You may think “nurse” is one of the few straightforward job titles. But there is more to nursing than meets the eye, especially if you’re a family nurse practitioner (FNP).
While nurses all work in the medical field with patients’ health as the end goal, different types of nurses have varying responsibilities. Family nurse practitioners take on different work than registered nurses (RNs), with significantly more autonomy and involvement in the medical process. So, naturally, this role requires further education, as well as a different set of skills and experiences.
So, how does one become a family nurse practitioner? USC Online spoke with Akila Aisner, a professor for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, to learn more about the family nurse practitioner job process.
What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner, and How Does It Differ From Other Nursing Jobs?
A family nurse practitioner is a nurse who provides care to patients of all ages — including both primary and preventative care, which, Aisner noted, is different from what registered nurses do.
“A family nurse practitioner’s role involves health promotion, which is keeping patients healthy over a long period of time,” Aisner said. “We use a medical model of diagnosis and management to achieve that goal.”
In other words, FNPs are more involved in preventative care. They also usually have more autonomy than RNs, working with individuals or whole families in a primary health care provider role. While they sometimes work under a physician, this is not always the case.
FNPs also have many of the same duties as a physician — including running tests and exams, keeping track of medical histories, diagnosing health issues, creating treatment plans and even prescribing medication — giving them more power than RNs.
You’ll find FNPs in different medical settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics and community health centers.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
While RNs typically get an associate or bachelor’s degree (although many go on to earn more degrees), FNPs need to get a Master of Science in Nursing degree to practice. While program requirements differ, those pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at USC must already be RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
But what if you still want to work while getting your master’s degree? Don’t worry — programs like USC’s Master of Science in Nursing can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Beyond the additional degree, there are other requirements, too. To become an FNP, you must have an RN license, log a certain number of hours in a clinical setting and pass an exam from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) to obtain certification. These certifications then allow you to apply for a license specific to the state you’ll be practicing in.
What Skills Do You Need to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
Family nurse practitioners need the medical skills gained in both their undergraduate and master’s degree programs to succeed in the field. But it’s not just about clinical knowledge, Aisner said. There are other traits needed to be a good FNP — especially curiosity and a love of learning.
“The amount of knowledge that every medical specialty has is … extremely vast, and it’s impossible for us to learn everything that we’re going to encounter in clinical practice,” Aisner said. “So, if you want to be a good nurse practitioner, you have to be somebody who is not just smart and intelligent, but someone who cares enough about the integrity of the profession to know that they have to always continue learning.”
What Is the Online Master of Science in Nursing Program at USC Like?
USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an online Master of Science in Nursing program, which “prepares nurses to deliver high-quality health care while considering the social determinants that affect health and well-being,” according to the website. Coursework includes health promotion and education, disease prevention, physical assessment and diagnosis, pathophysiology and pharmacology, and illness management. While this involves classes, lectures, and workshops with top professionals, practical clinical hours are also a crucial part of the program.
Students can choose a full-time or part-time course load and earn their master’s degree in 21 to 33 months, respectively. No matter the length, USC offers an involved, personalized experience, including smaller class sizes allowing students to connect with professors and get more out of discussions, Aisner said.
“There are a lot of programs that are online only, where … [students are] having minimal interactions with their professors,” Aisner said. “And it essentially amounts to, ‘Okay, here’s a syllabus, watch a recorded lecture on your own time, post to a discussion board, a traditional online class format. … But USC isn’t like that.”
Clinical hours are also necessary to become a family nurse practitioner. Luckily, USC finds clinical rotations for its students, so you don’t have to worry about searching for them on your own.
How Much Do Family Nurse Practitioners Make?
The median pay for nurse practitioners in 2023 was $129,480, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind, however, that your salary will fluctuate based on years of experience, number of hours worked, the setting you’re practicing in and your state.
What Is the Career Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioners?
If you’re looking for a career with stability, you should certainly consider becoming a family nurse practitioner. People everywhere need consistent preventative health care and periodic treatment. It’s no wonder that the outlook for this job title is bright: It’s predicted to grow by 38 percent from 2022 to 2032, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — much faster than other careers.
The Bottom Line
A family nurse practitioner is an amazing career option for those who are curious, love learning and have an interest in medicine. It allows one to work with patients of all ages, focus on both preventive and primary health care and have more independence in treating people than RNs do. To make this dream job a reality, all that’s needed is a Master of Science in Nursing.
“I would definitely consider the master’s program at USC,” Aisner said. “USC has name recognition. It’s known for being an excellent academic institution. But it’s more than that. They really prepare you to succeed and thrive as a family nurse practitioner.”
Learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing online program today.