Why Nursing Students Choose Online FNP Programs

Nursing is a career path with a range of options and specializations. For nurses and nursing students who find themselves attracted to the idea of family practice, becoming a family nurse practitioner can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.

Today, many nursing students are opting to participate in online FNP programs as opposed to traditional in-person programs. For those looking to explore their educational options in the field of nursing, it can be beneficial to have a deeper understanding of why so many of their nursing student counterparts are choosing online FNP programs.

What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?

Family nurse practitioners, commonly abbreviated as FNPs, are nurses who provide advanced nursing services to their patients. The field is broad and FNPs can expect to treat patients of all ages ranging from infants to older adults. FNPs in particular, as opposed to other nurses, specialize in family care. This usually results in FNPs having long relationships with their patients over an extended period of time, sometimes even decades.

FNPs often work in tandem with physicians to promote good health in their patients’ lives and, in some cases, are qualified to both diagnose and treat specific illnesses that fall under the field of primary care. FNPs are qualified to provide care to patients individually and can have their own private practices if they choose.

In addition, FNPs can specialize in specific areas of health and become qualified to treat certain ailments such as diabetes. The range of options afforded to FNPs, and in particular the increased ability to practice autonomously, make FNP programs one of the most popular for nurses looking to advance their education.
Responsibilities of a Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners can play a significant and impactful role in their patients’ lives. They can have a broad range of duties that are a part of their practice. Here are some typical responsibilities of a family nurse practitioner:

• Diagnose illnesses that fall under the category of primary care
• Treat illnesses that fall under the category of primary care
• Work with physicians (in some settings) to promote patient health
• Maintain patient records
• Educate patients on good health practices

Why Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a family nurse practitioner has many benefits that can have a significant impact on both a nurse’s salary and their ability to practice in an autonomous capacity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners made an average annual salary of $111,680 in 2020. This is over $35,000 more than the average annual salary for registered nurses in 2020, which was only $75,330.

In addition, the job growth for nurse practitioners is projected to be a whopping 52% by the year 2030, which is more than six times the national average of all other professions: 8%. This huge growth in the field means that family nurse practitioners will be in high demand in the coming years, offering more career opportunities and flexible options to qualified family nurse practitioners.

Family nurse practitioners are also able to practice nursing autonomously, and if they choose to, can have their own private practices. When it comes to both salary and the ability to practice autonomously, family nurse practitioners have a huge advantage compared to their registered nurse counterparts.

Why Choose an Online Program?

Online FNP programs have significantly increased in popularity among nursing students in recent years. One significant reason for this is that many nurses are working full time and would not be able to accommodate a typical in-person advanced education program schedule into their already busy lives. Online FNP programs are a natural solution to this problem, allowing full-time nurses to both continue their work and obtain an advanced degree at the same time. For nurses looking to advance their career options without having to forego their current income, online FNP programs are the perfect answer.

Cultivate a Brighter Future

Invest in yourself and invigorate your career options with online FNP programs. CNU’s online FNP program will allow you to expand your career options and qualify yourself for an advanced role in the nursing field that can have a lasting impact on patients’ lives. With clinical placement services, experienced faculty, and a 100% online curriculum, CNU’s online FNP program is an easy choice for nurses looking to bolster their careers and make a deep impact in their community. In only 32 months, you can be qualified to have your own private practice. Broaden your horizons and explore your options today.

Featured image: Laura James, Pexels.