Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses (RNs) who provide preventive, primary and comprehensive care to patients of all ages, managing both acute and chronic conditions. With the increasing need for primary care and a shortage of physicians, FNPs are essential in meeting these growing healthcare needs.
For those pursuing an FNP career, online education provides flexibility. The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program from Arkansas State University (A-State) is a high-quality option, preparing students with a thorough education in family practice.
FNP Responsibilities
FNPs differ from RNs in that they can practice independently without supervision. FNPs have various responsibilities, including assessing patients, diagnosing illnesses, conducting physical exams, prescribing medications, updating patient records, developing treatment plans and educating patients on managing health conditions.
In many rural areas, FNPs often fulfill roles similar to those of primary care physicians. These responsibilities highlight the advanced training and education FNPs receive and their critical role in healthcare.
FNP Job Settings
There is a strong demand for FNPs, and they have opportunities to make an impact in many types of healthcare settings. Some examples of work environments available to FNPs include the following:
- Acute or urgent care center: FNPs can diagnose and treat many medical issues in this setting.
- Clinics and doctors’ offices: In this setting, FNPs support physicians and take on roles similar to primary care physicians by assessing, diagnosing and treating patients within their scope of practice. Most FNPs practice in this setting.
- Community centers: In community centers, FNPs are utilized as a resource and usually act as community health educators.
- Hospitals: In hospitals, FNPs gain experience in treating various conditions with diverse patient populations within different departments.
- Long-term care (LTC): FNPs are ideally suited for roles in long-term care facilities, where patients face a high risk of hospital admission and often have complex needs. They can be a key link between patients and their interdisciplinary care team.
- Schools and public health facilities: FNPs provide primary care to students in school-based clinics and the community in public health departments, making primary care more accessible and affordable for the community.
- Telemedicine: With telemedicine, FNPs can reach more patients, especially those with geographic or economic challenges, allowing quick and adequate access to quality healthcare.
The variety of job settings available to FNPs offers an outstanding work-life balance and the ability to tailor the work environment to personal preferences and career goals.
Career Outlook for FNPs
The career outlook for FNPs is exceptionally favorable. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights a significant rise in demand for nurse practitioners, including FNPs, driven by a focus on preventive care and a shortage of primary care providers. With 31,900 job openings expected each year in the U.S., the BLS projects a 40% growth in employment for nurse practitioners from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for other occupations.
This growth is fueled by an aging population, the expansion of healthcare services and the crucial role FNPs play in improving healthcare accessibility. As healthcare systems evolve to address diverse needs, FNPs are increasingly vital in bridging the gap left by the shortage of primary care physicians.
FNP Salary Expectations
FNPs enjoy a stable and rewarding career with competitive salaries averaging $161,039 annually. The role benefits from a growing demand for primary and preventive healthcare services, a rapidly expanding healthcare industry and job stability.
Additionally, FNPs often receive benefits such as overtime pay, reduced medical care, health insurance and retirement plans. This combination of competitive salary, flexible work environment and robust job prospects makes the FNP role an ideal career choice.
Become an FNP With an Advanced Nursing Degree From Arkansas State University
The A-State MSN – FNP program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments. The comprehensive curriculum and clinical practicum ensure graduates are well equipped to deliver high-quality care in real-world healthcare settings.
Graduates of A-State’s program are eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and/or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. These certifications validate expertise and enhance graduates’ employability in the competitive job market.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program.