Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) vs. Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Before you can become an FNP or NP, you’ll need to become a registered nurse. While you can do that by completing an associate-level nursing degree program and passing the NCLEX, you’ll eventually need a master’s in nursing degree. 

Most graduate NP programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to be considered for admission. Other admissions requirements include your transcripts, a current resume, a statement of purpose, and two or more letters of recommendation, among other materials.  

There are many types of FNP and NP programs to choose from to suit your personal circumstances. Through modified class schedules and distributed course delivery formats, including postgrad, online, dual and accelerated programs, you can learn when you want, how you want.

Though there are similarities in the responsibilities of FNPs and NPs, the coursework and curriculum will vary. For instance, FNP degree programs are likely to include additional coursework not required in general NP programs, such as family theory, crisis health care, and primary health care for the family. That said, both programs should adhere to core competencies established by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF):

In your search, remember to investigate whether the program offers training in your desired population focus or concentration.

From providing mental health care in educational settings to acute care in hospitals, there are several places to start and advance your career as an FNP or NP. Both roles require a range of skills—including advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology—to assist in preventing disease, promoting well-being, diagnosing health conditions, and treating patients for ailments, though their primary focus will vary depending on their chosen population.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which certifies nurses in specialty practice areas, offers only one certification specifically for FNPs: the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC), which is awarded through an assessment of clinical knowledge and skills. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) also offers an FNP certification.

National certification for NPs is available from various professional associations, depending on your chosen area of specialization. National organizations that certify NPs include the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. Eligibility for certification typically requires at least an RN license, a degree from an accredited institution and a certain number of supervised clinical hours.

Be sure to check with your state boards of nursing to determine which certifications are accepted in your area, as the requirements for licensure vary by state.

The specialty you choose as a nurse practitioner will often dictate the population you support and the specific duties you perform. This differs from a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who typically focuses on the general population and their families. There are a variety of specializations to choose from. Some of them are:

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) provides a wide range of family-focused health care services to patients of all ages, from infants and adolescents to adults and seniors. FNPs often take on some of a physician’s roles, though in some states they must work under physician supervision.

Highly educated and experienced FNPs are vital health care professionals in the U.S., especially now as baby boomers age and the elderly population is expected to grow rapidly.

FNPs practice in a variety of health care settings, including private practice, community health centers, educational institutions, and more. On any given day, you can find them diagnosing and treating health conditions, collaborating with fellow health care providers, and educating patients and their families.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse practitioners are among the 10 occupations with the highest projected growth rates for the decade spanning 2024-2034. NP jobs are expected to grow 40% during that time period. Many factors go into calculating the average salary for an NP or FNP, including specialty, workplace setting, and geographic location. The median NP salary in May 2024 was $129,210, according to the BLS.

Once you’ve earned your FNP certification, you’re required to renew it every five years, according to the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Certification renewal requirements. In addition to the board’s requirement, you must also renew through your state, which often involves completing additional continuing education contact hours.

The AANPCB has similar renewal requirements for their FNP certification. You must renew every five years through one of two options: either complete 1,000 clinical practice hours and 100 continuing education hours, or retake the certification exam. Regardless of which option you choose, you will need an active RN or APRN licensure to recertify. 

Eager to earn the highest possible practice-based degree in the field of nursing? A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal degree that can lead to a variety of advanced clinical nursing roles in clinical research, as well as executive-level positions in patient care. Once you’ve obtained your MSN degree, you can enroll in a DNP program on a full-time or part-time basis. Depending on which route you choose, you can earn this degree in two to five years.