As the healthcare system manages ongoing physician shortages and increasing primary care needs, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are in high demand. With their advanced clinical knowledge and skills, nurse practitioners cover the gap in primary care needs by providing accessible and consistent care for patients across the lifespan.
The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – FNP program from Youngstown State University (YSU) offers a flexible path for nurses who are ready to take on roles as FNPs. Learn more about what an FNP does, the career outlook for the profession and how YSU’s online MSN FNP program helps students develop the expertise needed to deliver patient-centered primary care.
What Does a Family Nurse Practitioner Do?
FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with a graduate-level education who deliver healthcare services for individuals and families across all life stages. Often serving as a primary care provider, an FNP examines and diagnoses patients, along with treating and prescribing remedies for them. FNPs also educate and counsel patients on preventative approaches to health, such as disease management, screening or nutrition.
Responsibilities vary between FNP roles. FNPs have comprehensive training that applies to varied patient populations and care models. They often concentrate on patient groups or conditions, such as pediatrics, geriatric care or chronic disease management. In states with full practice authority, FNPs may be able to work more autonomously without a physician’s oversight in day-to-day practice. Typical FNP responsibilities include:
- Assessing and diagnosing health conditions
- Conducting routine physical examinations
- Developing and implementing treatment plans for acute and chronic illnesses
- Prescribing medications and other therapies
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Assisting in minor surgical procedures
- Making referrals to specialists
Most FNPs work in primary care, but their training enables them to work in various healthcare settings. Some work in hospitals, community clinics or urgent care centers, while others may work in specialty practices. Telehealth platforms further expand work settings, allowing FNPs to work remotely and provide healthcare services in otherwise underserved areas.
Steps to Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner
Becoming an FNP involves academic preparation, clinical experience and licensure. The timeline and process may vary by individual circumstance, but these are the usual steps required to become an FNP:
- Complete a registered nurse program: Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited program, typically about four years. Alternatively, you may earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree or a nursing diploma over two years, then enter an accelerated Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN program in as few as 10 months.
- Obtain RN license: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain state RN licensure.
- Gain experience: Gain at least one year of RN experience, preferably with varied patient populations. Broad exposure to pediatrics, adult medical-surgical units and community health builds a foundation for family practice.
- Complete an MSN program: Complete an accredited Master of Science in Nursing degree with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus in as few as 20 months, which includes practicum coursework that qualifies as clinical hours for licensure.
- Earn an FNP certification: Graduates sit for either the FNP-C exam from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the FNP-BC exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Both certifications require a graduate degree from an accredited program and a minimum of 500 hours of faculty-supervised clinical experience completed during the program.
What Are Essential Skills for FNPs?
FNP practice depends on a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. These skillsets strengthen leadership capabilities and help FNPs deliver patient-centered care with more positive outcomes.
Since they often work as primary care providers and treat long-term patients, FNPs must possess comprehensive clinical skills that address a wide range of health concerns. Clinical skills for FNPs include:
- Assessment and diagnosis: Evaluating patients through examinations, history taking and diagnostic tools to identify conditions accurately
- Formulating and implementing treatment plans: Designing care strategies that balance medication, therapies, and lifestyle interventions as well as performing ongoing monitoring and care
- Patient education: Teaching individuals and families how to manage conditions and adopt healthier habits
- Nursing technology: Using telehealth platforms, electronic health records and other technology to deliver evidence-based care
Interpersonal skills improve clinical outcomes and contribute to the overall delivery of healthcare. Through strong communication and problem-solving skills, FNPs are better equipped to navigate complex scenarios and make ethical decisions. Soft skills include:
- Communication: Active listening to confirm understanding and the ability to present options clearly
- Empathy: Recognizing patient perspectives and adapting care to help them feel respected and trusting
- Professionalism and ethics: Upholding patient privacy, informed consent and transparent decision-making
- Collaboration and teamwork: Coordinating with physicians, nurses and specialists for integrated care
- Time management: Prioritizing patients and balancing workloads, documentation and follow-ups efficiently
- Critical thinking: Weighing differential diagnoses, risks and benefits to plan strategies for optimal outcomes.
FNPs also employ leadership skills to support patients and healthcare teams. For instance, nurses pair clinical expertise with critical thinking, professionalism and empathy to formulate patient-centered care plans. They may also incorporate problem-solving abilities and communication to advocate for patients, inform policy or support improved working conditions for other nurses.
What Is the Career Outlook for Family Nurse Practitioners?
Driven by an aging population, an increased prevalence of chronic conditions and shifting healthcare delivery methods, primary care services are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates employment for nurse practitioners to grow by 40% through 2034, making it one of the fastest-growing careers. As FNPs gain more autonomy to provide primary care services, they are increasingly equipped to address service gaps in primary care.
With high demand across most communities, FNPs have the flexibility to work anywhere they hold a license, especially in rural areas where physician access is limited. While most work in clinics and hospitals, some nurses establish independent private practices in states that grant NPs full practice authority.
Inside the Online Nursing Program Experience at YSU
At YSU, the online MSN FNP program helps nurses develop the clinical expertise and interpersonal skills needed to work in advanced practice. With fully online coursework and affordable tuition, students balance their professional responsibilities while completing graduate-level studies. Faculty bring clinical experience and individualized mentorship to academic settings, helping students develop theoretical and practical skills.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, YSU’s MSN programs align with healthcare standards. The online MSN FNP degree features core MSN courses in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment and other nursing competencies, culminating in a capstone project. Specialized courses develop expertise in FNP topics, preparing graduates to deliver primary care to a wide range of patient populations.
Preparing for a Family Nurse Practitioner Career With YSU
Family nurse practitioners improve access to primary care for patient demographics across the lifespan. Through clinical expertise and ethical leadership, FNPs support positive outcomes for individuals and families while strengthening healthcare delivery systems.
YSU’s online MSN FNP program offers a flexible path for nurses ready to take on advanced practice. Learn more about program details, contact admissions or apply today to start working toward graduate-level nursing education.
