A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice nurse who provides care to patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They diagnose patients, prescribe medications, interpret lab results, order diagnostic tests, and manage ongoing care. FNPs begin their careers as nurses, so they take a more holistic approach to patient care.
The average FNP salary in the US is about $128,000 per year. They can practice in a range of facilities, including hospital outpatient clinics, private practices, and private physician practices, but their scope of practice varies significantly by state. About 70% of nurse practitioners are FNPs, making it the most popular specialization by far.
FNP vs NP
An FNP has specialized training that prepares them to work with patients of all ages, whereas a nurse practitioner (NP) is an overarching term for an advanced practice nurse who is qualified to assess and diagnose patients, prescribe medication, order labs and diagnostic testing, and manage care.
There is a range of other specialties that a nurse practitioner can pursue, depending on the patient population and level of care. Some of the different specialties include pediatric nurse practitioner (PNP), adult–gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP), psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP), neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP), and women’s health nurse practitioner (WHNP).
What Does an FNP Do?
FNPs provide a range of healthcare services to patients across the lifespan. They care for infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Being qualified to care for this vast patient population is one of the things that sets this specialization apart. FNPs examine patients, diagnose and manage acute and chronic health conditions, order diagnostic testing and lab work, and prescribe medications. They can also pursue additional certifications that allow them to specialize in specific areas of care, such as pain management, wound care, or orthopedics.
FNP Responsibilities
FNP responsibilities vary significantly depending on the type of facility they work in, but some of their general duties may include:
- Performing physical exams
- Taking patient histories
- Ordering and interpreting labs and diagnostic tests
- Educating patients
- Establishing treatment plans
- Maintaining patient records
- Coordinating patient care with other providers and specialists
- Prescribing medication
Scope of Practice
For NPs, the scope of practice varies by state, in some cases, significantly so. Some states offer full practice authority, allowing FNPs to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients completely independently, without physician oversight. In other states, FNPs have reduced practice authority, requiring them to work with a physician through a collaborative agreement. Some states also have restricted practice authority for FNPs, requiring them to work under the supervision or delegation of a physician.
Where Do Family Nurse Practitioners Work?
FNPs can work in various settings, administering both acute and primary care. Some of the most common places FNPs work include:
- Hospitals in various units, including specialized units and emergency rooms
- Primary care clinics providing preventive care and ongoing management of chronic conditions
- Urgent care centers handling non-life-threatening acute care illnesses and injuries
- Private practices as part of a group or independently, depending on state laws
- Long-term care facilities like nursing homes and rehabilitation centers
- Community health clinics provide essential care to underserved populations
- Government agencies, like the Veterans Administration or local health departments
- Nursing schools and universities teaching nursing classes or supervising student clinicals
FNP Salary & Career Outlook
Federal data doesn’t break down NP salaries by specialty, but it reports that the median NP salary is $121,610. Other sources report that the average salary for FNPs specifically is about $128,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also doesn’t break down career growth rates for advanced practice nurses by specialty. Still, it reports that the projected growth rate for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is 35% between 2024 and 2034.
FNP Salary By State
| State | Avg Annual FNP Salary |
| Alabama | $106,786 |
| Alaska | $198,099 |
| Arizona | $117,345 |
| Arkansas | $149,401 |
| California | $200,702 |
| Colorado | $137,096 |
| Connecticut | $144,445 |
| Delaware | $110,155 |
| District of Columbia | $169,329 |
| Florida | $145,001 |
| Georgia | $117,072 |
| Hawaii | $138,415 |
| Idaho | $111,564 |
| Illinois | $121,876 |
| Indiana | $162,203 |
| Iowa | $157,321 |
| Kansas | $115,354 |
| Kentucky | $108,126 |
| Louisiana | $118,293 |
| Maine | $121,023 |
| Maryland | $156,252 |
| Massachusetts | $126,844 |
| Michigan | $108,744 |
| Minnesota | $112,079 |
| Mississippi | $114,352 |
| Missouri | $124,227 |
| Montana | $130,398 |
| Nebraska | $183,294 |
| Nevada | $173,608 |
| New Hampshire | $121,832 |
| New Jersey | $174,640 |
| New Mexico | $120,187 |
| New York | $145,690 |
| North Carolina | $164,460 |
| North Dakota | $143,121 |
| Ohio | $169,130 |
| Oklahoma | $172,099 |
| Oregon | $142,454 |
| Pennsylvania | $179,001 |
| Rhode Island | $125,195 |
| South Carolina | $153,608 |
| South Dakota | $158,466 |
| Tennessee | $146,005 |
| Texas | $118,236 |
| Utah | $113,366 |
| Vermont | $180,823 |
| Virginia | $171,309 |
| Washington | $137,671 |
| West Virginia | $161,967 |
| Wisconsin | $176,645 |
| Wyoming | $162,390 |
State salaries obtained from Indeed.com
How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner
There are multiple steps to becoming an FNP, the first of which is becoming an RN. For those who plan to eventually pursue a degree as an NP, getting a BSN can be a good first step. However, second degree and accelerated degree programs are also available for those with an associate’s degree or diploma as a step toward an FNP.
1. Earn a BSN
Students can enroll directly into a BSN program, but there are also options available for RNs with or without a bachelor’s degree in another area. A typical BSN program takes four years to complete.
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Graduates of a nursing program must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to get a state license to practice as an RN. This step is an important one toward becoming an FNP as it enables nurses to get experience working as a nurse and interacting with patients. It’s also a requirement to be able to complete clinical experiences in an MSN program.
3. Gain working experience
Every FNP program has its own admission criteria, but many require one to two years of experience working as an RN. Getting hands-on experience with patients before entering an FNP program helps students hone their basic skills and learn how to effectively communicate and interact with patients.
4. Earn a graduate degree
To become an FNP, students must complete either an MSN or DNP program. Generally, MSN programs can be completed in two or three years, DNP programs in three or four. There are a wide range of programs available. Many are offered online and have minimal on-campus requirements, making them great options for nurses who plan to continue working while pursuing their degree.
5. Pass a national certification exam
There are two options, one offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the other by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).The AANP exam provides the FNP-C credential, while the ANCC exam provide the FNP-BC credential.
6. Apply for a license in your state
Every state has its own process and qualifications for licensure. Generally, applicants will have to submit proof of completing a graduate degree and passing a certification exam. A background check is also often required.
7. Maintain certification and license
Renewal for certification is usually required every five years. Licensure renewal depends on the state, but in most cases, FNPs must complete a certain number of continuing education credits to be eligible for renewal.
FAQs about FNPs
Accordion For RNs who seek to advance their careers, FNP can be a good choice. This path allows you to have a bigger role in caring for patients, which many nurses may find fulfilling. FNPs are in high demand, and there are many opportunities for advancement and higher salaries.content.
NP is the abbreviation for nurse practitioner, and an FNP is a type of nurse practitioner. They are both at the same educational level, but an FNP is just one type of NP.
A PA or physician’s assistant, and the main difference between a PA and an NP is in how they are educated. PAs are trained using a medical model that focuses on disease and diagnosis, while FNPs are trained using the nursing model, which places more of an emphasis on holistic patient care.
FNPs and doctors are both qualified to deliver patient care, but their education is significantly different. Doctors generally have a broader scope of practice than FNPs and are qualified to handle more complex medical conditions and prescribe more classes of medications.