Master’s in family nurse practitioner programs

A master's in family nurse practitioner (FNP) program can lead to becoming an FNP and providing advanced primary care across the lifespan. State regulations define the scope of your practice.

Discover the job opportunities, potential salaries, and career outlook after obtaining an FNP online.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in family nurse practitioner degree?

Graduates of an FNP online program can pursue a range of advanced practice nursing roles.

The state determines the provisions for licensure, but most require you to pass a certification examination from a national organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Other state-specific requirements may include a background check or additional exams.

FNPs play a critical role in primary care in diverse settings, such as physician offices, hospitals, and outpatient care centers. Their responsibilities include diagnosing and treating patients, which are crucial to managing acute and chronic health conditions in the community.

Each state regulates a nurse practitioner's scope of practice. Many states have full practice authority, and other states require physician oversight for one or more functions. Family nurse practitioners provide comprehensive health care across the lifespan, emphasizing education and prevention.

Family nurse practitioner salaries

Graduates of an online FNP program have strong salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for nurse practitioners, including FNPs, is $128,490 out of 280,140 employed NPs.

Salaries vary based on factors like geographic location, work settings, experience, and additional certifications. For example, NPs who work in a metropolitan area or specialized healthcare facility may earn higher wages than those in a rural setting or community clinic.

Top-paying states for nurse practitioners include California, Nevada, Washington, and New Jersey. The lowest-paying states include Michigan, Kansas, Kentucky, Alabama, and Louisiana. The mean annual wage in the lowest-paying state, Tennessee, is $103,720.

Career outlook for family nurse practitioners

The job outlook for family nurse practitioners is strong, with the BLS estimating job growth of 46% from 2023-33. Nurse practitioners are the third fastest-growing occupation according to the BLS.

FNPs may be in high demand because of a growing emphasis on preventive care and a rapidly growing population of seniors. The industries with the highest levels of nurse practitioners are physician offices, followed by general medical and surgical hospitals and outpatient care centers, according to the BLS.

What can you learn in an online family nurse practitioner program?

When an online FNP program is fully accredited, it provides nurse practitioners with the same scope of education and experience they receive in an in-person traditional setting.

Students gain advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan. The program curriculum typically requires 40-50 credits and includes core concepts in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment.

Students study primary care of adults, children, and seniors. Courses prepare students to provide comprehensive patient care from prevention to chronic disease management. Key courses can include clinical applications of theory and research and health policy and the role of the advanced practice nurse.

A vital component of an online FNP program is the required clinical hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or doctor. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between theoretical learning and real-world practice to help prepare you for board certification and advanced practice.

Online format

Accredited online FNP programs typically require occasional in-person campus residencies. All accredited programs require hands-on, in-person clinical practicums. Distance learners complete clinical hours within an approved healthcare setting, working under a licensed preceptor.

Your online program may offer placement assistance, virtual simulations, and academic support.Some programs require an on-campus residency that typically focuses on components to ensure you gain the practical experience needed while benefiting from online flexibility.

Admissions requirements for an online family nurse practitioner master's program

Admission requirements for an accredited FNP online program can vary but typically include general academic and professional qualifications. Some programs accept applications year-round with rolling admission. Most online programs expect applicants to have a strong nursing background with 1-2 years of bedside experience and meet the following criteria:

• Admissions requirements: BSN degree from an accredited program with official transcripts, 1-2 years of bedside experience with an active and unencumbered RN license
• GPA requirement: 3.0 cumulative GPA
• Admissions materials: Undergraduate statistics class, criminal background check, résumé, personal essay, professional references, and personal interview