What is an FNP? The Ultimate Career Guide
Nurse practitioner is one of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, with a particularly high demand for those specializing in primary care. A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is the most common career path among nurse practitioners, as 70% of nurse practitioners are certified FNPs.
Keep reading to learn about the responsibilities, career outlook and impact of FNPs, and explore the process for becoming an FNP, including the requirements in Ohio.
What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Family nurse practitioners are primary care providers who serve patients across the lifespan, from infants to older adults. Their broad scope of practice involves educating patients on disease prevention and diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, chronic conditions and common injuries in primary care.
Precisely, what does a family nurse practitioner do each day at work? The family nurse practitioner job description varies by the scope of practice in each state, but typically includes these responsibilities:
- Maintaining patient records
- Performing physical exams
- Ordering, performing and interpreting screening and diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications
- Developing treatment plans
- Coordinating care
Where Do Family Nurse Practitioners Work?
Family nurse practitioners can practice in many settings because they are qualified to treat patients of all ages. Most work in hospital outpatient clinics, private group practices and private physician practices.
FNPs also practice in these settings:
- Healthcare systems
- Health maintenance organizations
- Nurse practitioner practices
- Nursing homes
- Schools, colleges and universities
- Public health departments
- Community health organizations
Did you know: Nurse practitioners are becoming increasingly prevalent in primary care practices, particularly in rural areas. According to recent research, 1 in 4 rural health care providers are nurse practitioners.
How Do Family Nurse Practitioners Make a Difference?
Nurses make an extraordinary impact in healthcare, and those who become family nurse practitioners can expand their influence.
The demand for preventive and primary care in America is increasing. Leading healthcare organizations are advocating for primary care providers to practice to the full extent of their education and training so that the country can better address increasing challenges in healthcare. Contributing factors include high rates of chronic disease, the growing population of aging adults and a shortage of primary care providers.
FNPs are uniquely positioned to make a difference because of their broad scope of practice. As stated before, they help expand healthcare access by treating a wide range of health issues in patients across the lifespan. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nurse practitioners’ comprehensive perspective is critical to the ability of healthcare systems to provide high-quality, cost-effective and patient-centered care.
What is the Job Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioners?
Family nurse practitioners have a bright career outlook. Job opportunities are plentiful, their earning potential is high and many nurse practitioners report high job satisfaction. Becoming an FNP will prepare you for a personally and professionally rewarding career.
Family Nurse Practitioner Job Opportunities
The bright outlook for job prospects is one reason nurse practitioner is the #1 Best Job in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that nurse practitioner employment will increase by 45% between 2022 and 2032, which is 15 times faster than the average for all jobs.
FNPs have many job opportunities because of the high demand for preventive and primary care. Opportunities are particularly prevalent in rural communities, which face a substantial shortage of primary care physicians. Fortunately, FNPs can help meet the primary care needs of these areas through their broad scope of practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner Salary
Family nurse practitioner salary varies by state and work setting. Half of FNPs nationwide earn more than $115,000 per year. This is the third-highest median salary of all nurse practitioner certification areas:
- Neonatal: $140,000
- Psychiatric-Mental Health: $137,000
- Family Health: $115,000
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care: $113,000
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care: $112,000
- Pediatric: $110,000
- Women’s Health: $110,000
Family Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction
Many family nurse practitioners also derive great satisfaction from their roles, as research from the Health Resources & Services Administration shows that 84% of licensed and employed nurse practitioners are satisfied with their jobs.
One factor is the work schedule. FNPs who practice in outpatient settings often work during regular business hours instead of nights, weekends and holidays. Some roles also offer part-time or flexible scheduling. FNPs can enjoy greater flexibility in their schedule, creating more time to spend with loved ones and engaged in personal activities.
Advanced practice is another factor. The ability to assess, diagnose, treat and manage patients fosters a sense of empowerment and purpose.
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
For RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), becoming a family nurse practitioner generally involves these steps:
- Completing a graduate-level degree specializing in advanced practice and corresponding clinical experiences
- Obtaining national certification as an FNP
- Getting licensed as an APRN in the state where they will practice
FNP licensure rules vary by state, so some states may have additional requirements.
Step 1: Family Nurse Practitioner Education
The first step in becoming a family nurse practitioner is earning a master’s degree, doctorate or post-graduate certificate from an accredited family nurse practitioner program. FNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
As an FNP student, you will complete a combination of didactic coursework and clinical experiences. Some Family Nurse Practitioner programs have prerequisite coursework in science and math. You will also complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours, which meets most states' requirements for APRN licensure.
The type of family nurse practitioner program you choose depends on your previous education and career aspirations.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Many RNs with a BSN become family nurse practitioners by earning a master's degree in nursing. A master’s degree is the highest level obtained by 71% of licensed nurse practitioners. MSN-FNP programs build on the foundational knowledge obtained through BSN programs and generally take two to three years to complete.
Post-Graduate Certificate
Post-graduate FNP certificate programs are designed for RNs with a master’s degree or doctorate in nursing. Building off knowledge obtained through MSN programs, the coursework focuses on the FNP area of specialization, so these programs typically take only one to two years to complete.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP-FNP programs are best for RNs who aspire to one day lead outside direct patient care. They equip candidates with the clinical expertise for advanced practice nursing and the leadership, policy and research skills for healthcare leadership roles. The DNP is a terminal nursing degree and takes two to five years of study, depending on whether you enter the program with a BSN or MSN.
Step 2: FNP National Certification
After completing a family nurse practitioner program, the next step is to obtain national certification.
You can take your certification exam through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Passing either exam will qualify you to apply for state APRN licensure.
A Family Nurse Practitioner national certification is valid for five years. The renewal process includes completing continuing education hours and an application.
Step 3: FNP State Licensure
FNPs must be licensed in the state where they practice. Once you pass an FNP national certification exam, you can apply for APRN licensure through your state board of nursing.
Every state has different application requirements. Typically, these include submitting verification of your education, a copy of your RN license and an application fee.
Note: You must also renew your FNP state license regularly.
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner in Ohio
The process for becoming an FNP in Ohio is similar to the preceding steps.
You will need to complete these education, experience and credentialing requirements:
- Earn a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, including a graduate-level course in advanced pharmacology and at least 500 supervised clinical hours specific to the FNP role
- Obtain FNP national certification from AANPCB or ANCC
- Complete the APRN-Certified Nurse Practitioner licensure application through the Ohio Board of Nursing (BON)
Another requirement for Ohio FNPs is to practice in collaboration with a physician who is licensed in Ohio to practice in a similar specialty. The FNP must identify a collaborating physician and develop a written standard care arrangement (SCA) with them.
The SCA has several requirements, which include outlining these elements of FNP practice:
- Process for consulting with the collaborating physician
- Plan for emergency care
- Criteria for patient referrals to the physician
The SCA must be on file with the FNP’s employer but not with the Ohio BON. However, the FNP must report to the BON the name and business address of the collaborating physician within 30 days of engaging in practice as a certified nurse practitioner.
Ohio FNPs renew their APRN licensure every two years. They must complete 24 hours of continuing education, pay a renewal fee and maintain FNP national certification.
Prepare for Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner with Cleveland State University
Nurses who become family nurse practitioners gain greater autonomy and expand their influence in healthcare while also enjoying a rewarding career. You can take the first step toward your FNP career with Cleveland State University (CSU).
CSU offers two online FNP programs that will prepare you for certification as an APRN specializing in primary care for patients of all ages. Both programs are accredited by CCNE and authorized in Ohio and 15 other states:
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN required for entry)
- Post-Graduate Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN or equivalent required for entry)
As a student in a CSU online FNP program, you will build advanced practice skills to provide much-needed care in your community through:
- 100% online coursework
- One on-site residency on CSU's dynamic campus
- Embedded clinical placement services
- 780 clinical hours in your community
- Teaching by dedicated, experienced professors
CSU has delivered quality nursing education for more than 50 years. Our mission is to inspire innovation and inclusivity, promote health equity and wellness, and educate with excellence.