Career Advice > Professional Development > Career Paths > What Is an FNP in Nursing? A Family Nurse Practitioner Career Guide

What Is an FNP in Nursing? A Family Nurse Practitioner Career Guide

Image of professional woman smiling at camera

Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

What Is an FNP in Nursing? A Family Nurse Practitioner Career Guide

In This Article
If you are looking to understand what is an FNP, and how these advanced practice nurses can help ease the primary care physician shortage, start by understanding what a family nurse practitioner does. These NPs have duties similar to those of a doctor, such as performing check-ups, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and managing chronic illnesses — often with a holistic focus. NPs have a specific scope of practice that is different from that of a doctor or an RN. Defined by each state, the FNP scope of practice can be “full-practice,” which gives NPs maximum freedom, “reduced practice,” or “restricted practice,” which is the most limited, requiring more MD supervision. How can a nurse become an FNP? After obtaining a BSN and becoming licensed as an RN, the next step is to gain clinical experience before applying to a nurse practitioner program. Then, nurses earn either an FNP-BC or FNP-C certification before becoming licensed as an APRN by their state. Is the extra schooling and time worth it? If the FNP salary is important to you, then it may be. The average FNP annual salary is $132,000 per year, depending on certifications, experience, care setting, and location. Ready for an FNP job in your area? You can start right here.

If you are looking to understand what is an FNP, and how these advanced practice nurses can help ease the primary care physician shortage, start by understanding what a family nurse practitioner does. These NPs have duties similar to those of a doctor, such as performing check-ups, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and managing chronic illnesses — often with a holistic focus.
NPs have a specific scope of practice that is different from that of a doctor or an RN. Defined by each state, the FNP scope of practice can be “full-practice,” which gives NPs maximum freedom, “reduced practice,” or “restricted practice,” which is the most limited, requiring more MD supervision.
How can a nurse become an FNP? After obtaining a BSN and becoming licensed as an RN, the next step is to gain clinical experience before applying to a nurse practitioner program. Then, nurses earn either an FNP-BC or FNP-C certification before becoming licensed as an APRN by their state.
Is the extra schooling and time worth it? If the FNP salary is important to you, then it may be. The average FNP annual salary is $132,000 per year, depending on certifications, experience, care setting, and location.
Ready for an FNP job in your area? You can start right here.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the U.S. is on track to face a shortfall of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. Many healthcare facilities are turning to FNPs to address this impending shortage and meet the anticipated demand. For patients of all ages, an FNP may be the primary care provider.

FNP stands for family nurse practitioner, but exactly what is an FNP, and how can they help to ease the primary care physician shortage?

Let’s delve into the multifaceted world of family NPs, exploring their responsibilities, qualifications, salaries, and more.

What Is an FNP? Overview

So, what is an FNP in nursing all about? An FNP is a specialized nurse practitioner (NP) who often serves as a primary care provider and performs duties similar to those of a physician: management of chronic health conditions, health promotion, and disease prevention.

As a primary care provider, a family nurse practitioner can offer a wide range of healthcare services, such as performing routine check-ups, prescribing medications according to state guidelines, ordering diagnostic tests, and managing chronic illnesses across all age groups, including infants, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

FNPs are uniquely known for their holistic approach to healthcare — they’re trained in addressing various health issues, from mental health to physical illnesses. Therefore, they can provide full-scope care to their patients, including educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices, offering emotional support, and considering the psychosocial aspects that may affect a patient’s health.

While FNPs have a wide range of responsibilities, they can choose an area of specialty if they wish. They have the option to acquire extra certifications in specific areas like diabetes, pain, or obesity management and focus their practice accordingly.

FNP Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a family nurse practitioner can vary depending on the specific industry and workplace, but generally include:

Assessment and diagnosis: Evaluating patient health through examinations and tests, diagnosing and treating various health conditions.
Primary care services: Serving as a primary care provider, conducting routine check-ups and preventive care for patients of all ages.
Health promotion: Educating patients on healthy lifestyles and preventive measures, and administering vaccinations and screenings.
Chronic disease management: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
Medication management: Prescribing medications and therapies according to state regulations and guidelines.
Patient counseling: Offering emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
Health education: Providing education on topics such as medication management and self-care practices.
Patient advocacy: Advocating for patients to ensure equitable access to timely healthcare services.
Community outreach: Engaging in community programs to promote health and wellness.
Collaboration and referral: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals and making referrals for specialized care when necessary.

Where Do FNPs Work?

Their diverse training and skills allow family NPs to work in a variety of settings. Here are some common places where they can work:

What Is an FNP Scope of Practice?

The extent of autonomy and independence family nurse practitioners enjoy is determined by state regulations, which define the NP scope of practice.

In a full-practice authority state, nurse practitioners have maximum freedom. They can assess, diagnose, order and interpret tests, and initiate treatments, including prescribing medication and controlled substances, without the need for physician collaboration or supervision.

In other states, the family NP scope of practice is reduced. For instance, in some states, you’d need a lifelong collaboration with a doctor to offer full primary care. In other states, such as California and Texas, even diagnosing patients requires physician oversight. This type of environment is known as restricted practice, and it’s the strictest.

Start Your Profile and Find Your Next Job

Family Nurse Practitioner Education

Wondering, what is the typical educational path for a family NP? It involves a combination of education, clinical experience, and professional certification. Here are the general steps to enter this specialty:

1. Earn a Nursing Degree

Start by becoming an RN by completing an accredited nursing program. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is required to apply for FNP programs.

2. Get Licensed

After completing your nursing program, your next step is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

3. Gain Clinical Experience

Then, acquire clinical experience as a registered nurse. Many family nurse practitioner programs require their applicants to have one to two years of nursing experience. Working in a medical-surgical, ambulatory care, or acute care setting will provide valuable experience relevant to the field.

4. Enroll in an FNP Program

Research and apply to accredited FNP programs. Pursue either a master of science in nursing (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree, completing specialized coursework in family nursing.

5. Obtain Certification

Apply for either FNP-BC or FNP-C certification. Two organizations, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), provide certifications for FNPs.

What Is an FNP-C vs. FNP-BC?

FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified) is a certification granted by ANCC.
FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified) is a certification provided by the AANP.

Both certifications demonstrate that the FNP has successfully met all the standards set by their respective certifying bodies for the practice of family nursing.

5. Get a State License

Next, apply for a state license as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Requirements vary by state, so check with your state nursing board for specific regulations.

6. Maintain Your License and Certification

Stay current in your field by participating in continuing education and renewing your license on time. As an FNP, you’ll also need to maintain your RN license. Follow this guide for state-specific requirements of how to keep your license current.

How Long Does It Take to Become an FNP?

The entire journey to becoming an FNP can take approximately six to eight years. However, individual timelines may vary based on factors such as the chosen educational path (MSN or DNP), prior education and experience, and the specific requirements of the state in which you plan to practice.

What Is an FNP Salary?

In the U.S., the average nurse practitioner salary is $132,000 per year. Just keep in mind that your income can vary depending on your education, certifications, location, and years of experience.

If you are open to relocation, here are five states with some of the highest nurse practitioner salaries:

FNP Job Outlook

Nurse practitioners, including FNPs, are expected to be in demand in the coming years. Employment for this role is projected to grow 46% in the next decade — much faster than the average for all other occupations — according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to approximately 135,500 new positions.

What Is an FNP? Frequently Asked Questions

FNP vs. PA: What’s the difference?

The difference lies in their educational background and philosophical approach to patient care. FNPs pursue advanced practice nursing degrees, focusing on providing a broad spectrum of healthcare services.

On the other hand, PAs undergo a generalist medical education, emphasizing diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions. PAs work in collaboration with physicians across diverse medical specialties, whereas FNPs can practice independently in some states. Learn more about the difference between an NP vs PA.

FNP vs. MD: What’s the difference?

FNPs are nurses, holding either an MSN or DNP degree, and approach patient care from a nursing perspective. Medical doctors undergo medical school, earning a doctor of medicine degree (MD). MDs have extensive training in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of medical conditions and possess the authority to perform surgeries.

FNP vs. NP: What’s the difference?

An FNP is a specific type of NP with a focus on family medicine. NPs, in general, have a broader scope and can specialize in various areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women’s health. In essence, all FNPs are NPs, but not all NPs are necessarily FNPs.

FNP vs. RN: What’s the difference?

FNPs, unlike RNs, have advanced education and training, allowing them to take on more complex clinical responsibilities, including the ability to diagnose and treat patients independently. RNs, on the other hand, provide essential nursing care and support, but typically work under the direction of healthcare providers like FNPs or physicians.

Can FNPs prescribe medication?

Yes, FNPs are authorized to prescribe medications. As APRNs, FNPs undergo extensive education and training that includes pharmacology coursework. Keep in mind that their ability to prescribe medications is regulated by state laws.

Interested in Finding a New Job?

What is an FNP? We’ve answered your question. Now, are you ready to take the next step in your career? IntelyCare can match you with nursing jobs in your chosen specialty, so you can gain the experience you need and build the career you want.