Being an RN is incredibly rewarding! Now imagine developing your skills and advancing your scope of practice by becoming a family nurse practitioner(FNP) in as little as 12 months.
Though this dream might seem daunting, let’s explore what options are available to RNs hoping to become FNPs. We’ll also look at the “intangibles” needed to make the dream a reality.
There are numerous online FNP programs available for RNs desiring to advance their careers.
In addition, online programs allow RNs to continue working. Online FNP programs often allow you to work at your own pace. This gives you an advantage if you hope to complete your degree in a short amount of time. It also offers the flexibility of taking more time to finish your degree if life becomes too hectic.
Most online FNP programs require you to complete 36-48 credit hours of coursework to earn your degree. This typically takes two to four semesters to finish. In addition to the online courses, you’ll be required to perform 500-1000 hours of clinical practice as part of the program. Depending on your nursing experience, up to 500 hours of your clinical rotations may be waived.
Best 12-month FNP Programs Online & On-Campus
12-month Online FNP programs are generally more affordable than 12-month on-campus FNP programs.
There is a positive correlation between graduation rate and median earnings.
Programs with higher retention rates tend to have higher graduation rates.
1. Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN (Online)
- Average Net Price: $22,204
- Graduation Rate: 93.74%
- Retention Rate: 96.33%
- Median Earnings: $84,415
2. University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL (Campus)
- Average Net Price: $30,742
- Graduation Rate: 81.29%
- Retention Rate: 91.72%
- Median Earnings: $71,739
3. Mississippi University for Women – Columbus, MS (Campus)
- Average Net Price: $11,952
- Graduation Rate: 64.92%
- Retention Rate: 76.94%
- Median Earnings: $38,551
4. National University – San Diego, CA (Online)
- Average Net Price: $12,231
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Median Earnings: $66,998
Ranking Insights
The four Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) programs offer a mix of online and on-campus options, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Vanderbilt University offers the highest graduation (93.74%) and retention rates (96.33%), making it a strong choice for students focused on academic success and program completion. With a median earning of $84,415, it also provides the highest post-graduation income potential among the list, although it comes at a relatively high net price of $22,204.
The University of Miami offers an on-campus experience with respectable graduation and retention rates but at a higher average net price of $30,742 and lower median earnings ($71,739).
Mississippi University for Women is the most affordable option with an average net price of $11,952, but it has the lowest graduation rate (64.92%) and median earnings ($38,551), indicating possible trade-offs in terms of educational quality and future income.
National University, despite its low average net price ($12,231) and promising median earnings ($66,998), has a concerning low graduation rate of 36%, and no data available for retention, which could indicate a high attrition rate. Therefore, students must consider a variety of factors including cost, academic performance metrics, and future earning potential when choosing among these programs.
Online 12 Month FNP degree tips
One thing to consider is that some programs require 36 credit hours to finish your FNP degree in 12 months. This means taking 18 credits a semester. This is quite a heavy class load and is going to require discipline. You’ll want to make sure you stay on top of your coursework. Procrastination can create a lot of stress when you are working at your own pace and fall behind. Using your time wisely and being focused is critical to your success.
Be flexible! Most of us have high hopes when we start something new and exciting like becoming an FNP. Once you start your online FNP program, if you find you’re falling behind or just need more time, it’s reasonable to adjust your learning plan. There’s nothing wrong with taking an extra semester or two to finish the program. Remember, online FNP programs want you to succeed. Talk to your enrollment counselor or academic advisor if you find yourself needing to adjust your learning plan.
You’ll also want to be comfortable using technology. Assignments, projects, presentations, and classroom learning will be exclusively online. A few programs at traditional universities may invite you once or twice to campus for brief in-person learning, but this is uncommon. Being comfortable and confident about your computer skills is key!
Another consideration is how comfortable you feel reaching out to program educators, clinical instructors, and other students. Because online FNP programs draw students and educators from around the country, you’ll need to have open communication with them to facilitate your learning. It might require working in groups in an online format as well. In addition, you might need to arrange your own clinical internships.
Make sure that you’ve already earned your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This is a standard requirement for online FNP programs. In addition, you’ll need to be licensed as an RN. Also, your clinical experience is invaluable. Most programs hope you’ll have a minimum of 3 years working as an RN. This experience will also serve you well as you arrange clinical internships.
Most degree paths to becoming an FNP do not require the GRE.
- Further Reading: 1-year Nurse Practitioner Programs Online – EDsmart
- Further Reading: 12-Month Online Nurse Education Program
Qualities and Skills for a Successful Career in Family Practice Nursing (FNP)
A degree in Family Practice Nursing (FNP) would be a good fit for individuals who possess certain skills, interests, and personality traits.
Here are some qualities and characteristics that are well-suited for a career as an FNP:
- Empathy: FNPs need to have a strong sense of empathy and compassion to connect with patients and understand their needs.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for FNPs to explain complex medical information to patients and their families clearly.
- Problem-Solving: FNPs must be skilled at diagnosing health issues, making treatment plans, and adapting to changing patient needs.
- Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze and evaluate information is crucial for making sound medical decisions.
- Adaptability: Healthcare is constantly evolving, and FNPs need to stay current with new treatments, technologies, and best practices.
- Attention to Detail: Precise record-keeping and attention to detail are essential to ensure patient safety and quality of care.
- Organization: FNPs often manage multiple patients and need strong organizational skills to keep track of appointments, treatments, and follow-ups.
- Cultural Competency: An understanding and respect for cultural differences are important for providing care to diverse patient populations.
- Stress Management: Healthcare can be emotionally taxing, so the ability to manage stress and remain composed under pressure is crucial.
- Collaboration: FNPs work closely with other healthcare professionals, so teamwork and collaboration are essential.
Personality Traits:
- Compassionate: FNPs should genuinely care about the well-being of their patients and be empathetic towards their concerns.
- Patient-Centered: A patient-centered approach, where the patient’s needs and preferences are prioritized, is key to providing high-quality care.
- Detail-Oriented: Paying attention to small details can be the difference between an accurate diagnosis and a missed one.
- Adventurous: Some FNPs work in rural or underserved areas, where they may encounter unique challenges and experiences.
- Lifelong Learner: Healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and FNPs should be committed to continuous learning and professional development.
- Resilient: Dealing with patients’ health issues and sometimes difficult situations requires emotional resilience.
- Good Listener: Listening to patients’ concerns and needs is a fundamental aspect of nursing care.
- Confident: FNPs should have confidence in their clinical skills and judgment while remaining open to consultation when necessary.
- Ethical: Upholding ethical standards and patient confidentiality is non-negotiable in healthcare.
- Team Player: FNPs work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care.
It’s important to note that while these qualities and skills are beneficial for FNPs, nursing is a diverse field with various specialties and roles.
Now is the time to become a FNP
You may be wondering when is the right time to become a family nurse practitioner. Be reassured that now is the ideal time to make this exciting advancement to your career. Many online FNP programs are well-suited to help you succeed. They offer flexible hours that will work around your busy nursing schedule. In addition, online FNP programs are specifically geared to allow you to work at your pace.
Also, the post-COVID era is in full swing, and employers and patients alike recognize the value of online educational programs.
Tuition varies from program to program but is more affordable than you think. For example, Western Governors University MSN-FNP program is $5,925 per 6-month term. Most graduates take two years to complete the online program at a total cost of just over $24,800 (4 terms). Western Governors University FNP program found that their graduates have an annual increase in income of $18,200 within two years of graduating. Even more impressive, four years after graduating FNPs achieved a whopping annual income increase of $25,900. Now that is a serious return on investment!
There are a number of ways to help pay for your education too. For example, make sure to complete or renew your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application once you’ve been accepted to FNP school. This application is free and offers access to a variety of low-interest student loans. You can also apply for scholarships and loan repayment programs with National Health Service Corps.
Due to the fact that there is a need for skilled nurse practitioners in rural and underserved communities across the United States, there are scholarships and special loan repayment programs offered by the federal government.
You can also contact the financial aid office at your college or university. They are dedicated to serving the student and are a trusted resource when it comes to finding the right funding options for you.
Lastly, research online scholarship opportunities. There are several trusted websites designed to help you access a treasure trove of scholarships. For example, www.fastweb.com has a frequently updated, extensive list of scholarships.
Still need a little more convincing?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 45% between now and 2029. There is a tremendous need for nurse practitioners to address the healthcare needs of our growing and aging population. Don’t wait- now is the time for you to become a nurse practitioner!
Key Insights into Family Practice Nursing
Family Practice Nurses are essential healthcare providers who offer a wide range of services to individuals and families. This exploration uncovers crucial information from Data USA, including education, employment, diversity, and required skills for Family Practice Nurses.
Geographic Distribution of Graduates
- In 2021, Family Practice Nurse graduates were concentrated in various U.S. locations, including Addison, IL, Arlington, TX, and Boston, MA.
- Regions like Miami Springs, FL, Lamoni, IA, and Willowbrook, CA, also witnessed a significant number of graduates.
Educational Attainment
- Most Family Practice Nurses hold master’s degrees, emphasizing the importance of advanced education.
Institutions Offering Programs
- Institutions like Chamberlain University-Illinois and The University of Texas at Arlington lead in degrees awarded in Family Practice Nursing.
- Private not-for-profit, 4-year institutions dominate, with 171 offering programs and 6,721 completions in 2021.
Tuition Costs
- Average tuition cost for in-state public colleges: $7,773
- Average cost for out-of-state private colleges: $33,187
Specialized Colleges
- Institutions like United States University, Miami Regional University, and Graceland University-Lamoni have a high concentration of Family Practice Nurse graduates.
- United States University awards an impressive 76.4% of degrees in Family Practice Nursing.
Geographic Distribution of Degrees Awarded
- Counties such as DuPage County, IL, Tarrant County, TX, and Suffolk County, MA, witnessed the highest number of degrees conferred in Family Practice Nursing in 2021.
Geographical Distribution of Graduates
- High Concentration Areas (2021): Addison, IL, Arlington, TX, Boston, MA.
- Noteworthy Locations (2021): Miami Springs, FL, Lamoni, IA, Willowbrook, CA.
Educational Attainment
- Most Common Degree: Master’s Degree.
Institutions Offering Family Practice Nurse Programs
- Top Institutions by Degree Awards: Chamberlain University-Illinois, The University of Texas at Arlington, Simmons University.
- Program Type: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above institutions (171 total).
- Total Degrees Awarded in 2021: 16,104.
Tuition Costs
- In-State Public Colleges: $7,773.
- Out-of-State Private Colleges: $33,187.
Specialized Colleges
- United States University (Highest Concentration: 76.4% of degrees awarded).
- Miami Regional University (54.1%).
- Graceland University-Lamoni (34%).
Geographical Distribution of Degrees
- Top Counties (2021): DuPage County, IL, Tarrant County, TX, Suffolk County, MA.
Employment and Salary Trends
- Average Wage: $78,297.
- Common Occupations: Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical & Health Services Managers.
Highest Paying Locations
- Memphis City (Southeast) PUMA, TN.
- South of I-635 & West of US-75 PUMA, TX.
- Flint City Area PUMA, MI.
Diversity in Family Practice Nursing
- Female employees are more prevalent.
- Most common racial/ethnic group: White students (9,037 students).
Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Operations Analysis
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Learning Strategies
- Instructing
- Active Learning
- Operation Monitoring
- Persuasion
- Monitoring
- Time Management
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Negotiation
- Systems Evaluation
- Operation and Control
- Systems Analysis
- Mathematics
- Quality Control Analysis
- Management of Material Resources
- Troubleshooting
- Installation
- Management of Financial Resources
- Technology Design
- Programming
- Equipment Selection
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
Conclusion
Family Practice Nurses are vital in delivering primary healthcare services. Insights from Data USA illuminate their education, employment, and demographic aspects, emphasizing the importance of this profession.