in mind is that simply completing an FNP degree program does not qualify you to practice; instead, it prepares you to sit for examinations so you can obtain FNP certification. In addition to obtaining FNP certification, you will need to become licensed in your state. While licensing requirements vary from one state to the next, they generally include completion of an exam and the accrual of a set number of clinical hours.

The FNP role is an advanced practice registered nurse position, meaning it requires extensive understanding of patient care. That means the specific timeframe for completing an FNP degree program varies depending on the educational path you choose.

For example, if you’re already a certified, licensed NP, you can earn a post-graduate FNP certificate in 12 months. But if you’re not a registered nurse and are at the beginning of your FNP training journey, becoming a certified family nurse practitioner may take between six and eight years. Something else to consider is that if you decide to earn a DNP instead of an MSN, the program will take longer; there's a strategic initiative in place that is encouraging DNP completion instead of the MSN.

An FNP degree program will equip you with the skills you need to be successful in your FNP career, and the confidence required to handle the job’s essential duties and responsibilities.
 

FNP skills

Some of the essential skills needed to be successful in the FNP role include:

• Communication. FNPs must listen carefully to patients as they explain their symptoms and share their medical history. Once they understand a patient’s needs, it’s up to them to articulate diagnoses and treatment plans clearly and concisely.
• Collaboration. FNPs work with autonomy, but that doesn’t mean they work in isolation. To properly coordinate patient care, FNPs work closely with nurses and technicians, and also collaborate with specialists as needed.
• Critical thinking. Critical thinking skills allow an FNP to review a list of symptoms and physical observations, review evidence-based outcomes, and make informed decisions.
• Compassion. FNPs often provide care for an individual or an entire family over the course of many years. Compassion is crucial for sustaining a strong professional relationship with each patient.

FNP duties

Some of the primary duties associated with the FNP role include:

• Maintaining patient records
• Compiling and updating medical histories
• Performing physical examinations
• Ordering or performing diagnostic tests
• Interpreting the results of diagnostic tests
• Developing and communicating treatment plans
• Prescribing medication
• Educating patients about disease prevention and healthy lifestyle choices
• Treating a range of acute and chronic conditions, as well as injuries
  

As you take a closer look at becoming an FNP, it’s natural to wonder about the FNP salary expectations and job outlook.

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for an FNP was $96,687 as of May 2021. Keep in mind that the specific salary level can vary based on several factors, including years of experience and geographic location.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that nurse practitioner employment will grow by 45% between 2019 to 2029, far outpacing the 4% average growth expected for all professions. In fact, among professions that currently employ more than 10,000 people, the job category that includes nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the country. Factors contributing to NP demand growth included the expected physician shortage, the aging population, and the evolving nature of the health care industry.