The Ins and Outs of Being an FNP

/ Exam Prep / By / August 20, 2025
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What Does It Mean to Be a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)?

(With excerpts from Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Fourth Edition by Maria T. Codina Leik, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, AGPCNP-BC)*

Family Nurse Practitioner: What Does Being an FNP Mean?

Frequently referred to as an FNP, a Family Nurse Practitioner has advanced education and clinical training focused on family practice. Certification requires completing a family nurse practitioner master’s or doctoral degree.

Unlike Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs), FNPs are not limited to adult populations. They care for patients across the lifespan—from children to older adults—with a strong focus on preventative care and long-term wellness.

  • FNPs can practice independently in some states.

  • They have prescribing privileges in all states, but the types of drugs they may prescribe without physician oversight vary.

  • For details, see the AANP State Practice Environment Summary.

What Does an FNP Do?

Because FNPs work in family practice, their patient base is highly diverse. On a daily basis, they:

  • Monitor overall health and wellness.

  • Treat minor acute illnesses.

  • Provide long-term management of patient health histories.

FNPs are often found in:

  • Primary care offices

  • Urgent care clinics

  • Hospitals

  • Nursing homes

  • Home care agencies

  • Specialty practices (e.g., dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedics—often requiring additional certification)

Many FNPs serve underserved communities, making it essential to understand local challenges. Long-term provider–patient relationships are common and often deeply rewarding.

What Type of Person Is an FNP?

Because FNPs often follow patients for years, essential qualities include:

  • Compassion and empathy

  • Strong communication skills

  • Organizational ability to track health issues over time (e.g., medication interactions, chronic conditions)

How Do I Become an FNP?

To qualify:

  • Minimum education: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus.

  • Many programs are transitioning to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. By 2025, all nurse practitioner programs are expected to be doctoral-level (per NONPF).

  • Entry routes:

    • BSN to MSN/DNP (traditional path)

    • RN to MSN or RN to DNP (if no bachelor’s degree in nursing)

    • Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders must complete additional prerequisites.

Certification is offered by:

  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANPCB)

Candidates must submit an application, pay the fee, and pass a certification exam. Once certified, you may officially practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Are You Preparing for the FNP Exam?

Start with a free FNP practice test to assess your readiness.

For more study options, explore:

These resources include 500+ practice questions to help you prepare with confidence.

Resources

  • State Practice Environment (n.d.). Retrieved from: AANP State Practice Environment

  • Leik, M. C. (2018). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Intensive Review: Fast Facts and Practice Questions, Third Edition. Springer Publishing.

  • NONPF. (2018, May). The Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree: Entry to Nurse Practitioner Practice by 2025 [Press Release]. Retrieved from: NONPF DNP Statement

Next Steps

👉 Learn more in the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Overview.

Springer Publishing Editorial Staff
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