Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Careers: 2024 Guide to Career Paths, Options & Salary
The number of employed skilled nurse practitioners (NPs) is projected to grow by 45% in 2022-2032. To be more specific, there is an increasing demand for NPs with skills that place a strong emphasis on primary care and promoting the overall well-being of individuals and families. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) take the forefront of highly sought-after nurse practitioner specializations. So, if you are seeking an advanced nursing profession with diverse opportunities, professional growth, and the fulfillment of making a significant impact on people’s lives, a family nurse practitioner career might be the ideal path for you.
In this guide, my team and I pooled together the essential details to provide you with an in-depth understanding of FNP career paths, options, and the current salary landscape. Whether you are a nursing student pondering your future or an experienced nurse seeking new horizons, this guide equips you with essential knowledge and insights to navigate the world of an FNP career.
Key Benefits of Family Nurse Practitioner Careers
- FNPs must have a graduate-level degree in advanced practice nursing (APN); 43% of FNPs have a master’s degree while 2% have a doctorate.
- Family nurse practitioners work in private and public settings, in academia, and even for the government, allowing them to have a significant impact on patient care across various healthcare sectors.
- FNPs can earn an average yearly salary of $127,976 in the U.S., but your earnings can increase as you gain more experience and advanced roles throughout your family nurse practitioner career.
Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Careers
- "Becoming a family nurse practitioner has been the most fulfilling decision of my life. I get to build long-term relationships with patients and make a significant difference in their health and well-being. The blend of autonomy and collaboration with other healthcare professionals is truly empowering." - Emily
- "As an FNP, I have the privilege of providing comprehensive care across all ages, which keeps my work diverse and engaging. The ability to educate and guide families on their health journeys brings me immense satisfaction and purpose. It's a career that constantly reminds me of the importance of compassion and dedication." - Jason
- "The transition to a family nurse practitioner role has opened up so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. I enjoy the increased responsibilities and the trust patients place in me to manage their health. It's incredibly rewarding to see the positive outcomes of the care I provide." - Maria
Key Findings
- 47.2% of nurses had a baccalaureate credential for their first U.S. nursing license.
- 43% of FNPs have a master’s degree while 2% have a doctorate.
- FNPs typically find employment in the private (76%), education (15%), public (5%), and government (4%) sectors.
- 9.8% of RNs have Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licenses. Of that number, 8.6% are licensed as nurse practitioners, including those specializing in family nursing practice.
- The employment of nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 118,600 jobs within the decade.
What are the educational requirements to become a family nurse practitioner?
To become an FNP, you typically need to complete the following educational requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is the foundational degree required to become a registered nurse (RN). It typically takes about four years to complete. There are now many online bachelor’s in nursing degree program options, making it easier for even working individuals to get a BSN and obtain better employment opportunities that come with higher education credentials for nurses. This is why more nurses seek a bachelor’s degree. The 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey reveals that 47.2% of nurses had a baccalaureate credential for their first U.S. nursing license.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). You need to pursue a graduate-level degree in advanced practice nursing (APN) with a specialization in family practice. Many FNPs opt for an MSN with a concentration in family practice, although the DNP route is becoming increasingly common as well. MSN programs typically take 2-3 years to complete, while DNP programs may take 3-5 years. According to Zippia, 43% of FNPs have a master’s degree while 2% have a doctorate.
While not always required, having some work experience as an RN can be beneficial before pursuing APN education as this enhances clinical competence, confidence, and readiness for the expanded responsibilities of FNPs and other advanced practice roles.
Are there online programs available for aspiring family nurse practitioners?
Today, students aspiring to pursue a family nurse practitioner career can enroll in online nurse practitioner programs that offer flexibility and convenience. These programs often use a combination of online coursework, virtual lectures, and in-person clinical experiences.
Here are a few considerations when looking at online family nurse practitioner programs:
- Accreditation. Ensure that the program you are considering is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The best colleges for nursing will seek accreditation because this ensures that their programs meet certain standards of quality and rigor.
- Clinical Placements. Some online FNP programs help students arrange clinical placements in their local area, while others require students to find their own preceptors and clinical sites. Make sure you understand the program's requirements for clinical experience and whether they provide support in securing placements.
- Technology Requirements. Make sure you have access to the necessary technology and resources to participate in your online master degree nursing coursework, such as a reliable internet connection, computer equipment, and any required software or platforms.
- Faculty Support. Look for programs that offer strong support from experienced faculty members who are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and support your learning.
Thanks to the convenience offered by online RN to MSN programs and other FNP degrees, more nurses are encouraged to pursue advanced nursing degrees. According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, here are the trends in the highest levels of nursing education for RNs in 2020 and 2022:
- Master’s degree - 14.9% in 2020, increased to 17.9% in 2022
- PhD - 0.7% in 2020, went up to 0.9% in 2022
- DNP - 1.4% in 2020, had gone up to 1.6% in 2022
The spike in interest has pushed more reputable universities and colleges to offer online BSN to DNP , RN to MSN, accelerated MSN to DNP, and other non-traditional and flexible pathways to achieving family nurse practitioner credentials. The variety of choices greatly expands your options.
As a researcher specializing in academic counseling and career advising, I find it worthwhile to take your time and carefully research and compare different nursing degree programs. Ultimately, you want the best fit for your educational and family nurse practitioner career goals.
Where do family nurse practitioners typically work?
FNPs typically work in different healthcare settings, providing primary care services to patients of all ages. You will find that the answers to “What are some common work environments for FNPs?” and “What does a family nurse practitioner do?” can be quite varied.
- Outpatient hospital clinics. Treats conditions that require management but do not necessitate hospital admission, such as post-surgical care, medication infusion, or pain management.
- Private practices. Delivers primary care to patients of all ages, conducting diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and providing patient education.
- Urgent/immediate care clinics. Handles a wide range of medical issues in these walk-in clinics, from sprained ankles to respiratory infections, due to their broad-based knowledge and expertise.
- Rural Health Clinics (RHCs). Works in teams alongside physicians and other non-physician providers to deliver care to underserved populations.
- Specialized settings like Nephrology, Oncology, and Orthopedics. FNPs can also work in specialized areas within healthcare, focusing on specific medical specialties.
You can also find many family nurse practitioners working in hospice care, home health agencies, community health centers, physician offices, school clinics, emergency rooms, family practice, public health, acute care, veterans administration, and women's health.
According to Zippia, these are the sectors where FNPs are employed:
- Private - 76%
- Education - 15%
- Public - 5%
- Government - 4%
These diverse work settings allow FNPs to have a significant impact on patient care across various healthcare sectors, providing them with flexibility and opportunities to specialize in different areas of medicine. This is why family practice is considered one of the best majors for nursing degree students .
What are the required skills for family nurse practitioners?
A family nurse practitioner career requires individuals to have a diverse set of skills to excel in their roles as family nurse practitioners. These skills encompass clinical competence, interpersonal abilities, critical thinking, and leadership qualities. Combined with a strong foundation in nursing knowledge and ethical principles, these skills form the basis of a successful nurse practitioner family practice. Continuous professional development and lifelong learning are essential for FNPs to stay updated with evolving healthcare trends, evidence-based practices, and advancements in their field.
Essential Skills for Family Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced clinical assessment. An important part of a family nurse practitioner's role is conducting thorough physical examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests, and accurately diagnosing and managing a wide range of health conditions. For this, they must have advanced skills and proficiency in performing comprehensive health assessments, taking into account patients’ medical history, symptoms, and physical findings.
- Diagnostic and treatment skills. FNPs should be able to diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries. They must also be knowledgeable about evidence-based treatment modalities and able to develop appropriate care plans for their patients. This includes prescribing medications, ordering diagnostic tests, and providing necessary treatments.
- Health promotion and education. FNPs play a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention. They must have strong communication skills to educate patients and families about healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention strategies, medication adherence, and self-care and nutrition management even without obtaining a nutrition degree online or in person. Effective patient education and counseling empower individuals and families to take control of their health and make informed decisions.
General Skills for Family Nurse Practitioners
- Collaboration and interdisciplinary communication. FNPs work collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, specialists, nurses, and allied health professionals. They must possess excellent communication and teamwork skills to ensure coordinated and comprehensive patient care. Collaborative abilities help in fostering effective relationships and facilitating seamless communication across healthcare settings.
- Critical thinking and decision-making. FNPs must have strong critical thinking skills to analyze complex healthcare situations, integrate multiple sources of information, and make sound clinical judgments. They should be able to assess risks and benefits, prioritize care needs, and develop appropriate treatment plans. Critical thinking skills are crucial in providing safe and effective care to patients.
- Cultural competence. FNPs should demonstrate cultural competence by being respectful, sensitive, and responsive to the diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs of their patients. They must be aware of the impact of culture on health behaviors, communication styles, and healthcare decision-making. Cultural competence helps in providing patient-centered care and building trust with individuals and families.
- Emotional intelligence and empathy. FNPs need strong emotional intelligence and empathy to establish therapeutic relationships with patients and families. They should possess excellent listening skills, show empathy, and be able to address the emotional and psychological aspects of patient care. Emotional intelligence helps in understanding and responding to patients’ needs holistically.
- Leadership and advocacy. FNPs often assume leadership roles in healthcare settings. They advocate for patients’ rights, promote health policy changes, and contribute to improving healthcare delivery. Leadership skills enable nurse leaders to influence positive changes in the healthcare system and advocate for quality patient care.
The chart below shows which are the top skills that family nurse practitioners include on their resumes.
What are the licensing requirements for family nurse practitioners?
Licensing requirements for family nurse practitioners vary by state and country, but generally include the following steps:
- Education. Complete an accredited graduate-level nursing program with a focus on family practice. The program must meet the educational standards set by the licensing board in the state or country where you plan to practice.
- Certification. Obtain national certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner by passing a certification exam administered by a recognized certification body.
- State Licensure. Apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure from the state board of nursing in the state where you plan to practice. Requirements for APRN licensure vary by state but generally include submission of proof of education, national certification as an FNP, and completion of any additional state-specific requirements, such as background checks or jurisprudence exams.
- Collaborative Practice Agreement (CPA). Some states require FNPs to enter into a collaborative practice agreement with a physician or healthcare facility. This agreement outlines the scope of practice, supervision requirements, and other practice parameters. Make sure to understand the specific requirements for collaborative practice in your state.
It is essential to check with the state board of nursing or regulatory agency in the state or country where you plan to practice for the most up-to-date and specific nurse practitioner family practice licensing requirements.
Based on the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, 9.8% of RNs have Advanced Practice Registered Nurse licenses. Of that number, 8.6% are licensed as nurse practitioners, including those specializing in family nursing practice.
Are there specialized areas within family nurse practitioner careers?
Within the field of family nurse practitioner careers, there are opportunities to specialize in various areas of healthcare. While 88% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care across the lifespan, some choose to focus on specific patient populations or clinical areas. Some common FNP specializations include:
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PCPNP). Provides primary care to infants, children, and adolescents. They may work in pediatric clinics, pediatricians' offices, schools, or pediatric hospitals.
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner (GNP). Focuses on caring for older adults, including managing chronic conditions, promoting healthy aging, and addressing age-related health concerns. They may work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, geriatric clinics, or home health settings.
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). Specializes in providing primary care to women of all ages, with an emphasis on reproductive and gynecological health. They may work in women's health clinics, obstetrics and gynecology practices, family planning clinics, or hospitals.
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Focuses on providing mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals and families across the lifespan. They may work in mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, community health centers, or private practices.
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP). Specializes in providing advanced nursing care to patients with acute and critical illnesses or injuries. They may work in emergency departments, intensive care units, trauma centers, or acute care hospitals.
These are just a few examples of a specialization in family nurse practitioner careers. Depending on their interests, FNPs can pursue additional certifications or training to specialize further in a particular area of healthcare.
Which certification is best for a family nurse practitioner?
The choice of certification for a family nurse practitioner depends on personal preference, state requirements, and professional goals. However, it is important to note that certification is not a one-time process. FNPs are required to maintain their certification through continuing education and meeting specific renewal criteria set by the certifying bodies. It would be in your best professional interest to check with the state nursing board or regulatory agency in the state where you plan to practice, as they may have specific certification requirements or preferences.
The two most recognized and widely accepted options for certification for FNPs in the United States are:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC). ANCC offers certification for FNPs that validates their knowledge and expertise in family care. This certification is recognized across the country and demonstrates competency in providing comprehensive healthcare to individuals of all ages within a family context.
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified (FNP-C). AANP also offers certification for FNPs, indicating proficiency in family care. This certification is widely recognized and accepted, and it demonstrates competence in delivering primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan.
The most current primary certification data available from AANP shows that 70.3% of nurse practitioners had an FNP specialization in 2022, increasing from 65.3% in 2019-2020. This makes it the most common primary certification among NPs in those periods.
What are some common career paths or advancement opportunities for experienced family nurse practitioners?
Becoming a primary care provider in hospitals, clinics, private practices, outpatient facilities, public/community health centers, health insurance companies, and via telemedicine services, is one of the most common ways for FNPs to advance in their family nurse practitioner career.
Aside from offering primary care across the lifespan, here are other options for career advancement as in family nursing practice.
- Hospital Administration. FNPs with advanced medical knowledge and clinical experience may transition into roles as hospital administrators, overseeing healthcare facilities and operations.
- Leadership Roles. Seasoned family nurse practitioners may transition into executive and leadership positions within healthcare organizations, such as nurse manager, clinical director, or nurse executive. These healthcare executive jobs and leadership roles involve overseeing clinical operations, managing staff, implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring quality patient care.
- Education. Some FNPs pursue careers in nursing education, teaching future generations of nurses in academic settings such as universities, colleges, or nursing schools. They may also provide continuing education and professional development courses for practicing nurses.
- Research. FNPs with a passion for research may choose to pursue careers in nursing research, contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice. They may work in academic institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, or research institutes, conducting studies, analyzing data, and publishing findings in academic journals.
- Nurse Practitioner Fellowship and Residency Programs. These programs, offered by healthcare organizations, provide opportunities for FNPs to gain specialized skills in areas such as surgery, endocrinology, emergency medicine, oncology, or cardiology, among others.
- Consulting. Experienced family nurse practitioners may work as healthcare consultants, providing expertise and guidance to healthcare organizations, government agencies, insurance companies, or other entities. They may assist with program development, quality improvement initiatives, policy analysis, or healthcare technology implementation.
- Global Health. FNPs interested in global health issues may pursue opportunities to work internationally or with underserved populations domestically. They may participate in medical missions, volunteer work, or public health initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
These career paths and advancement opportunities allow experienced FNPs to expand their roles, contribute to healthcare in diverse ways, and continue to grow professionally within the field of nursing.
What is the average salary for family nurse practitioners?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for nurse practitioners, including family nurse practitioners, was $124,680 as of May 2022. However, my research for this guide reveals that salaries can vary depending on factors such as location, years of experience, level of education, and employer type.
For example, 2024 data from Payscale shows that a masters in nursing salary for family nurse practitioners is $101,000 on average per year. In comparison, the average base yearly salary for FNPs with a doctorate is $108,000.
Furthermore, ZipRecruiter reports an average yearly salary of $127,976 for all family nurse practitioners in the U.S. However, this figure can be higher or lower depending on where you practice. FNPs who work in New York typically enjoy the biggest salaries in the country, earning an average of $145,970 per year. Meanwhile, nurse practitioners specializing in family practice in Arkansas tend to have the lowest salary for FNPs in the U.S., bringing home $97,683 on average per year.
In my many years as a career counselor, I have learned that higher salaries may not always be the only consideration when deciding where to work. You also have to look into the cost of living per area, as well as the perks and employment benefits of each job opportunity. In the end, the states or cities offering the best salaries may not be worth it if everything is so expensive and the working environment tends to be more stressful in that location. Thus, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each place you are eyeing and assess where you can best grow your family nurse practitioner career.
The chart below shows where you can enjoy some of the highest salaries as a Nurse Practitioner.
What is the job outlook for family nurse practitioners?
The job outlook for family nurse practitioners remains highly favorable. According to the BLS, the employment of nurse practitioners, including FNPs, is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.
As of the latest BLS projections covering the period from 2022 to 2032, the employment of nurse practitioners is expected to increase by 118,600 jobs within the decade. This means projected annual job openings of 26,300 in the same period. This projected growth is driven by several factors:
Increased Demand for Healthcare Services
As the population continues to grow and age, there is a rising demand for healthcare services, including primary care. FNPs play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare services to individuals and families across the lifespan. AANP reports that 70.3% of all nurse practitioners deliver primary care.
Expansion of Healthcare Access
With healthcare reforms and efforts to improve access to healthcare services, there is a growing emphasis on primary care and preventive services. FNPs are well-positioned to provide these services, particularly in underserved areas where there may be a shortage of primary care providers .
Shift Toward Team-Based Care Models
Healthcare delivery systems are increasingly moving toward team-based care models, where nurse practitioners collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated and patient-centered care. The ability of FNPs to provide high-quality care and address the growing demand for primary care services makes them valuable members of healthcare teams.
Scope of Practice Expansion
Many states have expanded the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, allowing them to practice more independently and prescribe medications without physician oversight. This trend further enhances the role of FNPs in meeting the primary care needs of patients.
Growing Preference for Higher Degrees in Nursing
My team and I looked into the current industry trends for nurses and the FNP career outlook and have learned that more employers prefer hiring nurses with higher educational attainment. The 2023 data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reveals that the current supply of nurses for advanced practice, clinical specialties, teaching, and research roles who have a master’s or doctoral credential is much lower than the demand. In response, more nursing schools and healthcare institutions are encouraging nurses to pursue further education by introducing alternative degree pathways, employee sponsorship programs, scholarships, flexible learning schedules and methods, and more.
Overall, the job outlook for family nursing practice is expected to remain positive, with ample opportunities for employment and advancement in various healthcare settings. As such, now can be a good time to consider what can you do with an MSN degree specializing in family nurse practice and where you can further take your family nurse practitioner career.
Other Things You Need to Know About Family Nurse Practitioner Careers
Are family nurse practitioners able to prescribe medications?
Yes, family nurse practitioners are generally authorized to prescribe medications within their scope of practice. Regulations vary by state, but many states grant FNPs full prescriptive authority for both controlled and non-controlled substances. FNPs receive education and training in pharmacology as part of their advanced nursing education to ensure safe and effective medication management. Some states may require FNPs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician or practice under physician supervision for certain medications. Additionally, FNPs may need to obtain a separate Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration to prescribe controlled substances, depending on state requirements.
Can family nurse practitioners open their own practice?
Family nurse practitioners can open their own practice in many states. However, regulations regarding independent practice vary by state. Some states require FNPs to have a collaborative agreement with a physician, while others grant full practice authority, allowing FNPs to practice independently without physician oversight. FNPs interested in opening their own practice should familiarize themselves with state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements governing nurse practitioner practice and business ownership. Additionally, they may need to consider factors such as liability insurance, practice management, and billing procedures when establishing their practice.
Are there continuing education requirements for family nurse practitioners?
Family nurse practitioners are typically required to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their certification and licensure. CE requirements vary by state and certification board but commonly include a certain number of CE hours or activities completed within a specified timeframe, usually every one to two years. CE activities may include attending conferences, workshops, online courses, or completing self-study modules related to clinical practice, pharmacology, ethics, or other relevant topics. Additionally, FNPs may need to maintain certification through renewal exams or meeting practice hour requirements. Staying current with CE ensures that FNPs remain up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices and regulatory standards in their field.
Can family nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers for patients of all ages?
Family nurse practitioners are trained to provide primary care services to patients of all ages, from infants to older adults. Their education and clinical training focus on delivering comprehensive, family-centered care that addresses the healthcare needs of individuals and families across the lifespan. FNPs are qualified to perform health assessments, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests, provide preventive care, and promote health and wellness for patients of all ages. Their scope of practice encompasses a wide range of primary care services, including health promotion, disease prevention, management of chronic conditions, and coordination of care across healthcare settings.
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