Registered nurses who aspire to advance their careers can enroll in family nurse practitioner programs. Nurse practitioners often have a master’s degree, but some possess doctorates in the field.
Here is an overview of the program acceptance requirements and certification process for family nurse practitioners (FNPs):
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Admissions Requirements for a Family Nurse Practitioner Program
A family nurse practitioner program is available at the master’s, postgraduate, and doctorate degree levels. All FNP programs require candidates to be registered as registered nurses (RNs) before application.
Other requirements for admission include experience working as a professional nurse for one or more years.
RNs should also have a good-standing undergraduate GPA and have completed courses like clinical health assessment and statistics. Here are some of the more specific requirements for FNP programs:
Master’s FNP Programs
Candidates for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs must meet education, professional experience, and nursing licensure standards.
States have different rules for nursing practitioner licensing. Verify with your state’s board of nursing to determine whether the master’s program satisfies the state’s requirements.
One must hold a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) to be considered for admission to most FNP programs. Some nursing schools provide options for registered nurses who lack a BSN or have additional nursing education.
An accredited nursing associate’s degree is a prerequisite for admission to the RN to MSN-FNP programs. Certain schools may also accept applications with a nursing diploma from a recognized trade school program. All candidates for the program must hold a valid license as a registered nurse.
Bachelors to MSN-FNP programs enable nurses with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than nursing to pursue an MSN. Although a BSN is not necessary for this degree program, candidates must hold an active, unrestricted RN license in their state. States require an ADN or a nursing diploma from a recognized school to issue licensing.
Post-MSN Certificate Programs
Post-MSN FNP programs provide education and training in family care to nurses with graduate nursing degrees. One must have a master’s or doctorate in nursing before applying to post-MSN certificate programs. You also need previous working experience as an advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse.
FNP program admissions may ask you to present transcripts of prior coursework. A copy of your curriculum vitae, personal statement, and letters of recommendation can strengthen your application.
Recommendations should come from those who have seen your aptitude in different healthcare and educational settings. Consider asking for recommendations from a previous professor and a relevant employer.
After meeting all eligibility requirements, the school will vet your program application. The admissions officers select their preferred candidates to join the program following a comprehensive assessment of each applicant’s submission.
Those who enter the program engage in classwork and clinical work to achieve the specified nursing hours and credits.
Certification of Family Nurse Practitioners
You must complete a national certification exam to become a family nurse practitioner. Two bodies offer FNP certification after graduation from an FNP program. These are the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
AANP evaluates clinical decision-making, evidence-informed practice, patient education, and health history. It grants certification to nurses in specialized practice areas. Family nurse practitioners get only one qualification with this organization.
The Family Nurse Practitioner Certification from the ANCC evaluates medication competence, age-appropriate therapies, and legal requirements. You must have a master’s degree and a valid registered nurse license to take the certification exam. A postgraduate or doctorate degree from an approved FNP school is also accepted.
Your family nurse practitioner certification needs to be renewed every five years. To renew the license, one must complete 75 hours of continuing education.
At least 25 out of those 75 hours must be in clinical studies. FNPs can renew their certification through the state and the board by completing extra continuing education contact hours.
Explore Online FNP Programs
Consider enrolling in a family nurse practitioner program if you enjoy providing care to patients of all ages and building relationships with families.
Find a recognized online family nurse practitioner course and apply to begin your path toward becoming a family nurse practitioner. Contact the institution for specific admissions requirements based on your education, work experience, and career goals.
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