Why You Should Become a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
FNPs are highly skilled advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in delivering comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages.
They work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat various illnesses, educate patients on preventive care, and ensure their overall well-being.
So, if you're a nurse with a passion for primary care and a desire to make a real difference, this post is your roadmap to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner!
Why Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
There are many reasons to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Here are some of the ways this certification can enhance your nursing career:
High Demand and Job Security
The healthcare field faces a growing shortage of primary care providers, and FNPs are perfectly positioned to step in and meet that critical need.
This translates to a strong job market with ample opportunities across various healthcare settings. Whether you prefer a traditional clinic environment, a community health center, or even telemedicine, your skills as an FNP will be highly sought after.
Increased Earning Potential
Compared to Registered Nurses (RNs), FNPs see a significant jump in salary. The median salary for an RN in the US is around $77,600, while FNPs can expect to make a median of $120,680.
This increase in earning potential reflects the additional education, responsibility, and level of autonomy that comes with becoming an FNP.
Broad Scope of Practice
FNPs provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, from infants to geriatrics. This allows for variety in your day-to-day work and the ability to build long-term relationships with families as you manage their healthcare needs over time.
You'll gain experience diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and providing preventive care to help patients stay healthy.
Professional Autonomy and Growth
In many states, FNPs have full practice authority, meaning they can practice independently without physician oversight. This autonomy allows you to make informed clinical decisions based on your expertise and build strong patient relationships.
The FNP role also fosters continuous learning and growth. You'll stay up-to-date on the latest medical advancements and have the opportunity to pursue further specialization within a particular area of family practice, like pediatrics, women's health, or gerontology, if you want to.
Flexible Work Schedules and Work-Life Balance
Compared to traditional hospital work with nights and weekends, FNPs often have more flexibility in scheduling appointments and clinic hours.
This can allow you to achieve a better work-life balance and create a schedule that includes your personal needs.
Leadership Opportunities and Career Advancement
An FNP degree opens doors to leadership positions within healthcare organizations or the chance to pursue further specialization within a particular area of family practice.
You can leverage your expertise to guide and mentor other nurses, participate in shaping healthcare policy at the clinic level, or even move into administrative roles.
7 Steps to Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner
The journey to becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) involves several key steps:
1. Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
This is the foundation for your FNP career. You'll need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam to obtain your RN license.
2. Apply and Complete an Accredited FNP Program
Look for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Accreditation ensures the program meets rigorous quality standards.
3. Complete Your FNP Program
These programs typically take two to three years for full-time students.
Expect coursework in advanced health assessment, pharmacology, pathophysiology, primary care management, and family practice across the lifespan.
You'll also gain hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice hours.
4. Clinical Experience
Some programs may require one to two years of registered nursing experience before pursuing a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization.
5. Apply for the FNP Credential
After program completion, you'll be eligible to take the national certification exam offered by two main certifying bodies:
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) awards the FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified) credential.
- The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB) offers the FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified) credential.
Both exams assess your knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care as an FNP.
6. Apply to Become a State-Certified FNP
Meeting national certification is a crucial step, but most states also require additional licensure to practice as an FNP.
Contact your state's Board of Nursing for specific requirements and application procedures.
7. Renew Your Certification
Maintaining your FNP credentials requires ongoing education and renewal of your national certification at regular intervals, as mandated by the certifying body you choose.
FNP Certification Exam
FNP-C and FNP-BC certifications are equally prestigious. There's no "better" option; your choice should depend on your career goals. However, while both FNP-C and FNP-BC signify your expertise as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), a closer look reveals some key differences:
Who Awards Them?
FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified): This credential is issued from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB).
FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified): This FNP certification is issued by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
What Is the Exam Focus for Each?
FNP-C: This exam leans more towards the clinical side of things. It emphasizes areas like patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment plans, and clinical decision-making for patients of all ages.
FNP-BC: The ANCC's exam offers a broader perspective. It assesses not only clinical knowledge but also dives into nursing theory, research, and healthcare policy. You might encounter questions on leadership, quality improvement, and ethical considerations in practice.
How to Choose Your Path
FNP-C: If your passion lies in direct patient care and honing your clinical skills, the FNP-C might be the ideal fit.
FNP-BC: This credential could be a better choice if you envision yourself in leadership roles, teaching, or influencing healthcare policy alongside clinical practice.
How to Apply for the FNP Certification
The application process for taking the FNP certification exam generally involves these steps:
Eligibility Confirmation
Ensure you meet the basic requirements. This typically includes:
- Holding a valid RN license in the U.S
- Completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited program
- Having a minimum number of supervised clinical practice hours as mandated by the certifying body
Choose Your Certifying Body
Decide whether to pursue FNP-C certification through the AANPCB or FNP-BC certification through the ANCC.
Submit Your Application
Both the AANP and ANCC have online application processes where you'll provide details about your education, experience, and references. There might be associated fees involved.
Schedule Your Exam
Once your application gets approval, you can schedule your computer-based exam at a designated testing center.
Prepare for the Exam
Use the resources from the chosen certifying body and external authoritative parties like Springer Publishing to prepare for your FNP certification exam. These resources could include practice tests, content outlines, and study guides.
Exam Costs and Time
The FNP-BC certification costs $395, while the FNP-C certification costs $315. The FNP-BC exam has 175 questions, while the FNP-C exam has 150 questions.
The passing score for the FNP certification exam is a minimum score of 500 on a scale of 200 to 800 points. The competency-based exam tests clinical knowledge across a patient's life span, including assessment, diagnosis, plan, and evaluation skills in prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, and elderly patient age ranges.
The time allowed for the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours).
Family Nurse Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities
Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are the backbone of primary care, serving patients across all life stages. You can expect to deliver the following roles and responsibilities as an FNP:
- Comprehensive care: As an FNP, you’ll conduct thorough physical examinations, diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, and manage long-term health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
- Preventive care: FNPs emphasize preventive care through screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling to help patients maintain good health.
- Patient education and empowerment: FNPs educate patients about their conditions and empower them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
- Collaborations: As an FNP, you’ll collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, specialists, and nurses, to ensure patients receive coordinated care.
- Prescription authority: FNPs can prescribe medications and order diagnostic tests to facilitate patient treatment.
FAQs on FNP Certification
Which Certification Should I Pursue (FNP-C or FNP-BC)?
Both are highly recognized credentials. Consider your career goals:
FNP-C: Ideal for those focusing on direct patient care and clinical practice.
FNP-BC: A good fit if you're interested in leadership, academia, or healthcare policy alongside clinical work.
How Long Does FNP Certification Last?
Both FNP-C and FNP-BC certifications typically last for five years. To maintain them, you'll need to complete a certain number of continuing education (CE) credits within the renewal period.
Ace Your FNP Certification Exam With Exam Prep Resources
Springer Publishing offers a comprehensive range of FNP exam prep resources to help you excel, including:
- Up-to-date study guides packed with essential knowledge
- Focused review materials to target specific weaknesses
- Practice tests mimicking the actual exam format
With Springer Pub's resources alongside your dedication and hard work, you'll be well on your way to achieving FNP certification and launching a new level in your career.
If you need additional help, contact us today.
