When it comes to healthcare activism and innovation, nurses are at the forefront. Their expertise and compassionate care have a direct impact on patient outcomes.

Their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic are widely celebrated and revered. Their dedication and compassion helped save lives and eased suffering across the nation. Their efforts underscore a clear need for nursing to continue addressing healthcare challenges and contributing to a healthier America.

What is a FNP?

A FNP is a nurse practitioner that specializes in family-focused primary care. They often treat patients across the lifespan, allowing them to build relationships with their patients over time and monitor their progress as they grow up. In addition to their patient responsibilities, NPs can prescribe medications and medical devices in some states. However, they may still need to work under the supervision of an MD.

To become an FNP, RNs must pursue a master’s degree program with the specialized education and training they need for family-focused primary care. This is one of the reasons that NP online programs have become so popular, as they give students the flexibility to work at their own pace while still receiving the same quality education and training. Depending on the program, some use asynchronous instruction, while others require that their students participate in real-time virtual discussions and lectures. Both types of instruction methods have their advantages.

Why FNPs are in Demand

Across the country and around the world, nurses are at the forefront of healthcare, making a profound impact through patient care, advocacy, education, and leadership. Taking on complex challenges, including aging populations and workforce shortages, nurses are advancing the profession to meet healthcare’s growing needs.

Today, nursing professionals often work remotely. This is due to the widespread use of telehealth technology, which allows nurses to advise and care for patients without having them physically present. This trend highlights the importance of nursing innovation and continued career development.

Another significant nursing industry trend is the push toward higher levels of education for nurses. This includes more bachelor’s and master’s degrees, which offer opportunities for advancement and leadership roles. Many online FNP programs use synchronous and asynchronous instruction methods, which require students to attend lectures and discussions at scheduled times but allow them to complete assignments independently. This approach provides a more realistic “classroom” feel to an online program and may be preferred by some nursing students.

FNP Online Programs

If you’re a registered nurse looking to advance in your career, earning an online FNP degree is a great option. Online nurse practitioner programs are convenient and offer much flexibility for students who want to continue working full-time while studying.

Most online nursing programs use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Synchronous instruction involves real-time meetings between instructors and students with lectures or discussions, while asynchronous instruction gives more freedom for self-paced learning.

Most online FNP programs require students to complete clinical hours for their degree. These medical internships allow nursing students to fulfill their FNP responsibilities while receiving on-the-job training from their preceptors.

FNP Certification

Nursing certification offers many benefits to nurses, as well as to patients. Certified nurses demonstrate a solid commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning, which can foster a culture of trust necessary for patient outcomes.

Certification may also give nurses, especially those new to the field, a competitive edge in job applications. Nursing certification also demonstrates that nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care.

FNPs have a high degree of autonomy in their practice and can make independent diagnoses and prescribe medications. This flexibility can be professionally empowering, increase earning potential, and contribute to job satisfaction.

Earning an MSN-FNP enables you to pursue your passion while completing coursework at your convenience. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the FNP certification exam. The post-graduate certificate program requires 38 credits, including 500 to 600 hours of clinical work. This allows you to focus on the population you want to serve, such as adult-gerontology acute care, family care, or psychiatric mental health.