The evolution of nursing practice is somewhat remarkable, changing dramatically over the last half-century. In the 1950s, nurses weren’t even allowed to use stethoscopes. Dr. Loretta Ford, a public health nurse, set out to change that by establishing the first nurse practitioner (NP) program in 1965.
Since then, the profession has grown to be among the most popular specialized nursing occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the NP profession as a whole may see a 35% job growth rate between 2024 and 2034.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) can gain the specialized skills and clinical expertise needed through Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program. This accredited program prepares students to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan while advancing their professional growth in a rapidly expanding field.
What Does an FNP Do?
Family nurse practitioners focus on maintaining health and well-being across a person’s lifespan, from childhood through the geriatric years. They are responsible for conducting physical exams, updating medical records, documenting family medical history, educating patients on healthy habits and prescribing medications.
FNPs often work in private family practice settings, but they can also serve in community health or public health capacities. Some FNPs specialize in treating underserved populations. They may also pursue a specific concentration in women’s health, cardiology, neonatology or emergency medicine.
How Can Aspiring FNPs Optimize Their Career Outlook?
While FNPs and medical doctors (MDs) perform similar duties, the two roles are separated by the level of education each requires. To become a certified FNP, registered nurses (RNs) must gain the skills and knowledge required for certification through a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
Such a program prepares FNPs to succeed in passing the national certification exam and earning the credential of Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Since the exam is an intensive assessment of one’s ability to perform as an FNP, MSN education is incredibly valuable.
For example, the curriculum in the MSN-FNP online program at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) includes coursework on:
1) Diagnostic Reasoning and Advanced Physical Assessment: develops advanced skills in assessing physical, cognitive, nutritional and functional domains.
2) Advanced Clinical Pharmacology and Intervention: focuses on various elements of pharmacological therapies, including drug selection, monitoring and educating patients, and potential intervention.
3) Health Care Policy and Economics in Population Health: studies the social, political, technological and economic aspects of healthcare. This course also covers healthcare financing.
4) Role Development in Advanced Practice Nursing: explores the greater scope of FNPs’ roles as healthcare providers, consultants, educators, researchers, collaborators, leaders and administrators.
These courses represent just a snapshot of what the NKU MSN-FNP program offers. The program’s in-depth curriculum provides a highly comprehensive foundation for FNP-BC certification. Most importantly, the program sets the stage for a successful FNP practice.
What Does an FNP’s Future Look Like?
With all the hard work FNPs put in throughout their education, accreditation and certification, it’s no surprise they are rewarded accordingly. Zip Recruiter lists a national average of $127,976, but opportunities exist for up to $140,000 depending on various factors (geographic location, experience or demand for services).
Aside from a competitive salary, family nurse practitioners often find the opportunity to build meaningful provider-patient relationships and deliver comprehensive care rewarding. As demand continues to grow across diverse healthcare settings, programs like NKU’s Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner prepare nurses to take advantage of these opportunities while advancing their careers and impact in the field.
Learn more about Northern Kentucky University’s Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner online program.
