Students in these 12-month programs learn to provide primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan. They also learn to manage common acute and chronic health problems.
This accelerated program is designed for registered nurses who want to become family nurse practitioners quickly. It requires a minimum of 39 semester hours.
Getting Started
Some FNP programs online are designed to be completed in just a year. This fast-track nurse practitioner program requires 37 credits, and you typically attend two days of classes per week and 1 or 2 days of clinical.
Applying would be beneficial if you have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized nursing program and an unrevoked RN license free of malpractice or criminal records. In addition, applicants need to send in a professional résumé highlighting their training, nursing experience, career objectives, and recommendation letters.
In addition, a 12-month FNP program online is another accelerated option for nurses who want to become FNPs. This 48-credit program takes just 12 months to complete and prepares graduates for national family nurse practitioner certification exams. It covers advanced theoretical issues in nursing & ethics, healthcare policy & politics, and primary care management.
Coursework
Achieving a career as a family nurse practitioner is a big step. The path requires extensive preparation and knowledge to become certified. Choosing the right program, like William Paterson University, can ensure you are well-prepared for your future advanced practice registered nurse role and fulfill your passion for providing primary care to families.
Reputable nursing organizations accredit many online FNP programs to maintain a high standard of education. This accreditation ensures that the programs adhere to rigorous standards of quality and that their graduates are eligible for advanced nursing certifications and state licensure.
The coursework for the program is mainly completed through distance learning, though some programs require you to attend in-person class sessions at the campus. As part of the course, you must also participate in clinical rotations. Most programs also provide discussion boards where you may connect with teachers and other students to get advice and support. Whether your courses are delivered in person or remotely, the workload is demanding, and being disciplined about staying on top of the assignments is essential.
Internships
If you want to become an FNP, look for programs that strongly focus on pediatrics and women’s health. These specialties are in high demand and offer more excellent employment opportunities.
You’ll also need the academic qualifications to succeed in an online program. These include a BSN from an accredited school, a clean RN licensure, and at least a year of experience working as a clinical RN. Many schools also require letters of recommendation from professionals who can attest to your clinical skills and professional abilities.
In-person workshops are another feature of several online FNP programs. These allow you to work with colleagues and participate in realistic learning scenarios with patient actors. Furthermore, you will complete most of your coursework using synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. You must be comfortable using technology and openly communicate with faculty members and your clinical placement team.
Final Exams
As part of their FNP degree program, students must pass a series of final exams. Depending on the school, these may be offered online or on campus. Typically, these exams cover topics like advanced theoretical issues in nursing & ethics, health assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and primary care management.
CCNE-accredited 12-month online FNP programs are intensive and require a full-time commitment. This makes them unsuitable for individuals who must balance work or other responsibilities. On the other hand, those who are prepared to develop their careers as family nurse practitioners may find the fast-paced curriculum advantageous.
In addition to application materials, a complete application for an accelerated online FNP program will require letters of recommendation from people who can attest to one’s academic and clinical abilities. Prospective students must also pass a drug test and a criminal background check as part of the admissions process. Many schools offer these services as part of the student’s tuition cost.
