As home of the nation’s first Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has a tradition of innovation in family nursing education. FNU graduates are well-prepared clinicians who are improving healthcare around the country and around the world. The FNP program curriculum includes a strong academic and clinical basis that teaches students not only to be an FNP, but also an entrepreneur and a leader in healthcare.
The national median salary for FNPs is $123,780 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, it is predicted that there will be a 40 percent increase in the need for nurse practitioners through 2031. For registered nurses who want to advance their scope of practice, open the door to more career opportunities, increase their earning potential and provide more comprehensive care for patients, taking the steps to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is a great option. Read more in Five Steps to Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.
What does a family nurse practitioner do?
An FNP is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) 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.
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the top clinical focus areas for FNPs are family, primary care and urgent care, and the top practice settings of the profession are hospital outpatient clinics, private group practices and private physician practices.
Steps to becoming a family nurse practitioner
To become an FNP, the majority of individuals start by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and by passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) exam to become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). After obtaining RN licensure, it is required to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to secure a career as an FNP. MSN programs designed specifically with an FNP specialty typically require one to three years to complete and include a combination of didactic coursework and clinical practice experience.
“After my first phone conversation with a staff member at FNU, I knew Frontier was the place for me.”
– Meggan Smith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FNU Alumni
At FNU, 100% of FNP coursework is online
The FNP program at FNU offers affordable tuition, flexible online coursework, a supportive doctorally-prepared faculty, dedicated clinical placement services and a stellar reputation as a top-ranked accredited program. Students can attend full or part-time, complete 100 percent of coursework online, complete their clinical practicum in their home community and enjoy two brief on-campus immersion experiences. After earning an MSN, students can continue on to complete their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at FNU with 30 additional credit hours.
FNU’s exam pass rates exceed the national average
FNU’s FNP MSN graduates have an overall certification pass rate of 95% compared with 74% national average, and our FNP PGC graduates have an overall certification pass rate of 100% compared with 74% national average (American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2021). With the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), FNP graduates have an overall certification pass rate of 95% compared with 85% national average.
First FNP program in the U.S.
Frontier Nursing University began offering the first FNP program in the U.S. in 1970. Today, 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.
Learn more about FNU’s FNP program and advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty and staff!