Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

A Family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a registered nurse who has completed specific advanced nursing education - generally a master's degree - and training in the diagnosis and management of common as well as complex medical conditions. Nurse Practitioners provide a broad range of health care services.

Family Nurse Practitioner Scope
In their practice, family nurse practitioners diagnose illnesses and prescribe interventions through interview and physical exam, order labs and diagnostic tests, and may prescribe medications to patients. Working in a wide variety of health care settings, like clinics, community-based nurse-managed health centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, hospice centers, and nursing homes. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are trained to provide a wide range of care to a diverse group of patients beginning in childhood and continuing throughout the aging process. The family nurse practitioner (FNP) typically works collaboratively with family primary care physicians and other professionals within the health care system.

• Diagnosing, treating, evaluating and managing non-life-threatening acute and chronic illness and disease
• Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
• Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies
• Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
• Providing prenatal care and family planning services
• Providing well-child care, including screening and immunizations
• Providing primary and specialty care services, health-maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals
• Providing care for patients in acute and critical care settings
• Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options

To be licensed as a nurse practitioner, the candidate must first complete the education and training necessary to be a registered nurse (RN).

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Education & Certification
After completing the education program, the candidate must be licensed by the state in which he or she plans to practice. The State Boards of Nursing regulate nurse practitioners and each state has its own licensing and certification criteria. In general, the criteria include completion of a nursing program and clinical experience. Because state board requirements differ, nurse practitioners may have to fulfill additional requirements, such as certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or a specialty nursing organization. The license period varies by state; some require biennial relicensing, others require triennial. After receiving state licensing, a nurse practitioner can apply for national certification from the ANA or other professional nursing boards such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Some NPs pursue certification in a specialty. Several organizations oversee these different certifications.

The ANCC offers an exam to become a Family Nurse Pracititioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC). To be eligible to sit for this exam, candidates must hold a current, active RN license, hold a graduate degree from a CCNE or NLNAC accredited family nurse practitioner program. A minimum of 500 faculty supervised clinical hours must be completed. The FNP graduate program must include content in: advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, advanced pathophysiology, health promotion & disease prevention, and differential diagnosis & disease management.

Family Nurse Practitioner Salary
The latest data from Payscale.com indicates that most FNPs can expect to earn $69,996 to $88,972. There was little variance in salary range among the different industries that hire FNPs.

This site offers nursing programs that are accredited by CCNE and/or NLNAC. >> Read more on accreditation

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - MSN
The CCNE accredited graduate nursing programs delivered online offer students across the United States the opportunity to earn a Georgetown University Master's degree in Nursing through the School of Nursing & Health Studies' nationally ranked graduate program. This innovative curriculum features a highly interactive online learning environment and clinical field placements arranged by the university in the area where you live. This enables you to earn a Georgetown advanced practice nursing degree from anywhere in the country. Our students continue to exhibit excellence and commitment to their nursing careers, often achieving a perfect first-time pass rate on their respective board examinations.

The focus of the FNP program is to provide the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary for health promotion, disease prevention, assessment, and management of common acute and chronic illnesses.

Nursing@Georgetown's online Family Nurse Practitioner program enables you to:

• Earn your Master of Science in Nursing degree in 17-18 months as a full-time student or in about 2 1/2 years as a part-time student.
• Become an agent of change at the forefront of primary health care.
• Participate in Web-based learning in a live seminar environment.
• Participate in clinicals at sites arranged by Georgetown faculty in close proximity to your home.
• Conveniently access your courses anywhere, anytime from any Internet-connected computer.
• Review recorded sessions to revisit coursework and presentations at your convenience.
• Enjoy all of the benefits of a Georgetown graduate student, including access to library resources, student services, and the Hoya alumni network.
• Enjoy the prestige of graduating from one of the most respected universities in the world.

• Advanced Health Assessment
• Advanced Concepts in Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology
• Research Methods & Biostatistics for Healthcare Providers
• Biomedical Ethics
• Health Policy
• Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice Nursing
• Primary Care of the Family I, II, II, IV

To maintain the integrity of our programs and ensure Nursing@Georgetown students benefit from carefully monitored clinical experiences designed to enhance their education and coursework, Georgetown University individually selects preceptors and clinical sites based upon each student's needs and location. Georgetown faculty members will make a concerted effort to identify a highly skilled preceptor in a clinical facility that is convenient to your current location.

• Nurse Midwifery / Women's Health Nurse Practitioner - MSN

Currently we are only accepting students from the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, HI, MI, MS, MT, NM, NJ, OK, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, and WI.

Nurse Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing allows you to study online and earn the credentials to pursue career advancement in administrative, faculty, or staff development roles.

• Prepare to meet the clinical, educational, research, and administrative challenges associated with working in a technology-rich environment
• Focus on the representation of health care data and information and examine computer, information literacy, and management competencies
• Explore the use of technology and information systems to advance evidence-based research

Graduates may pursue informatics leadership roles in health care, corporate, and education settings. The informatics specialization is designed to help you prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing certification exam. By including 200 hours of faculty supervised practicum, this program is an excellent option for nurses without informatics work experience. Graduates of this MSN program will fulfill ANCC's practice hour requirement for eligibility for the Informatics Nursing Certification.

*The entire CCNE accredited MSN program consists of 63 credits, bringing total tuition cost to $23,184. Students can transfer qualifying credits from another accredited institution to reduce time and cost. Kaplan University is a proud supporter of veterans. active military and their families. Kaplan offers significant tuition savings for undergraduate programs and is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon program for all graduate level programs.

• Nursing - RN to MSN
• Nursing - MSN
• Nurse Administrator - MSN
• Nurse Educator - MSN

Diabetes Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing

Develop the advanced skills and knowledge needed to confront the growing impact of diabetes. In this specialization, part of Capella’s CCNE accredited MSN program, you will prepare to lead, consult, and educate in diabetes treatment and prevention. The curriculum focuses on theories and evidence-based therapeutics to care for the special needs of individuals and vulnerable populations with diabetes and related conditions. Five field experiences, each connected to a specific course in your specialization, offer opportunities to put your courseroom learning into real-world action. Capella’s Diabetes Nursing specialization incorporates the Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Specialization faculty combine top credentials, leadership experience, and backgrounds in frontline nursing. Capella’s multidisciplinary approach to nursing means you’ll prepare to address diabetes issues by strategically collaborating with leaders across the public administration, public safety, and health care fields. People likely to be interested in this specialization include nurses pursuing advanced roles as diabetes specialists and practitioner-scholars in a variety of research, clinical, and educational settings.

Gerontology
Master of Science in Nursing

In this specialization, part of Capella’s CCNE accredited MSN program, you will prepare to meet the growing need for nursing professionals with advanced gerontology skills. The curriculum, which is modeled on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Master's Nursing Essentials and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Competencies, focuses on advanced theories, research, and evidence-based practices of caring for the aging client in various settings. You'll explore the physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental aspects of aging; examine alternative tools and strategies to assist in assessing, diagnosing, and delivering evidence-based care to aging clients; and expand your knowledge of health care laws and policies, health promotion and wellness, and the use of technology in gerontological care. Five field experiences, each connected to a specific course in your specialization, offer opportunities to put your courseroom learning into real-world action. Specialization faculty combine top credentials, leadership experience, and backgrounds in frontline nursing. Capella's multidisciplinary approach to nursing means you'll prepare to address gerontology issues by strategically collaborating with leaders across the public administration, public safety, and health care fields. People interested in this specialization include nurses pursuing roles as gerontology nurses, nurse managers, and nurse directors in nonprofit or for-profit health care organizations, long-term care facilities, community or government agencies, community colleges, or universities.

• Nursing Leadership & Administration - MSN
• Nurse Educator - MSN
• Nurse Educator Bridge - MSN
• Nursing Education - PhD
• Nursing Practice - DNP

Chamberlain College of Nursing is proud of over 120 years of excellence in nursing education.

Distinguished faculty includes professionals who hold doctoral degrees. These instructors include published author of informatics articles, a senior informatics policy maker who led efforts to recognize nursing informatics as a distinct specialty, and co-founder of the Online Journal of Nursing Informatics (OJNI).

Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for ANCC's Informatics Nursing Certification
Includes 200 Hrs Supervised Practicum in Informatics

The CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a post-baccalaureate professional degree designed to prepare nurses for expanding roles in healthcare and enhance opportunities for professional advancement. The MSN curriculum provides core courses in nursing theory, research, leadership, professional role development, and informatics in healthcare. Lead the new high-tech wave in patient care as an informatics nurse specialist. The MSN Informatics Specialty Track focuses on management of data and information, and healthcare information workflow and project management.

The informatics specialization is designed to help you prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing certification exam. By including 200 hours of faculty supervised practicum, this program is an excellent option for nurses without informatics work experience. Graduates of this MSN program will fulfill ANCC's practice hour requirement for the Informatics Nursing Certification.

Nursing
RN to BSN

CCNE and NLNAC Accredited
Fast-Track BSN Completion Program for RNs with ADN or Diploma
Complete is as Few as 3 Semesters

Registered nurses with an associate's degree or nursing diploma may complete the Chamberlain Fast-Track RN to BSN Online Degree Completion Program (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), which allows them to complete their education in an environment designed for adult learners. This flexible online program allows registered nurses to advance their nursing careers by earning a BSN degree in as few as 3 semesters. The program combines the flexibility and ease of online learning with no on-site clinical requirements. Advantages include the convenience of scheduling, focus on core concepts applicable to professional settings, respect for previous work experience and interaction with peers who share similar professional experiences and values. Online RN to BSN students will participate in experiential learning projects within their course work. Generous transfer credit opportunities available. RN's with an unrestricted license can receive over 80 transfer hours towards their BSN degree. The online RN to BSN program is accredited by both NLNAC and CCNE.

Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited
Choose from 3 Tracks: Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics

Chamberlain offers two tracks for the Nursing MSN program. The Executive track builds the foundational skills essential to nurse leaders. Courses in the MSN Executive track include the foundations of organizational leadership, including managerial communication, organizational change, and decision-making. Students also complete a leadership practicum, allowing them to develop leadership skills. The Educator track includes courses designed to prepare students to teach in an academic or clinical-practice setting. Courses in the MSN Educator track include educational foundations, instructional methods, program assessment and evaluation, and curriculum development.

• Nursing - RN to BSN to MSN

American Sentinel is a proud supporter of our military personnel, which comprise of one-quarter of enrollment. American Sentinel offers high quality accredited education and outstanding student support for less than most other online universities.

Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for ANCC's Informatics Nursing Certification
Fulfill Education Criteria
Among Lowest Tuitions Online*

• Manage health information systems critical to the mission of health care delivery systems
• Develop expertise in clinical and administrative systems, data management and data mining for improvement of patient care and information systems project management.
• Understand the infrastructure that must be in place to improve practice while safeguarding the security and privacy of data
• Assume critical roles in managing health information systems in ambulatory, acute, and long term care settings, as well as in the public health environment

This program is well suited for nurses who have prior informatics experience or want to pursue leadership or educational roles. This program will fulfill education requirements toward eligibility for ANCC's Informatics Nurse Certification.

The MSN Nursing Informatics specialty degree program requires 36 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 18 hours from previous graduate study. American Sentinel provides a quality CCNE accredited MSN program which boasts one of the lowest tuition rates online at $18,525. *

• Nursing - RN to BSN
• Nursing - RN to MSN
• Case Management - MSN
• Infection Prevention and Control - MSN

Nursing
RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

CCNE Accredited
For RN's Holding ADN or Nursing Diploma

The CCNE accredited RN to BSN online program is designed to enhance the nursing skills and knowledge of the registered nurse while providing an overview of today's changing health care system. Completion of the degree requires 27 credits in the Nursing major at the baccalaureate level, all of which may be online. In addition, 30 credits are awarded to the student for previous nursing coursework, based on a review of the student's resume, clinical experience and references, or through the Connecticut Articulation Program as applicable. SHU does not require any testing to award these 30 credits.

Nursing
RN to BSN to MSN

The CCNE accredited RN to BSN to MSN online program is designed for active licensed RN's who hold an Associate's degree in nursing or a diploma. By combining your BSN and MSN studies in SHU's online RN–BSN–MSN program, you'll save time and money that you'd spend earning both separately. In our program, you only have to take eight MSN classes instead of 12, allowing you to get your master's degree sooner. And your BSN is awarded along the way, so if circumstances prevent your completion of the program, you'll still have a chance to earn a higher degree. Sacred Heart University's online RN–BSN–MSN program is designed to meet the needs of the working career nurse seeking the superior clinical, administrative, and educational skills to move into management roles or positions with more autonomy. Students can choose one of three specializations: Clinical Nurse Leader, Patient Care Services Administration, Nursing Education.

Sacred Heart University also offers:

• Clinical Nurse Leader - MSN
• Nursing Education - RN to MSN
• Patient Care Services Administration - MSN

In May 2010, U.S. News & World Report again identified Walden as having the No. 2 largest online, graduate nursing program by enrollment.

Walden’s School of Nursing features a distinguished faculty of more than 100 scholars and
professionals—100% of whom hold doctoral degrees—who are academically and experientially
qualified to teach at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing
(BSN to MSN Track)

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for ANCC's Informatics Nursing Certification
Includes Supervised Practicum in Informatics

For Registered Nurses entering the program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program blends nursing science with computer and information science to enhance the quality of patient care.

Highlights of the Nursing Informatics BSN to MSN program include:

• A multidisciplinary approach to informatics by blending nursing science, computer science, and information science
• Coursework focuses on such key areas as information systems, database concepts, and effective project management
• Fieldwork experience provides learners with the opportunity to apply their new knowledge immediately

The informatics specialization is designed to help you prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing certification exam. By including 250 hours of faculty supervised practicum, this program is an excellent option for nurses without informatics work experience. Graduates of this MSN program will fulfill ANCC's practice hour requirement for eligibility for the Informatics Nursing Certification.

Nursing Informatics
Master of Science in Nursing
(RN to MSN Track)

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for ANCC's Informatics Nursing Certification
Includes Supervised Practicum in Informatics

For Registered Nurses with a hospital diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN).
The CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program blends nursing science with computer and information science to enhance the quality of patient care.

Highlights of the Nursing Informatics RN to MSN program include:

• A multidisciplinary approach to informatics by blending nursing science, computer science, and information science
• Coursework focuses on such key areas as information systems, database concepts, and effective project management
• Fieldwork experience provides learners with the opportunity to apply their new knowledge immediately
  

The informatics specialization is designed to help you prepare for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Informatics Nursing certification exam. By including 250 hours of faculty supervised practicum, this program is an excellent option for nurses without informatics work experience. Graduates of this MSN program will fulfill ANCC's practice hour requirement for eligibility for the Informatics Nursing Certification.

Nursing Informatics
Post-Master's Certificate

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for ANCC's Informatics Nursing Certification
Ideal for Nurses with Previous Informatics Experience

This CCNE accredited program can prepare learners to effectively use information technology to enhance decision-making in various health care settings. Nursing professionals will gain the knowledge to integrate data, information, and knowledge to support decision-making processes that positively affect patients and practitioners. This program is ideal for nurses who already have informatics work experience and want formal education and graduate coursework towards certification eligibility.

Nursing
RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing}

Walden's BSN curriculum has been designed by nursing experts and provides RNs an in-depth understanding of evidence-based practices that can be applied on the job immediately. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months (time to completion depends on individual progress and credits transferred).

Nursing
RN / BSN to MSN (Master of Science in Nursing)

CCNE Accredited
Designed for RNs Holding BSN, ADN, or Diploma

This CCNE accredited online program focuses on developing leaders and educators to fill critical roles in nursing. Based on educational and professional guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association, this program uses nationally known experts to help you acquire the knowledge to educate nursing students, staff and patients-and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma. Walden University seeks serious inquiries from U.S. and Canadian students seeking to enroll within the next 6 months.

• Education - BSN / RN to MSN
• Informatics - BSN / RN to MSN
• Leadership & Management - BSN / RN to MSN

Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for NLN's Certified Nurse Educator Credential

The M.S. in Nursing with Education Specialization prepares you to become a nurse educator in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program equips you with high-level knowledge and skills while incorporating best practices in policy, organization, and financing; role development; research; advanced nursing practice; and nurse education. This is a perfect program for RNs with BSNs who want to become nurse educators.

Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)

CCNE Accredited
Qualify for NLN's Certified Nurse Educator Credential

This direct RN to MSN option prepares you with bachelor's- and graduate-level coursework to earn your master's degree. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective nurse educator in a variety of healthcare settings. You'll develop best practices in nurse education, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and the nursing sciences. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate's degrees who want to become nurse educators.

• Nursing - BSN
• Nursing / Leadership - MSN
• Nursing / Leadership - RN to MSN

Nursing
RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

CCNE Accredited
For RNs with ADN or Diploma
Generous Transfer Credit Opportunities (133 out of 180 credits)

The CCNE accredited RN to BSN program is an online nursing Bachelor's degree completion program providing Registered Nurses with access to the career advancement opportunities that come with a BSN degree. Graduates of this RN to BSN program perform better in their profession and assume roles that demand critical thinking, decision-making, communication and leadership skills. Core courses prepare graduates for population-based cases and the managed care environment. Support courses, electives and study in an area of student's choice cover additional current issues in nursing.

• Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - MSN
• Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse - MSN
• Clinical Trials Research - MSN
• Contemporary Nursing Faculty - MSN
• Innovation and Intra/Entrepreneurship - MSN
• Nursing - RN to BSN to MSN
• Nursing Leadership / Health Systems Management - MSN
• Women's Health - MSN Completion Program

Founded in 1865, Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is rated one of the best colleges in the Midwest by The Princeton Review.

LPN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

NLNAC Accredited
Qualify to Sit for NCLEX-RN Exam
No Waiting List and Clinicals are Locally Completed with Preceptor

The new online LPN to BSN degree at Indiana State University is the only online RN/BSN training program in the country. LPNs and LVNs can earn their NLNAC-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without stepping foot in a classroom. Individuals can now use The College Network's comprehensive learning materials to pass their college college equivalency exams (CLEP®, DSST®, and Excelsior College® Examinations), and earn their general education and elective college credits (up to 76 credit hours). Individuals can complete their upper-level nursing courses (generally 43 hours) online with ISU. There is No Waiting List and clinical hours can be completed locally with a preceptor.

Nursing
RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

CCNE Accredited
For RNs Holding ADN or Diploma
Includes Supervised Clinicals
Among the Lowest Tuitions Online*

This CCNE accredited program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs). Based on National League of Nursing (NLN) competency standards, the B.S. in Nursing prepares you to become a higher level nurse in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program incorporates skills and knowledge beyond the clinical aspects of nursing, integrating patient education, health promotion, nursing roles and values, and technology, as well as healthcare systems and policies into the curriculum.

*Standard completion time for this program is 18 months. This is based on completion time for RNs holding an associate's degree who can clean all liberal arts requirements for this degree. WGU operates on 6-month terms, rather than semesters. Basic tuition for a 6-month term is $3,250, bringing a 2 year program's tuition to $13,000 and an 18-month program to $9,750.

• Nursing Education - RN to MSN
• Nursing Education - MSN
• Nursing Leadership - RN to MSN
• Nursing Leadership & Management - MSN