Online FNP Program

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Online FNP Program

To meet the need for Family Nurse Practitioners many colleges now offer online degrees. These flexible online FNP programs enable you to take strides in your career even as you work. Nurses in this area may earn six figure salaries. And there’s no time like now to get started in this fast growth field. 

What is an Online FNP Program?

An online FNP program is short for Family Nurse Practitioner. These programs are about the delivery of primary care to patients of all ages during their lifespan. 

This type of nursing degree may be available at all levels. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral. A bachelor’s degree is basic, grounding you in science and patient care. It is also a necessary step in the FNP career prep journey. 

An online MSN program is about advanced practice and the APRN role. As a rule, the FNP is a track that adds more focus and preps you for certification exams. FNPs may earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a PhD in family medicine as well.

If you wonder how it is possible to study nursing online, formats vary. Common are synchronous online courses which live stream lectures. Some use material that you move through at your own pace too. You are also likely to complete clinical hours and a practicum with preceptors an approved site nearby. 

When checking into an online FNP program, research accreditation. Accredited online nursing programs meet industry norms and may make it easier to sit for licensure exams. 

There are two agencies who accredit online nurse practitioner programs. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). And the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

Bachelors Program in FNP

An online bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a first step in a licensed FNP’s education. States may require a nurse to earn a BSN to pursue an RN license. 

A full time student may spend around four years completing their BSN. After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates may apply to a master’s program. 

There are also schools that roll the two degrees into one program. And schools that offer a pathway for those with a non nursing bachelor’s. Some may offer family nursing courses or you might complete a clinical in a related setting. But at this stage it is more about building basic know how. 

Either way, expect to learn nursing theory and care for patient skills. Along the way you may hone the critical thinking needed by nurses in day to day functions. Things like being able to explain how to take a specific medication. And, operate medical equipment. 

Getting into a BSN program may be selective and does vary from one school to the next. As a rule, a college looks at your transcripts to see if they match their requirements. GPA is part of this evaluation. 

Another variable is tuition across states and public vs private colleges. According to the NCES, tuition, fees, room, and board in 2017/18 was $17,797 at a public 4 year school.

Master’s Program in FNP

An online master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate level degree. It is also an entry point to advanced practice nursing and the FNP specialty. 

Prospective FNPs must complete a master’s degree before they seek licensure (state) and certify with the (ANCC) certification board . 

For those who enter with a BSN degree, the usual time frame is 2 to 3 years. Schools also offer other pathways like RN to MSN which take longer.

Classes at this level go deeper into the same themes but in a more advanced way. You also tend to study how to apply theory into practice in an ethical way. 

Other focus topics may cover clinical diagnosis. Plus specific care related to childbearing, the aging family and a supervised practicum in primary family care. At the end, you may have a capstone which fuses all elements of the program. 

Schools assess your grade point average to see if it meets their minimum. They often review your transcripts to see if any credits transfer too. An unencumbered license (RN) and GRE scores are other criteria for admission. 

PhD in FNP

A PhD in family nurse practice is a research degree. For practicing nurses, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degree) is more common. 

Both are terminal meaning the highest degrees nurses may strive for. But the PhD does focus on original research that furthers the nursing profession. While the DNP is a practitioner degree and aims to grow clinical leadership, systems thinking and expertise.

There are many entry points to the DNP (as an RN, BSN, MSN). It depends on the school and what they offer. If you already have an MSN, a Post Master’s DNP degree program may take 30 credit hours with a possible completion in 15 to 18 months.

What can I do with an Online FNP Program?

As the need for health care services booms, FNPs may find opportunity in primary, preventive and specialty care. FNPs work in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, schools and other settings. Some of these roles are emerging, so there may be jobs for different levels of experience and concentration. 

FNPs conduct routine checkups and assessments. They also order and interpret tests, make diagnoses, prescribe medications. And initiate and manage treatment plans for their patients. To work as an Advanced Practice Nurse (which is what FNPs are), you must have at least a Master of Science in Nursing and license in your niche area.

To become licensed and use the APRN title, states often make national certification mandatory. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers several certs including the FNP-BC. That’s short for Family Nurse Practitioner / Board Certified.

Research by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners found that more than 89% of NPs were prepared in primary care in 2019. The AANP also noted the majority (65.4%) focus on the family. 

Here are a few other pathways that FNPs may go for.

1. ADULT GERONTOLOGY PRIMARY CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER

AGPNCPs work with the older adult through their aging process. They may conduct routine checkups, prescribe medication and tests. 

2. ADULT GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER

AGACNPs work with the older adult who suffers from an illness, chronic condition or is in hospice. 

3. PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER 

PMHNPs work with people who have emotional, behavioral or cognitive issues. For e.g. depression, anxiety or bulimia. 

Once a credentialed FNP, some nurses may choose to move in another direction.

4. NURSE EDUCATOR

A nurse with experience may teach at a nursing school. This takes a blend of instructional skill and subject matter expertise. If drawn to the classroom, nursing professors tend to need a master’s if not a PhD. 

5. NURSING INFORMATICS OFFICER

A clinical informatics nurse works where computer tech and nursing meet. Skilled with tech, they may design, revamp or troubleshoot industry software like tele health platforms. 

6. NURSING DIRECTOR

Those with business savvy may work in nurse manager or admin roles. This type of career may involve setting a budget, hiring and training staff, and reporting. Depending on the setting, one may need a master’s or MBA. 

7. CLINICAL NURSE LEADERS

CNLs supervise a health care team at the clinical rather than admin level. Their skills turn theory and research into actionable, ethical decisions regarding patients.

Is an Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program Worth It?

Family nurse practitioners in the United States face a bright future. Today’s FNP is a registered nurse (RN) who performs may of the same functions as physicians. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) these services should see growth of 45% to 2029. That’s much faster than the norm which is 4% more jobs, to give you an idea.  Salaries have a tendency to vary but the average FNP earns a median annual wage of $109,820. Hospitals (state, local and private) are a main employer of FNPs. In these settings, salaries may be more lucrative (avg. $122,420).

What classes will I take with an Online FNP Program?

An accredited online FNP program trains nurses to promote health, prevent disease and treatment. To do this one learns how to assess and diagnose health status. Then, create a plan of care and coach patients to follow it. 

A Family nurse practitioner is often a patients’ first point of contact in health care systems too. So, you tend to study how to relay patient information. Both to a physician and insurance company. And, across cultural groups. 

Technical know how is also important. Things like learning how to chart patient data and use equipment. That said, there are specific courses for each level of study that may expand skills and understanding. Here are some of these common topics. 

BSN – FNP COURSES

A typical online BSN program covers lower and upper division nursing courses. If not complete, you may have some general arts and science classes as well. These do not relate to nursing but round out what is usually a 120 credit program. 

Lower division ones often frame the profession and processes in nursing. Upper division ones usually look at care for various ages (children, adolescents, adults, and older adults). You may also learn about basic clinical nurses, case management and public health. Common courses at this stage usually include a series of basics such as:

MSN – FNP COURSES

A masters level FNP course plan goes into more complex versions of bachelor’s topics. Plus, a series of classes about primary care of the middle aged and older adult and family. Also expect clinical practice, practical supervised training and a final capstone. 

Foundational classes aim to grow your skills as a critical thinker and AP nurse. These include advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology and physical assess. Other courses broaden your understanding of ethics, nursing IT, decisions, policies and key issues in FNP nursing.

You may have to finish a scholarly research project too. This is often about quality steps to improve nursing and a critique of medical literature. A few other common courses at this stage might include:

Areas For FNP Majors

You may decide you want to provide nursing care for a specific group or health issue. In that case, you may want to tailor your program instead of follow a generalist track. These are a few areas that online colleges may offer. 

1. Pediatric Nursing 

May help FNPs develop the expertise to manage care of children and adolescents. You may study how children grow and learn to see them in context of their family. 

2. Women’s Health Care 

Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP) is an AP nurse who provides full health care for women through out their lives. WHCNPs provide well-woman care. So this area takes a deep look at reproductive and gynecological care. Also prenatal and postpartum care. Other aspects focus helping patients make smart lifestyle choices.

3. Adult Gerontology (Acute or Primary)

Learn the finer points of care for the critically ill older patients and those in hospices. Or choose to study care for the adult and older adult during the (normal) aging process. Both areas may help you with detailed health intake, diagnosis, and documenting findings.

4. Nurse Educator 

Study how to develop courses and programs that weave nursing and teaching tactics. If you meet their criteria, the National League for Nursing offers the Certified Nurse Educator credential.

5. Executive Leader

Focus on the concepts of staffing, setting budgets and policy. If you meet the ANCC criteria, you may take the exams for Nurse Exec or Nurse Exec, Advanced. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership also offers a Certified in Executive Nursing Practice.

How long does it take to complete a FNP Program online?

A typical MSN – FNP program takes about two to three years. It may take longer if you have to earn a BSN along the way. Or less time depending on your enrollment status (full vs part time). 

Scholarships for Nurse Practitioner Programs

Many eligible online nursing students qualify for scholarships. These go out on the basis of financial need and or merit. While colleges are a main source of financial aid, there are other grantors. Securing one (since it isn’t a loan) makes earning a family nurse practitioner degree more affordable. 

National Association of Hispanic Nurses Scholarship Award

NAHN offers scholarships each year. They go to active NAHN members enrolled in accredited nursing program. Either LVN/LPN, associate, diploma, bachelor, or graduate. Selectees are Hispanic nursing students who show promise, have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and need. This year, selectees receive $1,000 each.

Deadline: December 21, 2020

District of Columbia Nursing Scholarship

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) offers a range of scholarships. This one awards two students with a one time sum of $2,500. Applicants must show financial need and be DC residents. Also a criteria is to be a current nursing program student with a 3.25 GPA or above who attends University of the District of Columbia. 

Deadline: January 31, 2021

National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program

NBNA offers 14 scholarships. They are open to NBNA members who are currently enrolled in a nursing program with at least one year of study left. Applicants must be in good academic standing and may receive awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. 

Deadline: April 15, 2021

NLN Foundation for Nursing Education Scholarship Awards

The National League for Nursing offers scholarships to eligible nurse educators. The award amount goes up to $8,000 each year. Selectees use the funds to go for a graduate degree to advance their career as a full time nurse educator. Applicants must be master’s or doctoral students enrolled in accredited programs with at least a year of their program complete.

Deadline: May 31, 2021

Virginia Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Midwife Scholarship Program

Virginia’s Department of Health offers these scholarships. They are available to Virginia undergraduate/graduate students in a nurse midwife or NP program. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and attend an in state school. In return for the $5,000 in funds, selectees agree to practice as a nurse midwife or NP in a medically under served area of the state.  Deadline: June 30, 2021

15 Schools with Online FNP Programs

We’ve created a list of 15 schools where you may pursue a Family Nurse Practitioner Degree online. 

1. Chamberlain University 
2. South University 
3. The University of Texas at Arlington
4. Maryville University of Saint Louis
5. Simmons University 
6. Purdue University Global
7. University of Cincinnati 
8. Frontier Nursing University 
9. The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
10. Indiana Wesleyan University 
11. Olivet Nazarene University
12. Texas Woman’s University 
13. Graceland University
14. Grand Canyon University 
15. Nova Southeastern University

FIND AN ONLINE FNP DEGREE PROGRAM

Let’s take a closer look at the online FNP programs that these 15 schools have to offer.