9 Reasons to Become a Family Nurse Practitioner

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who has earned a graduate nursing degree. This is most often a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an FNP focus. FNPs are certified and licensed to care for patients of all ages, and in many settings, they serve as primary care providers. A nurse practitioner’s scope of practice depends on the state where they work.

“I made the decision to pursue nursing after leaving a career in law enforcement, at both the state and federal level. The titles were prestigious, but I didn’t feel like I was in the right place; I wanted to do more and help others. I knew that becoming a registered nurse was how I’d get there.

Today I’m working as a registered nurse and advancing my career with my MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) degree. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

- George Antonopoulos, Herzing FNP Graduate

In this article, we cover:

• Nine reasons nurses choose to become an FNP
• What degree you need, and how the MSN fits the path
• Herzing’s MSN-FNP program and online RN pathway
• Common questions about FNP education and careers

Are you on the fence about becoming a family nurse practitioner? Here are nine reasons why it’s worth it:

1. More autonomy 

As an FNP, you take on more responsibility for patient care in medical settings. Registered nurses already make many clinical decisions, but FNPs assess patients, make their own diagnoses and help guide treatment plans. Depending on the state, some nurse practitioners practice independently, without physician supervision. If you want more responsibility and a broader scope of practice, this role may fit your goals.

2. The chance to pursue a specialty area

FNPs care for patients of all ages, and the role still leaves room for focus areas: from pediatrics to geriatrics, urgent care to internal medicine. Your graduate education helps prepare you for a range of clinical settings, so you can build a path that fits your strengths.

3. Your skills are in demand

The demand for nurse practitioners remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of nurse practitioners to grow 40% from 2024 to 2034, which is well above the average for all occupations.* Also, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), 68.7% of nurse practitioners reported that they hold a family-focused NP certification.

That growth reflects a real need for advanced practice nurses, and it’s part of why the skills nurse practitioners use carry across so many settings.

4. You can keep working while you earn your degree

Many nurses need a path that fits work and family life. Herzing’s MSN-FNP features 100% online coursework, with in-person clinical hours completed in your own community. That format helps you keep moving forward while you stay in your current role. Online availability varies by state.

5. Room to take on leadership

FNPs often coordinate care, delegate tasks, and collaborate with other members of the healthcare team. The role calls for clinical judgment and the ability to lead within a care team. A graduate degree helps you develop the knowledge and confidence to step into responsibilities that go beyond bedside care.

6. More places to practice

FNPs are versatile and work across a variety of healthcare settings. Beyond hospitals and clinics, FNPs may work in urgent care centers, private physician and NP practices, nursing homes and public health departments.

7. Consider the earning potential

Earning an advanced practice degree is one way to grow your nursing career. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners earned an average (mean) salary of $137,300 per year ($66.01 per hour) in May 2024. Pay varies by state, employer and experience, so it helps to review the average nurse practitioner salary by state before you choose a path.

8. You can serve your patients better

FNPs do more than diagnose and treat illness. They also help patients prevent disease, manage chronic conditions, and build healthier routines. Day to day, that can include assessing symptoms and health history, ordering and reviewing tests, managing ongoing conditions and counseling patients on nutrition and wellness. If you want a role that combines clinical care with patient education, this path may be a strong fit.

9. Feel accomplished

Nursing often attracts people who want meaningful work. As an FNP, you can help patients across generations and support the health of your whole community. That sense of purpose matters; many nurses pursue advanced practice because they want to do more, learn more and take on a larger role in care.

Maybe earning your MSN is something you’ve been putting off, and going back to school now feels within reach. Once you are ready to advance your education, you can begin a pathway to rewarding new career opportunities as an FNP.

How Herzing’s MSN-FNP program supports your path

Herzing’s MSN-FNP is designed for nurses who want a graduate degree that leads toward FNP certification. Coursework is online, and clinical learning happens in the field. Here’s a quick look:

Herzing also offers BSN to MSN pathways for nurses moving from a bachelor’s into graduate study, and a Direct Entry MSN (MSN-DE) route for qualified non-nurses entering the field through a graduate nursing program.

RN to FNP online pathways

If you’re already a registered nurse, you can work toward the FNP role through an online RN to MSN-FNP pathway. Herzing’s Accelerated RN to MSN-FNP pathway lets RNs move from an associate degree or diploma toward a master’s with an FNP focus. If you already hold a BSN, you may consider the BSN to MSN-FNP pathway instead. The right starting point depends on the nursing degree and license you already hold. Online availability varies by state.

Take the next step

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to become a family nurse practitioner:

1. Understand the role: learn what FNPs do in primary care and across the lifespan.
2. Earn your BSN and become an RN: most FNP pathways begin with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an active RN license.
3. Earn your MSN degree: choose an MSN-FNP pathway or another graduate route that leads to FNP preparation.
4. Complete your clinical requirements: supervised clinical hours are part of graduate nursing education.
5. Pass your national certification exam: through the ANCC or the AANPCB.
6. Earn licensure in your state: requirements vary by state.
7. Start your nurse practitioner career

Herzing FNP graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification exam through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB).

Frequently asked questions about becoming a family nurse practitioner

Do you need an MSN or a DNP to become an FNP?

Either degree can work, as long as it includes an FNP preparation curriculum. A master’s degree with an FNP focus is the most direct route and the minimum you need to sit for FNP certification. A Doctor of Nursing Practice with an FNP focus is another route for nurses who want doctoral-level study.

What’s the difference between an MSN-FNP and a Post Master’s Certificate?

An MSN-FNP is for nurses earning the FNP focus as part of a master’s degree. A Post Master’s Certificate is for APRNs who already hold an MSN in another specialty and want FNP preparation without earning a second master’s.

How long does it take to become an FNP?

The timeline depends on where you start. Most people first become a registered nurse with a BSN, then complete a graduate nursing program with an FNP focus, finish supervised clinical hours and pass a national certification exam. At Herzing, your pathway, BSN to MSN-FNP or Accelerated RN to MSN-FNP, affects your timeline. Program length and start dates vary by pathway and by student.

What’s the difference between an FNP and an NP?

“Nurse practitioner” (NP) is the broad title for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; “family nurse practitioner” (FNP) is one type of NP. The main difference is the patient population. A family nurse practitioner cares for patients of all ages, while other NP roles focus on a specific group or setting, such as adult-gerontology, pediatrics or psychiatric mental health. You can explore the full difference between an FNP and an NP to see which fits your goals.

Can you become an FNP without a nursing bachelor’s degree?

Yes. Non-nurses can pursue a Direct Entry MSN (MSN-DE) pathway, which begins with foundational nursing preparation before advancing into graduate-level study. This route differs from BSN-to-MSN programs, which are built for nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Can you earn your MSN online while working?

Yes. Herzing’s MSN-FNP features 100% online coursework, with clinical hours completed in person in your community. The format is built to support working nurses who need to balance school with their jobs and family life. Online availability varies by state. 

Is a nurse practitioner career a strong choice?

It’s well regarded. U.S. News & World Report ranked nurse practitioner the #1 Best Health Care Job for 2025, reflecting the strong outlook and broad need for advanced practice nurses.