Online Post-Master’s FNP Programs – What’s the Best Program for You?

It’s not uncommon for master’s-prepared nurses to add or change a nurse practitioner specialty. As a nurse who has already earned a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN), you can now obtain a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post-master’s certificate. This type of advanced certificate — which might also be called a post-graduate certificate — is designed to provide you with specialized knowledge geared toward the family nurse practitioner concentration. This program pathway often requires that the student hold an active, unencumbered RN license (and sometimes APRN certification) in order to enroll. 

Why Get an FNP Post-Master’s Certificate?

While a family nurse practitioner MSN provides you with a broad and generalized scope of knowledge, the FNP post-master’s certification is more specialized and takes your prior education into account. Obtaining a post-grad certificate also allows you to add another specialty to your expertise, opening up even more employment opportunities. The careers that are open to you as a family nurse practitioner with a post-master’s certificate are similar to those who have an MSN in the field. FNPs are commonly employed in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Primary care offices
• Private practices

Let’s take a closer look at why you may wish to pursue this type of program.

Pros

• Great option for an MSN-prepared nurse who wants to enter FNP the specialty without enrolling in a longer full degree program
• Most nurses can keep working while they pursue their FNP post-grad certificate
• More cost-effective than a DNP

Cons

• Not available for nurses with undergrad nursing degrees
• Culminates in a certificate and not a degree
• Nurses who wish to enter administrative or other indirect patient care roles within family care may find the DNP a better fit

How to Choose an Online FNP Post-Master’s Certificate Program

Though online options for family nurse practitioners to obtain their post-master’s certificate are becoming more common, it’s important to understand that some programs are actually a hybrid. These might allow you to complete much of the coursework online, but also require that you appear on campus a certain number of times. Students can also choose between full-time or part-time study options.

Prospective students can narrow down their choices by focusing on accredited FNP post-graduate certificate programs only, which are usually required for credentialing purposes.

Because of the wide range of certificates that you can choose to obtain, the number of credits that are required varies. This could also differ depending on the school you attend; most range from 12 to 36. The required clinical hours also increase the length of time that is needed to complete the certificate of your choice.

FNP Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum

Prior to starting a family nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate program, you’ll likely be required to complete advanced pharmacology, advanced physical assessment, and advanced pathophysiology. The rest of the curriculum involves core nursing courses and FNP-related specialty courses. These courses may include:

• Adult-Gerontology Health Care
• Pediatric/Family Health Care
• Professional Role Development

Clinical hours with hands-on patient care are also a part of the FNP post-grad certificate curriculum. Over 700 clinical hours may be required, though this can vary. Online students can arrange a clinical preceptorship in their local area, as long as it is approved by their school.

List of Online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Search our listings below to find online and hybrid Family Nurse Practitioner post-master’s certificate programs near you.