{"id":11189,"date":"2023-07-21T10:23:50","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T14:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=11189"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:46:18","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:46:18","slug":"rn-to-fnp-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/rn-to-fnp-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"RN to FNP: A Guide to Getting There"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are already a nurse or interested in a nursing career, looking to obtain a highly acclaimed nursing position, advance your career, and increase your earning potential, you should consider becoming a family nurse practitioner (FNP).<\/p>\n

Family nurse practitioners have increased autonomy, career opportunities, and higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners<\/a> earn a median annual salary of $123,780 versus an RN\u2019s<\/a> median yearly salary of $77,600.<\/p>\n

Plus, with a forty percent projected employment growth rate, its no wonder many current and aspiring nurses are seeking to go from being an RN to family nurse practitioner (FNP).<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s blog, we\u2019ll cover the steps you can take to become a family nurse practitioner and the benefits of doing so.<\/p>\n

What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?<\/h2>\n

A family nurse practitioner<\/a> (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse with advanced training and education in family practice. They provide primary, preventative, and general medical care to infants, children, adults, and older people.<\/p>\n

Individuals in this position are responsible for diagnosing, prescribing, and treating common and acute illnesses, promoting overall wellness, and building relationships with patients of all ages.<\/p>\n

While many family nurse practitioners work under the supervision of doctors, some are allowed to work independently, depending on the state in which they work. For example, family nurse practitioners in Connecticut can work independently after three years of working under a doctor.<\/p>\n

Six Steps to Going from RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)<\/h2>\n

Candidates must follow these six steps to go from an RN and become a family nurse practitioner.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing Degree<\/h3>\n

Before applying to a graduate family nurse practitioner program, candidates must have an accredited Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing degree and an RN certification.<\/p>\n

While the most standard option is earning a four-year, entry-level Bachelor of Nursing degree, many candidates earn their associate degree in Nursing<\/a> first, get on-the-job experience, and then complete an RN-to-BSN program<\/a>. In addition, candidates holding bachelor’s degrees in other fields can enroll in Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs.<\/a><\/p>\n

Upon earning their degree, family nurse practitioner candidates and RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)<\/a> to be fully licensed upon earning their degree. Many programs also want applicants to have at least one to two years of RN experience.<\/p>\n

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Are you ready to take your nursing skills to the next level? <\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

Download our RN-to-BSN Get Started Guide and discover how Goodwin can help you get there!<\/em><\/a><\/h3>\n

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Step 2: Apply to an Accredited Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program<\/h3>\n

Once you have your bachelor\u2019s degree in nursing and a few years of experience, it\u2019s time to apply to an accredited Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.<\/a><\/p>\n

Remember that admission requirements will vary depending on the specific program and university. However, most will require an applicant\u2019s resume, college transcripts, letters of recommendation, and many programs also have GPA requirements.<\/p>\n

At Goodwin University, for example, our applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and submit the following:<\/a><\/p>\n