FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

What Is an FNP Program?

Family nurse practitioner (FNP) programs aim to help healthcare workers become nurse practitioners. These professionals may be Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). They typically provide care to patients from birth through their lifetime. FNP programs aim to help students to prepare to work in this field.

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The FNP is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. There may be other programs to help students to reach this position. For those who are a RN but have only an associate degree, the RN to BSN programs may be helpful. Students may then become an FNP by completing their master’s degree work.

Enrollment in a program like this may help a person advance their degree. For those who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, advanced knowledge may be helpful. Individuals may wish to do this to improve skills. Other times, students may enroll in an FNP program because they feel the desire to work in a clinic.

Many people who complete an FNP program may work in a doctor’s office setting or in providing care in a clinic setting. This is a very specific type of certification for those pursuing a master’s degree to obtain. Yet, there is a lot of flexibility in what is learned. There may be certification exams to complete at the end of education. This certification exam may be necessary to meet licensure goals.

What Could I Pursue After an FNP Program?

Many options may exist for those who wish to complete a family nurse practitioner program in the United States. Students may focus on patient care in various forms. With this higher education, they may work in doctor’s offices. Some may work in clinical practice in large organizations. Others may provide nursing in small offices. Some may even go on to run their own office. Some examples include:

Bachelor’s

Registered Nurse

Many times these nurses may be working for private organizations or individuals as opposed to working in a hospital setting. Using data from the BLS, below are the 2020 median annual salary and projected employment growth: (Source: BLS.gov)

Median Salary: $75,330 per year
Job Growth: 9%

Medical 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%

Master’s

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

A pediatric nurse practitioner works primarily with children. They typically work in hospitals or in a pediatric practice. The primarily work with infants and children. 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%

PhD

Postsecondary Teacher

This position is typically for those nursing students who would like to go on and pass along their knowledge and experience to future nurses. These positions may be available at colleges, university and trade schools focused in nursing. Using data from the BLS, below are the 2020 median annual salary and projected employment growth: (Source: BLS.gov)

Median Salary: $80,560 per year
Job Growth: 12%

Complete Additional Schooling

Another option for some students may be to continue on to complete their degree. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is another level of education. It typically comes after completing the master’s degree program. This could be a type of graduate school that may require a GRE.

Students in this level of education may focus in specific areas. This may be in health promotion in a community. Some may concentrate in geriatrics. Others may use their advanced degree to research topics that are important to them. This advanced nursing degree may help some qualify for leadership positions in some clinics as well. This post-master degree may not always be necessary. Some students may wish to complete it while others may not. In all cases, it may be an option after completing an FNP certification.

Is an FNP Program Worth It?

Only the student knows if this type of education is worth it. That is because it is based on his or her career goals. For those who wish to work in a family practice or even start their own, this could prove a valuable step. It may open doors for new opportunities. Other times, it may not be worth the time.

Financially, there are typically a few things to think about before making this move. Following are some of the career options of many that one could pursue with an FNP degree. As a practicing FNP the 2020 annual median pay according to the BLS is $117,670 per year with potential for a 45% increase in positions over the next 10 years (between 2020 and 2030). (Source: BLS.gov)

What Classes May I take in an FNP Program?

A number of FNP program classes may available. Students may also be able to choose coursework that fits their interests. For example, some may wish to get into a degree program that offers more concentration in geriatrics and senior care. Others may seek out a pediatric focus. Nursing students may get concentration in areas of women’s health as well.

Some may wish to become an acute care nurse practitioner. Others may choose to work in research. Some courses may include:

FNP Courses:

• Advanced Pathophysiology - In this course students may analyze and use human responses to pathophysiologic mechanisms and their conditions. This may include normal as well as abnormal responses and includes evaluations of the responses.
• Advanced Physical Assessment - In this course students may increase their ability to conduct health assessments. The student may develop assessment techniques by using medical history and medical exams to better make determinations of the patient.
• Advanced Pharmacology Fundamentals - In this course students may study the more common prescription drugs. Portions of the course may cover the analysis and the applications of these drugs and expanding the overall knowledge of the principles of pharmacology.
• Population Health, Epidemiology, and Statistical Principles - In this course students may look at population health, statistics, and epidemiology. The principles of these may be analyzed and then evaluated to help to make determinations. The use of data and statistics may also aid in decision making and how to best treat patients.

How Long Does it Take to Complete an FNP Program?

As an MSN program, this type of degree may usually is completed in two years. Some may be longer. Going full time may help speed up the process. Online FNP programs may offer more flexibility. Some may include part time attendance options. This may extend the time it takes to complete the program. For those who have an RN license, it may take longer to earn this degree. That may require obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Admission requirements differ. However, some schools accept transfer credits. Students who have them from another school may be able to save some time in this process.

Students who have online courses may need to meet specific requirements. This may include having a pass rate that meets requirements of the current school. For example, if an online Master of Science degree was started a few years ago, applying today to a new program may offer an opportunity to have those completed courses count towards this degree.

Certifications

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offers some insight into certifications. An FNP is a type of certification. The AANPCB typically certifies individuals as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Other types of certifications for those completing a master’s degree may be available.

This includes the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (A-GNP) certification. Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) is another type of certification examination that an FNP could complete. This may provide a higher level of education and concentration.

Board certification may be important. It often determine if a nurse meets the licensing requirements for the state. This is what allows them to work in advanced practice nursing.

Accreditations

Accreditation may be important from any school. The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification provides accreditation for programs in this field.  The American Association of Nurse Practitioners provides accreditation as well. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) are other organizations.

Scholarships for FNP Programs

For those considering a school of nursing, finding ways to pay for that degree may be important. From a bachelor’s degree to an MSN degree, there may be scholarships that could help. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Some examples of those include the following.

CastleBranch – GNSA Scholarship

Value: There are four scholarships awarded per year 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 usually have at least a 3.5 GPA. If not a member already winners must join the AACN make a post summarizing their essay.

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.

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.

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 typically 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.

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

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 usually available for students who are studying nursing and demonstrate financial need. Academic excellence is strongly considered as well.

AANP and Education Advancement Grants

Value: There are typically 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

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

GradSchools.com offers 18 Graduate Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner