What Is an FNP and Why Should You Become One?
Written by:
Tulsa University
• Aug 7, 2025
The ongoing nursing shortage poses a challenge for the health care industry. There is no shortage of patients, and each one deserves to receive high quality care that benefits them in the short and long term. While the positive patient impact naturally translates to a need for nurses, it also points to a need for nurse leaders who can mitigate the current shortage’s effects.
For nurses interested in earning an advanced degree and becoming a nurse practitioner (NP), the path toward nurse leadership includes choosing a specialization. The most popular of these is the family nurse practitioner (FNP), a primary care specialization held by more than 70% of all NPs, according to the most recent data published by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Those interested in becoming NPs who provide primary care to patients should know what an FNP is and the reasons to pursue this specialization.
The FNP Role at a Glance
An FNP is a nurse practitioner specializing in providing care to patients over the course of their lifetime, from infants to older adults. FNPs may record patient histories and symptoms, perform physical exams and diagnostic tests, diagnose health issues, develop immediate and post-care treatment strategies, and analyze a patient’s response to treatment.
FNPs can perform their duties independently in states with full practice authority. In states without this authority, FNPs must be supervised by a physician. In states granting full prescriptive authority, they can also prescribe medicine without physician oversight. Because they treat patients of all ages, they can develop unique bonds with patients that can last throughout their careers.
FNPs can work in a host of different environments, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Because they can conduct a wide range of care delivery-related tasks, they can provide quality patient care to underserved populations, such as rural areas. Their knowledge and skills can also make them effective nurse leaders who provide guidance to other nursing professionals, educate patients on disease prevention and health promotion, and advocate for services on the patients’ behalf.
How to Become an FNP
Once an individual understands what an FNP is, it’s important that they get a firm grasp on the steps to become an FNP.
Step 1: Become a Registered Nurse
Earning an education is required to become an advanced practice nurse like an FNP. This journey typically starts with earning an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This allows the individual to establish the kind of foundational knowledge and skill set that they can build upon as their nursing career grows. Once they earn a degree, they can sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN).
Step 2: Gain Experience as an RN
Prospective FNPs should gain RN experience on the job. This enables them to transform their knowledge and skills into hands-on care delivery. It can also help RNs learn what type of specialization they may choose to seek out when they start advancing their careers.
Step 3: Earn an Advanced Degree
After gaining professional experience, prospective FNPs will return to school and earn an advanced degree. This will further enhance an individual’s existing knowledge and skills. The degree will also give individuals the opportunity to hone their educational focus toward their intended specialization.
While earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree is still considered the educational benchmark in the field, there is growing expectation that a terminal degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree will become the benchmark, as outlined by groups such as the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF).
Step 4: Obtain Certification
FNPs must be certified within their intended state of practice. While the precise steps vary from state to state, there are some common prerequisites, such as an active RN license in an individual’s current state of practice, an advanced degree, and at least 500 supervised clinical hours.
It’s important that individuals know their state’s certification steps prior to pursuing their advanced degree so they can minimize the chance of surprises. Regardless of state, individuals typically must renew their certification every five years, which can help them stay abreast of new and innovative care delivery techniques and strategies.
FNP Salary and Job Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies FNP roles with the larger designation of nurse practitioners, reporting that this role earned a median annual salary of 129,210 as of May 2024. The precise salary individuals can expect to receive can vary based on a few factors. These can include elements like level of education, years of experience, and job location.
The BLS also projects a 46% growth for nurse practitioners between 2023 and 2033, which is more than 10 times the national average.
Take the Step Toward a Growing Career
An FNP is a leader who helps strengthen a facility’s resolve toward providing optimized health care. It’s also a nurse who can build trusted bonds with patients and become a positive influence on their health.
The University of Tulsa’s Family Nurse Practitioner, Doctor of Nursing Practice (FNP, DNP) program can help you become an impactful leader in nursing. Our program is designed to impart the concepts and theories driving advanced care to nurse leaders looking to expand their autonomy and scope of practice.
Find out how you can become an advanced practice nurse with Tulsa’s FNP, DNP program.
Recommended Readings
Clinic vs. Hospital Nursing: Which One Should You Choose?
Technical Skills in Nursing Leadership
Types of Nurses and Their Salaries
Sources:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Nursing Shortage Fact Sheet
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Issues at a Glance: Full Practice Authority
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners in Primary Care
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, State Practice Environment
Indeed, “What Is a Family Nurse Practitioner? (With Sub-Specialties)”
National Council of State Boards of Nursing, About the NCLEX
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
