The role of family nurse practitioner (FNP) continues to gain momentum as a leader in delivering healthcare services. However, FNPs stand to absorb much of the burden from the 

, but they will play a critical part in filling the gap it creates. 

 predict a shortage of up to 48,000 physicians by 2034! Therefore, FNPs are poised to play an even larger role in the delivery of healthcare, especially in underserved or low-access areas, in the coming years.

Family Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

The role of family nurse practitioner is usually focused on preventative care and monitoring long-term health. FNPs are able to provide direct patient care because they have a varied and comprehensive scope of practice - they can assess, diagnose, and treat patients throughout their lifespan, from infants to elder adults.

 exist in the role of family nurse practitioner, such as 

, gerontology nurse practitioner, and mental health nurse practitioner, the FNP is more of a jack of all trades. In the same way that an internal medicine physician may refer complex cases to a specialist, FNPs act as triage personnel, assessing patients and helping them formulate an appropriate plan of care or referring them to a healthcare professional with more expertise in that specific area.

 before applying. Here is a list of some basic academic prerequisites for an 

Some direct entry FNP programs do exist, however, the majority of programs will require bedside experience as an RN before you can be accepted. One to two years is a solid base, but many FNPs say that having 5-7 years of experience working at the bedside is the ideal amount of experience. Most FNP programs will expect a command of basic nursing skills, and you may struggle to keep up with your peers if you do not have some experience to draw from during your program.

You must complete an accredited program and sit for the 

 to work in a role as a family nurse practitioner. There are two - the 

. Upon passing one of those two exams, you will be certified to work as an FNP, but you will also need to become licensed by the state where you intend to practice. Most healthcare settings will also require 

 (basic life support) training, and some jobs may require additional certifications depending on the environment you will be working in.

, including both inpatient and outpatient settings. Private physician offices, hospitals, and urgent cares are currently the 

. Some acute care hospitals are moving towards requiring an acute care certification for their inpatient NPs, but this is not the rule. Depending on the location, size of the hospital, and needs, you may find this variable on a case-by-case basis.

, especially in states with a rapidly growing population and in more rural communities with less access to a myriad of healthcare services. As the number of primary care or internal medicine physicians wanes, those in the role of family nurse practitioner are expected to step in and fill that void.

States employing the largest number of FNPs are:

 in the United States is $118,040. California is the highest paying state in the U.S. for FNPs, with an average salary of $151,830.

With so much variability in the work environments for family nurse practitioners, there truly is something for everyone, and the opportunities are endless. Treating patients over the long-term and helping them towards better health makes this career extremely rewarding. Over the next ten years, FNPs will only continue to become a more valuable part of the healthcare ecosystem.

Alexandra Prabhu is a guest writer for United States University.

Alex lives in Southern California and has spent her decade-long nursing career in cardiac critical care and loves all things heart-related. She’s currently a pediatric ICU nurse in Los Angeles and has worked in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgery as well as the cardiac cath lab. After getting her degree in immunology and genetics from UCLA, she studied nursing at Mount St. Mary’s University. As a mom to five in her blended family and married to her firefighter husband, her house is generally chaotic. When not at the hospital Alex loves traveling with her family, surfing and doing her kids’ laundry.

The Role of Family Nurse Practitioner in Healthcare

Have you ever had to wait months to see your doctor? Or have you noticed the primary physician you’ve been going to for years now has a team of nurse practitioners working in her practice? This is because there aren’t enough doctors in the United States. Each doctor likely takes care of 

of patients regularly. So what can be done about this? The role of the nurse practitioner is filling this gap– but why nurse practitioners?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) offer well-rounded and patient-centered care. In this article, we’ll review 

10 reasons why being a nurse practitioner is a fulfilling career option.

Nurse practitioners are high-level, medical providers that 

assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all types. 

They’re quickly becoming the primary care provider of choice for many Americans because of their role and 

 focus on disease management as well as health promotion and prevention. They’re also more open to 

holistic health and offering more education. 

These aspects offer a very different approach from a medical doctor, making nurse practitioners effective partners in healthcare, too.

There are focused degree options you can specialize in, including:

There are so many opportunities for nurse practitioners, 

, clinics, specialty offices, home care, etc. This versatility, in conjunction with the increase in demand for the role, allows nurse practitioners to make career changes throughout their lives and oftentimes without extra schooling.

A nurse practitioner can also work as what’s called a 

a travel nurse but for medical providers 

and the role functions much the same way. This opportunity involves working under contract for certain periods of time for different clinics or organizations before moving on to another. These contracts can range from weeks to months, or even years.

traveling opportunities throughout the country and even the world 

with some locum tenens providers working in places like Egypt. This can be an exciting way to grow your practice, gain experience, and develop greater skills while getting to see the world!

 in the healthcare industry because their role is similar to that of medical doctors. However, they can also serve as more designated leaders. This can include positions such as:

Serving as hospital executives and medical directors

So why nurse practitioner? Because they also make intuitive preceptors for other nurses, nurse practitioners, and students. Plus, their increased experience and comprehensive education and training allow them to be more involved in things like policy change regarding healthcare legislation, than registered nurses.

 for nurse practitioners. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual care has grown dramatically and is available in fields like:

Sales, including healthcare equipment sales

A lot of these positions are not possible for other healthcare workers, like registered nurses or medical assistants, who are required to be more hands-on with their patients. This is a huge benefit of becoming a nurse practitioner, especially since the virtual care world has expanded like never before.

As we mentioned above, and unlike the hospital work that most registered nurses do, 

many nurse practitioners work in settings other than a hospital.

 These settings offer more flexibility so you have more control over your schedule. This can be very beneficial for people with children and family members to care for, or for those who simply have other commitments outside of work or wish for a solid work-life balance.

Some people think you can only work in primary care or maybe in a hospital as a nurse practitioner, but that’s not true. Between 2008 and 2016, the number of 

nurse practitioners working in specialties 

. This can include ANY specialty, for example:

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) have to pick a specialty early on in their education (like some medical doctors do). Therefore, they get a broad, holistic education that especially equips them to transition between specialties with ease. Plus, most clinics won’t require any extra training either.

 with a variety of patients, including newborns, the elderly, well and chronically diseased adults, pregnant people, and everything in between. Because of this training, 

nurse practitioners are prepared to work 

Other settings that nurse practitioners can work in include:

, a prominent healthcare consulting firm, found the average nurse practitioner salary increased by five percent in 2017 to $123,000 (from $ 117,000 in 2016). As of 2022, 

the average salary of a nurse practitioner has risen to almost $140,000 

The average salary in the U.S. is just $52,000, making an NP’s salary extremely competitive and therefore, a large career benefit.

, there were 320,000 nurse practitioners in the United States. “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of nurse practitioners will 

 from 2012 to 2022.” This is nearly three times the national growth average for other occupations. So, despite some growing pains and the continued high levels of stress in the healthcare field, 

experts see the role of the nurse practitioner continuing to expand in the coming years.

Are You Ready to Become a Nurse Practitioner?

You’ve discovered a little more about what makes the role of a nurse practitioner GREAT, so are you ready to take that next step and start your journey? Check out 

United States University's nurse practitioner programs

 to learn more about our unique programs.

If you’re still not sure if it’s right for you, check out 

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners

’ website for more information. There, you’ll find details about the role itself, the career outlook, the opportunities for a career in the future, and so much more information that can help you decide if becoming a nurse practitioner is the right career move for you.

Alison Shely, DNP, FNP-C, is a guest writer for Untied States University.

is a nurse practitioner, nurse coach, yoga teacher, and nurse writer who specializes in articles, blogging, and copy. She has been in nursing since 2014, working in intensive care, women’s health, and primary care as a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner. She has written for a variety of publications including Rncareers.org, Moxie Scrubs, Aspen University, and more. She is also the winner of the 2020 Shift Report writing contest for Next Level Nursing. Her specialty topics include mental health, health and wellness, yoga philosophy and practice, and community health. She also serves as a mental health coach primarily to other nurses and healthcare workers concerning healthy lifestyles and mental health.

Why Nurse Practitioner? The Top 10 Reasons to be an NP

When considering the role of an FNP (family nurse practitioner) vs ACNP (acute care nurse practitioner), there are similarities and differences to weigh when choosing the best educational path toward a fulfilling career.

All nurse practitioners (NPs) can assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses, in addition to many other tasks. Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) is a popular career path bustling with opportunity. With competitive salaries and higher than average expected job growth through 2030, many are choosing a career as an NP. 

 (BLS) reports that NPs were earning a median annual salary of $123,780 and a median hourly wage of $59.51 in 2021, with 271,900 practicing NPs in the United States.

 between 2020 and 2030 (much faster than average), and they project that at least 121,400 jobs to be added during that period.

FNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who are trained to provide high-quality family-focused healthcare services to patients of all ages, from newborn babies to the elderly. FNPs have a 

 that includes performing physical exams and diagnostic tests, developing treatment plans, and treating injuries, diseases, or conditions that fall under primary care. Some FNPs can 

, however, that is dependent upon the state in which the FNP practices.

 will likely enroll in a degree program such as 

, which includes 48 graduate credits of master’s-level education and tuition costs only $375 per month.

Following graduation from an FNP degree program, the candidate must successfully pass the Family Nurse Practitioner 

FNPs are fortunate to have the option to 

, aside from primary care. FNPs are commonly employed in a variety of outpatient settings:

Private and public clinics and medical practices

Retail clinics like grocery stores and pharmacies

Specialty clinics (e.g.: orthopedics and oncology)

FNPs’ work schedules can vary depending on the setting. Working Monday-Friday during business hours is common, however, FNPs may be required to fulfill evening or weekend hours in some practices, as well as after-hours emergency calls.

Most NPs manage their own continuing education (CEU). They earn the required amount of CEU credits as determined by the board of nursing in the state or territory where they work. Certain employers may provide NPs with an educational budget for conferences and seminars. Other employers may have in-house learning opportunities, like in-services or seminars, that provide NPs with CEU credits.

 a median annual income of $115,600, with a range between $107,270 and $125,580.

ACNPs are NPs who work in acute care facilities. These inpatient settings are very different from the outpatient clinics and practices where FNPs often work.

To start, most ACNPs will specialize as either adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners (AG-ACNP) or pediatric acute care nurse practitioners (PNP-AC), which differs from the all-encompassing range of patients FNPs treat.

To clarify even further, AG-ACNPs provide care for adolescents to elderly patients in acute care hospitals. This may include patient care in trauma units and emergency departments. Patients may be complex, and the acute setting may call for the AG-ACNP to stabilize patients by performing invasive procedures like intubation. Communication, clinical skill, and critical thinking are key to this role.

Moreover, PNP-ACs provide care for pediatric patients from newborns to adolescents or young adults. This care may also involve invasive procedures and complex clinical scenarios. A career in pediatric acute care nursing requires empathy, clinical skill, patience, and the ability to communicate effectively with both patients and their families.

Work hours may vary greatly for acute care NPs, including day shift, evening shift, night shift, weekends, holidays, and on-call.

adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners

 earn a median annual salary of $101,733.

The common ground between FNP vs ACNP includes:

All NPs undergo a similar educational path through a master’s of science in nursing program and passing an NP licensing exam.

All NPs bear responsibility for maintaining their license through continuing education.

The BLS job outlook statistics for NPs are strong, with 45% projected job growth between 2020 and 2030.

For those interested in becoming an FNP, 

 is an excellent opportunity for moving forward in their career.

Helpful resources regarding the nurse practitioner role include:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

Nurse Keith is a guest writer for United States University.

Keith Carlson, BSN, RN, NC-BC is a nurse, 

, writer, podcaster, and keynote speaker. Keith has conducted more than 2,000 coaching sessions with nurses from all walks of life, and his podcast, 

, reaches nurses throughout the world with fascinating interviews and messages of inspiration and career strategy. He lives and works in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

FNP vs ACNP: Do You Know the Differences?

In the United States, nearly every doctor takes care of 

. This makes providing good healthcare difficult. So, what can be done about this predicament? Enter: family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). These careers help to fill this gap. But in regards to FNP vs PA, what's the difference between the two? Are they similar at all? In this article, we'll discuss the differences and similarities between FNPs and PAs so you can decide which, if either, is the best career path for you!

 or doctoral degree. These include a combination of classroom learning and clinical training. A doctorate degree is quickly becoming preferred for NPs and can take up to five years to complete. 

. This also includes classroom learning and clinical training and usually takes about two to three years.

Every NP has a state license from their state board of nursing. In addition, NPs must also get a national provider identifier (NPI) and a drug enforcement agency (DEA) number. These are two separate licenses that are required for things like prescribing medications.

These licenses are renewed regularly and on a schedule that varies from state to state. Renewals require background checks, fingerprinting, proof of education and certification, proof of work hours if renewing, and continuing education hours (around 45 hours every two years).

 have a state license that varies state by state, like NP licenses. In addition, PAs must also have NPI and DEA licenses.

Both NPs and PAs are medical providers and they are seen as healthcare partners with their patients. These can be primary care providers, 

. PAs don't choose a specialty in school, while NPs do. Various programs allow NPs to specialize in specific areas like women's health or pediatrics.

Scope of practice is a way to describe what NPs and PAs can do legally. For example, 

 for nurse practitioners includes the following skills:

Ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting diagnostic testing

NPs don't have to work under a supervising physician in most states. Plus NPs can work with many different types of patients, such as acute and chronic illnesses, complex medical conditions, health promotion, disease prevention, health education, and counseling.

You'll notice these lists are exactly the same; HOWEVER, 

physician assistants must be supervised by a physician.

 This can vary by state on the specific rules and regulations.

, which involve passing an exam. PAs are certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (

), including the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (

For NPs, the testing is similar, but there are several certifying bodies. The certifying body varies based on the NP's chosen specialty track. The two central certification bodies are the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (

) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (

 with patients throughout their lifespan, including newborns, the elderly, and everything in between. Because of their comprehensive training, 

 They can also work in the following settings:

Universities or in other forms of academia

 with many patients across the lifespan. They are less likely to specialize but work in the same settings as nurse practitioners. However, they're more likely to work in hospital or inpatient settings than nurse practitioners are.

, the average salary for an NP is $140,000. However, NPs can make as high as $180,000 per year.

, on the other hand, have an average salary of $115,390, with the highest being up to $140,000 and the lowest being around $95,000.

 have recently been ranked as one of the best occupations in the U.S. thanks to high marks in categories like work-life balance, low-stress levels, and competitive salary.

 have a similar story. PAs work an average of 38 hours a week, which is outstanding compared to medical doctors who work 50-60 hours weekly. This speaks highly of the work-life balance for them as well.

, there were 320,000 nurse practitioners in the U.S. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the number of nurse practitioners will increase by 

 from 2012 to 2022. This is triple the average growth for other occupations, showing drastic change and an exponential career outlook.

 is likely to grow 31% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,200 openings for physician assistants are projected each year. This is similar to the nurse practitioners’ and shows a promising future career outlook.

So, now that you know the differences and the similarities between FNP vs PA, do you know which is right for you? If you're interested in becoming an NP, check 

United States University's family nurse practitioner program

If you want more information about the roles in general, be sure to check out the following:

The American Family Nurse Practitioner Association

The American Association of Physician's Assistants

Alison Shely is a guest writer for United States University. 

is an NP, nurse coach, yoga teacher, and nurse writer who specializes in articles, blogs, and copy. She has been in nursing since 2014, working in intensive care, women’s health, and primary care as a registered nurse and family nurse practitioner. Her specialty topics include mental health, health and wellness, yoga philosophy and practice, and community health. She also serves as a mental health coach primarily to other nurses and healthcare workers concerning healthy lifestyles and mental health.

FNP vs PA: What Are The Key Differences?

In the 21st century, nurse practitioners (NPs) — including family nurse practitioners (FNPs) — are vital members of the nursing profession and the healthcare team. If you’re wondering about the differences between FNP vs NP, this article can point you in the right direction.

 degree and serve as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). These highly trained nurses provide primary, acute, or specialty care to patients of all ages.

 (AANP), NPs have been actively treating patients in the United States for at least half a century. NPs can assess and treat acute and chronic illnesses, order diagnostic tests, make referrals to specialists, and prescribe medications.

 regulated by the state in which they work. As of mid-2022, over 25 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands have granted full practice authority to NPs, including the prescribing of narcotics.

Adult Nurse Practitioner Certification (ANP-BC)

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC)

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGPCNP-BC)

Advanced Diabetes Management Certification (ADM-BC)

Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP-BC)

Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC)

Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certification (GNP-BC)

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (PPCNP-BC)

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC)

School Nurse Practitioner Certification (SNP-BC)

Depending on their role, certification, level of practice authority, and training, NPs can work in many settings, including, but not limited to:

Clinics (e.g.: family, adult, gerontology, oncology, orthopedics, women’s health, family planning.)

Private or group practices (specialty or non-specialty)

Long-term care facilities (e.g.: memory care, assisted living, nursing home)

Urgent care (free-standing or part of a hospital system)

Many NPs have the option to choose a specialty area of clinical focus. They can choose their specialty during school or anytime during their career (which would require CEU or additional schooling). FNPs are NPs who have chosen to specialize in family-focused care. This entails providing a range of healthcare services to patients of all ages and diagnoses.

FNPs can perform diagnostic tests and physical exams, as well as develop treatment plans and prescribe medicine, too. An FNP treats acute and chronic illnesses and conditions. According to the AANP, the 

FNPs can treat patients across the lifespan, from newborns to the very elderly. They often work in primary care, urgent care, university health centers, and long-term care facilities.

As an FNP, a nurse can choose to specialize through certification or focus on a particular area of practice.

If seeing patients in a clinic or medical practice, NPs may have a Monday-Friday daytime work schedule. Some NPs may find themselves in practices that serve patients in the evenings or on weekends, and taking after-hours calls may be a regular responsibility.

NPs in acute care hospitals, corrections, or other settings may have a variety of work schedules, including the night shift.

Working from home for a telehealth company is also a possibility for many NPs.

The typical educational pathway for most NPs begins with graduating from an associate’s or bachelor’s program in nursing from an accredited college or university. Then, graduates must become licensed by passing the NCLEX licensing exam.

An RN may first work as a nurse to gain clinical experience before enrolling in an NP program, or they may enter a master’s program right away after receiving their licensure. A growing number of students with a degree in another discipline may earn an entry-level master’s degree in nursing and an NP license without first becoming an RN and working in that role.

The tuition for 

 is $32,230 and is comprised of 48 graduate credit hours.

Following graduation from an FNP degree program, the candidate must successfully pass the 

 in nursing leadership and nursing education allow for NPs to pursue non-clinical roles. For example, a certificate in health care leadership or Nurse Education are options that may interest some NPs.

NPs must take responsibility for their own continuing education. Each state or territory has its own board of nursing that regulates continuing education (CEU) requirements for all nurses, including NPs.

Some employers may provide NP staff with CEU courses, in-services, or seminars. Other employers may allow an annual education budget for NPs to attend virtual or in-person conferences, seminars, and webinars.

 (BLS), NPs were earning a median annual salary of $123,780 and a median hourly wage of $59.51. In 2021, there were 271,900 NPs practicing in the U.S.

 job growth for NPs (much faster than average), with at least 121,400 jobs expected to be added.

The Role of Family Nurse Practitioner in Healthcare

Why Nurse Practitioner? The Top 10 Reasons to be an NP

FNP vs ACNP: Do You Know the Differences?

FNP vs PA: What Are The Key Differences?

FNP vs NP: Do You Know The Difference?

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