So you want to become a family nurse practitioner? It’s a great decision! This is an in-demand field with many opportunities. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of becoming a family nurse practitioner. We will discuss the education and training required, as well as job prospects and salary information. Let’s get started!
Education and Training
The first step to becoming a family nurse practitioner is completing an accredited nursing program. This can be a certificate from online FNP programs, a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN), or a master’s of science in nursing (MSN) program. After graduating from an accredited program, you will need to complete a nurse practitioner certification exam. The two most common exams are the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) certifications.
After becoming certified, you will need to complete a graduate-level family nurse practitioner program. This program will provide you with the additional training needed to work with families. The length of these programs vary, but most take two to three years to complete. You can also continue your education by pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) or even a Ph.D.
Work Experience
To become a family nurse practitioner, you will need to have at least two years of work experience as a registered nurse. This experience can be in any area of nursing, but it is recommended that you gain experience in an outpatient setting. This will give you the necessary skills and knowledge needed to care for patients outside of a hospital setting. Additionally, you may want to consider specializing in pediatric or adult nursing before becoming a family nurse practitioner. This will allow you to develop specialized skills and knowledge in these areas of nursing which will help you become a more well-rounded family nurse practitioner.
Additionally, you will need to complete a family nurse practitioner program. These programs are typically two years in length and consist of both classroom-based learning and clinical experience. During your program, you will learn how to care for patients across the lifespan, from newborns to seniors. You will also develop skills in diagnosing and treating common medical conditions.
Licensure
All nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses. Family nurse practitioners must also have an active RN license before being eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s family nurse practitioner certification exam and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program’s family nurse practitioner exam.
The requirements to become a family nurse practitioner vary by state, so it’s important to contact the board of nursing in the state you plan on practicing in to learn more about specific licensure and certification requirements. Generally, however, most states require that family nurse practitioners have a graduate degree from an accredited school of nursing, be licensed as an RN, and have completed at least 500 hours of clinical experience as registered nurses. Some states may also require additional coursework or certification in family nurse practitioner care.
It’s important to note that some employers may prefer or even require that their nurses hold additional certifications such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner certification or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program’s family nurse practitioner certification. So if you’re interested in working as a family nurse practitioner, it may be worth your time to pursue one or both of these certifications.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average annual salary of a family nurse practitioner is $84,000. There are two different factors that have an impact on the salary level. The location of your practice and the area you specialize in will influence how much money you can make per year as a family nurse practitioner. In addition to this, if you work for yourself or for private practice, there is no limit to how much money you can earn each year because it all depends on how many patients you serve.
However, if you work for an institution like a hospital or medical group then your income level will be limited by their rules and regulations regarding salaries especially during economic hardships where people may not be able to afford health care services anymore making the demand low. This means fewer patients and less money.
So, if you are looking to become a family nurse practitioner, this guide has hopefully provided you with all the information you need. Remember to research different programs and find the one that best suits your needs and interests. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
