Top Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
A family nurse practitioner, FNP, diagnoses, treats and manages medical conditions in patients of all ages. A family nurse practitioner must first become a registered nurse and then complete advanced training through an accredited nurse practitioner program. Completing a nurse practitioner program through one of these top schools, prepares nurses to take the FNP certification examination administered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Nurse Association.
Top 5 Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
The University of Washington
The University of Washington’s nurse practitioner program continuously ranks at the top of the United States News and Reports survey of graduate nurse programs. The FNP curriculum focuses on the subjects of comprehensive and systematic health assessment, health care continuity, principles of health counseling and patient education, communication, comprehensive care, advocacy, autonomy and professional development.
University of California, San Francisco
The University of California, San Francisco, offers several FNP degree programs. Students can choose between a two-year Master’s of Science degree program that makes students eligible for FNP certification, a part-time study program or a one-year bridge program for bachelor’s degree holding family nurse practitioners. The bridge program consists of 36 units of individually-designed coursework that leads to a master’s degree. The University of California takes pride in a program that emphasizes caring for high-risk and culturally diverse communities.
Oregon Health and Science University
The FNP program at Oregon Health and Science University allows for extensive clinical experience and classroom lecture, preparing students to care for patients of all ages. Students study pathophysiology, physical assessment and diagnosis, management of chronic and acute illnesses, and health promotion.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan offers a consistently top-ranking FNP program that teaches students the skills needed to care for patients from birth to senior years. The FNP program emphasizes health promotion through positive health behaviors. Students have the opportunity to participate in direct patient care, research and community education programs, which prepares them to work in a range of healthcare settings.
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
The University of Pennsylvania has one of the oldest and top-performing FNP programs in the United States. They offer students full-time or part-time Master of Science degree in nursing program options. Their programs are geared towards nurses wanting to advance their career into a family nurse practitioner practice.