family nurse practitioner
FNP
request information
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice nurse who manages the healthcare of individuals and their families by providing preventive and primary care, promoting health and wellbeing, and helping their patients manage chronic conditions. FNPs conduct routine checkups and assessments, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and initiate and manage treatment plans for their patients.
Frontier Nursing University offers a graduate Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track that can be pursued full- or part-time while completing a Master of Science in Nursing or a Post-Graduate Certificate. After earning an MSN or certificate, you have the option to continue on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at FNU.
With our distance education model, your home community serves as your classroom. FNU faculty are committed to being present and providing consistent support throughout the educational journey. Our flexible family nurse practitioner program allows you to complete courses online and work closely with a practicing family nurse practitioner during your clinical experience.
“I looked at a lot of different schools…Frontier just stood out.” – Paige Boran, Student
What Sets FNU Apart?
Specialty Track Overview
Student Success
At Frontier Nursing University, we are committed to providing the resources and connections you need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. With personalized guidance from academic advisors, peer collaboration opportunities, and a robust curriculum delivered by passionate faculty, you have everything you need to succeed as a Frontier student.
The Student Engagement, Access, and Success team cultivates a seamless, student-centered ecosystem grounded in Inclusive Excellence and Frontier Nursing University’s foundational Culture of Caring that supports every student from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Exam Pass Rates
FNP MSN graduates have an overall certification pass rate of 96% (AANP 2024).
FNP PGC graduates have an overall certification pass rate of 100% (AANP 2024).
Are you interested in learning about FNU’s FNP Program?
Join us for a Q&A Session!
FNP Program Q&A
Recorded November 2025
ready to apply?
First FNP Program in the U.S.
Frontier Nursing University began offering the first FNP program in the U.S. in 1970. Our Community-based Family Nurse Practitioner Program (CFNP) curriculum has a strong academic and clinical basis.
It is unique in that we teach you not only to be a family nurse practitioner, but also to be an entrepreneur and a leader in healthcare.
“Thank you for taking time to explore the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program at Frontier Nursing University. As home of the nation’s first FNP program, Frontier has a tradition of being an innovator in family nursing education. Our graduates are well prepared clinicians who are improving healthcare around the country and the world. As a Frontier student, you will get to know the needs of your community and also learn entrepreneurial skills to be able start your own practice. If you are an innovator, a trailblazer and a changemaker, Frontier is the place for you.”
nurse Practitioner news
Family Nurse Practitioners Can Chart Their Own Course in Health Care
Graduate Spotlight: Jaime Westlund Turns a Dream Into Care for the Kona Community in Hawaii
Graduate Spotlight: Three-time FNU graduate Jennifer Baxter serves and precepts alongside fellow alumni at Illinois midwifery practice
Purpose, Philosophy, and Objectives
Learn more about FNU’s nurse-midwifery program purpose, philosophy, and objectives.