Family Nurse Practitioner Master's Degrees

Students seeking a Master of Science may wish to explore family nurse practitioner (FNP) master's degree programs. This education may teach a student how to work in a clinical space providing care for patients of all ages. They may be looking to extend their degree. They may wish to complete a nurse practitioner program to work in doctor’s offices and family practices. These positions typically allow students to provide care to patients over their lifespan.

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Many students may already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The practicum for this advanced education may include certifications for concentrations. It may even allow students to work in private practice.

The Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree could also help students to work in a field that interests them. This may be in pediatrics or disease prevention. Some may move on to work in care settings within medical facilities for health promotion. Others may continue their education. They may wish to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This next step is often a graduate level program that focuses on research and leadership.

To get started on an MSN, students often need some key insights.

Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Programs

An online Master of Science in Nursing is an opportunity to enhance current Registered Nursing (RN) skills. Students often learn how to manage patient care. This may include aspects of diagnosing, treating, and overseeing the care of a person. Most often, those completing this program might provide care at all stages of life. This includes short term and long term management of healthcare needs. They may work with children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Some FNP programs may allow students to provide more than just treatment of illness and injury. A student may learn how to advocate for women’s health. This may include providing education and support for early testing for gynecological disorders. They may also focus on providing early diagnosis and prevention support for patients of all types and ages. Many could customize coursework to focus on areas that interest them the most.

As an online program, students may embrace versatility. This type of NP program or MSN degree offers a wide range of options and versatility. Students may find themselves with flexible part time options for school. They may be able to build a professional network within the program. All of this comes from the opportunities presented in a family nurse practitioner program.

What is an Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Program?

An online FNP program typically focuses on advanced practice skills that nurse practitioners need. Nurse practitioners typically have a master’s degree. They may also need board certification to provide care at this level.

FNPs are typically able to provide services independently. That is, they may not have to work under a doctor. They may provide medications as well as other healthcare to people of all ages. They may have to work independently to provide services. There are times where collaborating with others may also be important.

An online FNP master’s degree program often prepares a student for this type of training. There may be several routes to take to complete the program. A Master of Science and a Master of Arts are both options. A Master of Arts in Nursing is typically focused on theory. This degree recognizes the academic theory of this field. It focuses less on the actual practical skills that a person may need to work in the field. Some Master of Arts students end up working in the field. However, many may go on to a graduate school.

The Master of Science is another common path. It typically teaches practical skills for those who wish to work in the field. It is the practical education component. Students may learn research, pathology, modern issues in healthcare, and other topics. What they learn helps them to diagnose and treat people. They may have more clinical hours in hands on work.

An MSN program is often necessary to earn the board certification as an FNP. Those who have an RN license and wish to advance may be able to follow this degree program.

What Could I Pursue After Completing an Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master’s Degree Program?

Earning an FNP may open the door to various educational paths. Students may need to complete certification exams. They might have already completed clinical experience and have met all prerequisites and competencies. They may be ready to work in the field. Some of the areas in which students use their degrees may include the following:

• Record Patients Medical Histories - This means that they often ask questions and find out the medical history of the patient. This may mean looking at family medical history and current and past medical problems that the patient has had.
• Perform Physicals - An FNP may perform an annual physical. This is a simple evaluation designed to determine the overall health of a patient. These are usually done in a doctor’s office or clinic.
• Diagnose Health Problems - An FNP may be able to diagnose patients. This may be done by conducting tests and exams and going over the symptoms that the patient is experiencing. The use of all tools available may provide for a more thorough diagnosis.
• Provide Patients with Medications - An FNP may write and administer prescriptions through a pharmacy or by providing different medications in office. These may be as simple as antibiotics or a broad number of other options including vaccines.
• Perform Diagnostic Tests - An FNP may be able to run and order diagnostic tests for a patient. This could be requesting bloodwork or having and EKG performed.
• Create Care Plans for Patients - The FNP could create a course of action or care plan designed to aid a patient and to improve their overall health. Whether through prescribing an eating plan or suggesting therapy to rehab a sore joint.

Is an Online Family Nurse practitioner Master’s Degree Program Worth It?

With licensure, students completing an online FNP program may find a variety of benefits. Following are some of the career options of many that one could pursue with an FNP. Some of the positions may not require being an FNP. Some positions to consider beyond these may include nurse anesthetist, dialysis nurse practitioner, nurse researcher and others. As a practicing FNP the 2020 annual median salary according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is $117,670 per year with potential for a 45% increase in positions over the next 10 years from 2020 to 2030. Here are some examples of what individuals may do with their FNP licensure. (Source: BLS.gov)

Nurse Case Manager or Health Services Manager

In this position the nurse may be responsible for planning and directing all of the business activities of the medical office. Using data from the BLS, below are the 2020 median annual salary and projected employment growth: (Source: BLS.gov)

Median Salary: $104,280 per year
Job Growth: 32%

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

In this position the nurse practitioner typically works directly with patients. This may be in a hospital, nursing home or long term care facility. They may also work in a family practice collaborating with doctors and other nurse practitioners. Using data from the BLS, below are the 2020 median annual salary and projected employment growth: (Source: BLS.gov)

Median Salary: $117,670 per year
Job Growth: 45%

What Classes May I Take With an Online Family Nurse Practitioner’s Master’s Degree Program?

Students may gain access to a range of classes when completing an online master’s degree program. Some students might take advanced courses in the areas of their bachelor’s degree. Others skill out concentrations in a range of fields. This may include pediatrics. Some may take courses in gerontology. Electives may be numerous. This may give students the flexibility to use their courses to choose things that interest them.

Often, students may choose courses based on what they plan to do. For example, some may work in an evidence-based practice. They may need different skills than those working in a holistic environment. Those wishing to become an advanced practice registered nurse may need different skills. There may be specific courses required by the certification board. Some schools may have required coursework. Sometimes a capstone is necessary.

Some of the most common courses students may take include:

FNP Courses:

• Advanced Pathophysiology - In this course the student may analyze and study human responses to varying pathophysiologic mechanisms as well as their conditions. This may include looking at normal and abnormal responses and may include evaluations of the responses. Charting and analyzing the responses to draw conclusions may be a part of this course.
• Advanced Physical Assessment - In this course the student may increase their skills in conducting a health assessment. The student may develop various assessment techniques that use medical history and medical exams in order to make determinations. This course may provide various opportunities to learn and enhance already existing knowledge.
• Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals - In this course you may look at commonly used prescription drugs. Portions of the course may cover the applications of these medications and the expanding overall knowledge of the principles of pharmacology. Students may be introduced to all aspects of these drugs from inception to being available as a generic.
• Population Health, Epidemiology, and Statistical Principles - In this course students may look at population health, statistics and its epidemiology. You may analyze and evaluate the data gathered to help in making determinations. The use of data and statistics in aiding decision making and how to best treat patients is often the primary focus of this course.

Skills gained in this program:

• Making Ethical Decisions - Being able to make decisions based on the best interests of the patient as well as following the rules and regulations of the practice.
• Critical Thinking - Learning the skill of critical thinking and reasoning and applying it to decisions. Being able to make decisions not only on a day to day basis but in the heat of the moment as well.
• Effective Communication - Being able to get across a point to your staff, patients and fellow employees requires the ability to communicate effectively. Learning to listen as well as provide feedback are integral parts of this skill.
• Attention to Detail - Missing small steps or overlooking small changes could lead to big problems. Making sure to listen to the patient and look at all aspects of why they are there to see you is integral. Being able to draw conclusions because you paid attention to everything they provided to you.

Concentration Areas in an FNP Masters Degree Program

A nursing degree may be a very flexible tool. Healthcare professionals typically need a specific set of skills. This may be based on where they work. It may be based on who they work with in terms of their client population. Certifications could help to ensure students have specific skills in those areas. Some of the concentrations that are commonly associated with a master’s degree include:

FNP Concentrations:

• Adult Gerontology - When looking to pursue a career as an adulty gerontology FNP you may learn and master a specific set of skills. Skills that you may learn are the treating of adults and elderly as well as treating of adolescents. Some areas where this specialty is working are internal medicine offices, specialty clinics and rehab centers.
• Cardiac - As a cardiac FNP responsibilities may include any of the following, interpreting labs, analyzing radiology tests, as well as assessing and diagnosing cardiac patients. They may work in a doctor’s office or hospital. Many times working and collaborating other doctors and nurse practitioners to reach a diagnosis. They may work with patients of all ages.
• Neo Natal - When working as a neo natal nurse practitioner you may work with infants in a variety of capacities. These may include in a hospital setting or in a practice. Other areas where this position is needed may be in clinics and in home care. In this position you may collaborate and work not only with other professionals in a neo natal capacity but general practitioners and surgeons as well depending on the case and the patient.
• Oncology - As an oncology FNP the primary responsibilities may be cancer patients. This could go from diagnosis to treatment. Other responsibilities may include making assessments, analyzing data and conducting tests. In this position working in a hospital or practice is often most common. There is typically much collaboration between other doctors and nurse practitioners as well to aid and assist the patients.

Accreditation for an FNP Program and Board Certification

Students choosing a nursing program may need to consider many factors. One of those factors is accreditation. This is a stamp of approval from an accrediting board. It means the nursing program and FNP program meets the necessary requirements of the credentialing organization. In other words, this means the student is learning key skills he or she needs to work in the field. The credentialing or accrediting board sets the terms. The program must meet those terms to be considered acceptable.

Students may wish to look up the accreditation associated with the program they are considering. It is common to find accreditations from specific organizations. One of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is another to provide accreditation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is yet another. Any of these may be helpful.

Scholarship for FNP Programs

Obtaining a degree in this field may be desirable. It may be expensive in some cases. Some students may not be sure they could afford it. This is where scholarships may help. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

A range of scholarship opportunities may exist for those completing this type of nursing education. Many scholarships set specific requirements. These rules must be met to receive the funds. For many, this may include GPA requirements. It may include enrollment in an accredited program in the United States. Other times, the scholarship may require full time study instead of part time.

The following are some examples of potentially available scholarships. These may apply to the FNP that you are seeking. Terms may change over time but these maybe some details to consider.

WiseGeek Nurse Appreciation Scholarship

Value: This is a $500 one time non renewable scholarship.
Deadline: December 31
Requirements:

• Application form
• Official transcript
• Personal statement

Description: This scholarship is typically for current or prospective nursing students. This is open to all levels of secondary students. The purpose of this scholarship is to help offset loans and tuition.

AANP and Education Advancement Grants

Value: There are five scholarships awarded for a value of $5,000 each. The scholarships are non renewable and the total awards are $25,000.
Deadline: March 24
Requirements:

• Application form

Deadline: This award is usually available for registered nurses as well as nurse practitioners who are looking to pursue a further degree. All applicants must be members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

Value: There are three $2,500 non renewable scholarships. Total value for all scholarships is $7,500.
Deadline: January 31
Requirements:

• Official transcript
• Stamped postcard
• Two letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• List of extracurricular activities

Description: This scholarship is typically available for students who are studying nursing and demonstrate financial need. Academic excellence is strongly considered as well.

A Nurse I Am Scholarship

Value: This is a $2,000 non renewable scholarship. There may be up to seven recipients for this award.
Deadline: March 31
Requirements:

• Application form
• Essay

Description: This award is usually for any student who is in nursing school anywhere in the US. The applicant for the award may need to watch the “A Nurse I Am” documentary in either the 32 or 62 minute version. It is recommended that the applicant watch both videos.

CastleBranch – GNSA Scholarship

Value: There are four scholarships awarded per your in increments of $2,500 per semester. This scholarship is non renewable.
Deadline: December 30
Requirements:

• Application form
• Letter of recommendation
• Essay

Description: This scholarship is typically for students in a graduate nursing program that is an AACN member institution. In order to be eligible the student must have at least a 3.5 GPA. If not a member already winners must join the AACN make a post summarizing their essay.

ENA Foundation Graduate Scholarship Program

Value: $3,909
Deadline: April 28
Requirements:

• Acceptance letter
• Statement of goals
• Copy of nursing license
• Official transcript
• Verification of tuition costs
• Application form
• Two letters of recommendation

Description: This award is typically for students who are in good standing as a member of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA). Students must be pursuing an MSN and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA as well.

AfterCollege / AACN

Value: There are four $2,500 scholarships awarded. One each quarter for a total of $10,000 in awards.
Deadline: December 31
Requirements:

• Application form
• Nursing student

Description: This scholarship is designed for students who are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. This is a non renewable scholarship.

This is an offer for educational opportunities that may lead to employment and not an offer or guarantee of employment and that may help prepare students to meet the licensing or certification requirements of the field they choose to study. Students should check with the appropriate licensing or certifying body to make sure the program they apply to will help meet any licensing or certification requirements. Students should also consult with a representative from the school they select to learn more about career opportunities in that field. Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific program curriculum.

GradSchools.com offers 14 Family Nurse Practitioner Master's Degrees