How to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurses interested in advancing their careers and working closely with patients can become family nurse practitioners (FNP). FNP positions are available at doctors' offices, hospitals, schools and clinics and involve examining patients, making diagnoses and prescribing treatment plans. If you are interested in family practice and have been considering becoming a nurse practitioner, there are a few steps you need to take to realize your dream.

Instructions

1. Complete a bachelor of science degree in nursing. Having a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to entering nurse practitioner programs. It will be beneficial to your nursing career even if you later decide not to become a family nurse practitioner.

2. Take the national licensing examination for nurses after you receive your bachelor's degree. Becoming a licensed graduate is necessary if you want to find a nursing job and obtain nursing experience. Many nurse practitioner programs require that students enrolled in the program have at least two years of experience in nursing.

3. Enroll in a nurse practitioner program. Find a school that has a strong family practice program that fits your schedule. Investigate the prerequisites required by each school. Most require a minimum undergraduate grade point average and the completion of several upper level science courses. Find out when new students are admitted to the program, as some schools only accept new students during the fall semester. Upon completion of the nurse practitioner program, you will be awarded a master of science degree in nursing.

4. Take the Family Nurse Practitioner National Certification Examination offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (AANC.) The examination covers such topics as clinical management, assessment of acute and chronic illness and professional role and policy. The AANC offers review programs for the examination at local hospitals and online. See the Resources section for information on the AANC.

5. Circulate your resume once you have passed the certification examination. Send your resume to private physician practices, local hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, drugstore clinics, Veteran's hospitals, schools and large businesses. Register at your school's placement office and search the job openings at the Health Career Web and Nursing Jobs websites (see Resources section).

Tips & Warnings

• Many colleges and universities require essays as part of the admissions process. Take the time to write a strong, well-written essay about why you want to be a family nurse practitioner and what special skills you can offer. Ask if financial aid is available before you select a school. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement assistance, find out exactly what is covered and what grades you must receive in order to be reimbursed. If your college or university offers grants and scholarships, be sure to note the deadlines and prepare your application in plenty of time.

Resources

• American Nurses Credentialing Center
• Health Career Web
• Nursing Jobs
• NP Central FAQ