Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration in Nursing
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) concentration prepares nurses to provide primary care across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual wages for nurse practitioners were $129,210 in May 2024, with 40.1% projected job growth through 2034 – the fastest growth rate among all nursing careers.
Quick Answers
What is a family nurse practitioner concentration in nursing?
An FNP concentration is a focused set of courses within an MSN program that prepares nurses to provide primary and preventive care to patients of all ages.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework covers advanced health assessment, differential diagnosis, pharmacotherapeutics, primary care management, and clinical practicum hours with diverse patient populations.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer FNP concentrations online for didactic coursework, but clinical practicum hours must be completed in person at approved sites.
Back to Nursing Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Primary care across the lifespan (pediatric through geriatric)
- Degree level: Master’s (MSN) or post-master’s certificate
- Career alignment: Nurse Practitioner ($129,210 median, BLS May 2024)
- Growth outlook: 40.1% projected growth 2024-2034 (BLS)
- Certification: AANP (FNP-C) or ANCC (FNP-BC) board certification
- Clinical hours: Typically 600-1000+ supervised hours
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Nursing Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Advanced Health Assessment | Comprehensive physical exam, history taking, diagnostic reasoning across age groups |
| Advanced Pathophysiology | Disease mechanisms in adults, pediatrics, and older adults |
| Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics | Prescribing medications, drug interactions, evidence-based pharmacology |
| Primary Care of Adults | Managing acute and chronic conditions in adult populations |
| Primary Care of Children | Pediatric assessment, well-child visits, childhood illness management |
| Differential Diagnosis | Clinical reasoning, ruling out conditions, evidence-based decision making |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many clinical practicum hours are required?
- Does the program help arrange clinical placement sites in your area?
- What is the program’s first-time FNP board certification pass rate?
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
- Are there prerequisite courses beyond the BSN?
How nursing concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Primary care across lifespan | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Adult-Gerontology | Acute/primary care for adults and elderly | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Psychiatric Mental Health | Mental health assessment and treatment | Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 |
| Nurse Educator | Teaching in academic and clinical settings | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Informatics | Health IT, data management, EHR systems | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
| Nursing Leadership | Healthcare administration and management | Registered Nurse | $93,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.