Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
31
Credit Hours
24
Month Completion
Class Type
Next Start Date
Jan 6, 2025
Placement Tests
GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Accreditation
CCNE

Move into an advanced clinical role as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a post-graduate certificate

Expand your autonomy – and your career choices – with Franklin’s post-graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FNP-C) program. Whether you are an RN with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Ph.D. in Nursing, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), our program prepares you to work in the primary care setting managing the health of individuals and families. You’ll gain the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for the assessment and management of common acute and chronic illnesses, health promotion and disease prevention. Upon completing the certificate, you will be eligible for the Family Nurse Practitioner certification examinations offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

Program Availability

Online
On Site

Finish in 24 Months

Prepare for advancement faster.

Transfer Credits Available

Eligible students can get a jumpstart by transferring up to 12 credit hours.

Built-in, Asynchronous Practicum

Learn, practice and apply simultaneously within your coursework.

100% Online Coursework

Balance earning your degree with other work-life commitments.

Contemporary Curriculum

Evaluate and study trending nursing topics throughout the program.

Learn from the Best

Benefit from the experience of your instructors – seasoned, in-field practitioners.

FNP Certificate Program Overview

Extend your practice capabilities to deliver family-focused healthcare services to patients of all ages. Franklin University’s FNP Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP-C) prepares clinically minded registered nurses (RNs) to move into a more autonomous and responsible patient care role. Through a combination of online classes and experiential learning, our FNP-C program will prepare you to transition to a more advanced level of clinical practice.

The FNP Certificate program designed for the busy, working nurse

Franklin’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate program is designed for the working nurse, with coursework offered 100% online. With convenient 6-, 12- and 16-week courses, you’ll build your theoretical knowledge and foundational technical skills quickly – earning your degree in as few as 24 months. Plus, in your final year of study you’ll get hands-on learning in a simulated skills lab, as well as on-site clinical residency experience in an approved healthcare setting. 

Apply and practice your technical skills as you learn

As part of Franklin’s long-standing reputation for providing a relevant education, you’ll be exposed to current and emerging technologies. In addition, you’ll consistently merge coursework with your existing knowledge in order to develop a theoretical basis to guide your practice to promote high quality, effective, patient-centered care. In order to provide a dynamic online learning experience, you will have access to Shadowhealth, state-of-the-art simulation software, to sharpen your foundational skills prior to beginning your clinical experience – a unique benefit for nursing students at Franklin. The use of simulation software continues with iHuman, which is used in many of the didactic courses including the clinicals. 

Later, you’ll refine your skills with a real-world internship that lets you put learned theories into clinical practice to provide comprehensive nursing care. These clinical experiences will expose you to patients at all life stages from birth through end of life. This allows you the flexibility to complete hours in pediatrics, women’s health, and a specialty rotation once you’ve completed your primary care hours.

Maximize your learning with concept-based study and competency-based clinicals

You won’t attend online lectures as part of your FNP-C experience. The highly structured, online FNP-C coursework requires a great deal of engagement. It is recommended that you attend our live sessions to enrich your understanding. Because the program is designed for working nurses, the live sessions will also be recorded for viewing at a later time. You will progress through your clinicals and demonstrate mastery in primary care. Once mastery is achieved, you are able to spend time in a specialty practice to enrich your diagnostic and management skills. 
 

Save time and tuition with a transfer-friendly, post-graduate FNP Certificate program

If you qualify for transfer credit, you could graduate up to 9 months faster. To be eligible for up to 12 hours of transfer credit, credit hours must be from an accredited MSN program. Common sources of transfer credit include standard MSN-program courses like advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced physical assessment, as long as they have been completed within 3 to 5 years of your enrollment in Franklin’s FNP Certificate program. Talk with an admissions advisor to see if you may benefit from transfer credit based on previously earned MSN credit.

Earn your FNP certificate from a university built for busy adults

Earn your FNP certificate on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family and life. Get started on your future today.

 


 

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Franklin University are pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

As part of the initial accreditation for the programs, Franklin University hosted an on-site evaluation in September 2022. Franklin anticipates receiving CCNE’s accreditation decision for the programs in Spring 2023.

Read more >

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Learn More

Your Best Value Post-Grad FNP Certificate

Choose Franklin’s Post-Graduate Certificates and you’ll get more for your money while you make the most of your time. Earn your certificate in as few as 24 months with online coursework and built-in practicum hours.

Competitive Tuition

$670
PER CREDIT HOUR

Competitive tuition rates make Franklin's post-graduate certificate programs a professional investment you can feel confident about.

Lower Fess

Save thousands of dollars in fees by choosing Franklin over other leading programs for your post-graduate certificate.*

Source: Internal research of leading programs (May 2022)

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Highly Recommended

98%
STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Tuition Guarantee

Inflation-proof your degree cost by locking-in your tuition rate from day one through graduation.

Partner? Pay Less.

Search below to see if you could save tuition through an employer or professional organization partnership.

$20,770
Total Tuition
(After Partner Discount)

Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

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Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Courses & Curriculum

31 Semester Hours
Major Area Required
NURS 644 - Advanced Pathophysiology (3)

This course provides an in-depth study of the physiological changes and responses to altered health states and their impact on the functional status of patients. Students will focus on the essential knowledge of human health and disease across the lifespan. Pathophysiological theories and evidence-based research serve as a basis for applying content to population groups.

NURS 646 - Advanced Physical Assessment (3)

This course builds upon the student?s previous health assessment knowledge offering more advanced health assessment content to provide the foundation for advanced professional nursing roles. This course emphasizes knowledge of health assessment, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual health assessment, risk assessment, and functional assessment in diverse populations in the promotion of health and prevention of disease. To maintain a nursing focus on patient responses to health, illness, or the threat of illness, the nurse must exhibit effective communication and client teaching, which is incorporated throughout the course. The importance of effective documentation and health record keeping is included.

NURS 648 - Advanced Pharmacology (3)

This course focuses on the concepts, principles, and application of pharmacotherapeutics used in the management of health problems encountered in primary care. Emphasis is placed on theories and principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics, which provide a foundation for critical thinking, and the application of research finding. The focus on pharmacology is aimed at the treatment of acute and chronic health problems in populations over the lifespan. Prescriptive authority for nurses is explored.

NURS 698 - Diagnostic Methods for the Nurse Practitioner (2)

This course will provide students with content regarding common diagnostic tests applicable to APN practice, the rationale for these tests, expected results and common abnormal results. Topics include selection of appropriate diagnostic tests, procedures for collecting specimens, analyzing selected tests and evaluating results. The role of the APRN is to be knowledgeable about evidence-based support for the choice of diagnostic testing and use critical thinking to evaluate the significance of this testing in the context of the test?s sensitivity specificity the disease prevalence and the patient?s likelihood for the condition. The APRN is an advocate for the patient when weighing the risk/benefit factors for testing while also being a good manager of resources and avoiding unnecessary testing which contributes to the high cost of medical care. The APRN needs to be familiar with legal implications of testing such as protecting the privacy of medical information, timeliness of providing test results, and laws concerning mandatory reporting. The ethics of autonomy and the right to refuse a test need to be considered as the APRN shares decision making with the patient. Socioeconomic factors and social determinants of health can influence create barriers to access to care and also need careful consideration.

NURS 700 - Foundations of Nurse Practition Practice

This course introduces the practice of primary health care. Principles of safety, quality, and the art of diagnosis and treatment influencing care delivery will be addressed. These include fundamentals in the art of diagnosis and treatment, population health, cultural competency, oral and written communication, and billing and coding. This course has a required basic office procedure skills and assessment lab of 16 hours.

NURS 701 - Primary Care I (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where the students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 702 - Primary Care II (4)

This course provides the nurse practitioner student with advanced theoretical knowledge in the principles of health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common acute and chronic health problems across the lifespan. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; used a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

NURS 703 - Management of Multidimensional Health (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of common conditions with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, and disease detection, with a focus on pediatric and geriatric populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients' health records.

NURS 704 - Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Prep (1)

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully pass the national certification exam. Emphasis will be on best test-taking practices and professional and independent practice in primary care for individuals and families.

NURS 790 - FNP Capstone (4)

This course focuses on the health care concepts specific to the application of assessment and management of physical and mental health with special emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, risk reduction, disease detection, and gender-related well-being. Students will advance understanding of core concepts related to well-being and gender-related health in diverse populations. This course has a required clinical experience of 150 hours, where students will complete appropriate focused and comprehensive subjective and objective assessments; use a differential diagnosis process to make clinical decisions; select appropriate interventions including diagnostic tests, medications, and referrals; and document effectively in patients? health records.

Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program Details

Nursing Careers & Jobs

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nurse practitioners work with patients of all ages and can perform examinations, diagnose illnesses, interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications under the conditions of the nurse practice act in each state. 

Nurse Educator

Nurse educators work at community colleges, hospitals, or four-year institutions, developing curriculum and evaluating effectiveness, instructing aspiring nurses, and observing nursing students in clinical environments.

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses monitor patients, provide treatment and provide instructions for disease prevention and follow-up care to patients and their families.
 

Employment Outlook

14%

From 2022-2032, jobs in Nursing are expected to increase by 14%

Occupation Median Salary (2022) Job Postings (2022) Projected Growth (2022-2032)
Occupation
Nurse Anesthetists $203,091 46,484 15%
Nurse Anesthetists
Median Salary: $203,091
Job Postings: 46,484
Projected Growth: 15%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Anesthetists administer anesthesia, monitor patient’s vital signs, and oversee patient recovery from anesthesia. May assist anesthesiologists, surgeons, other physicians, or dentists. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists37,10580%
Locums Tenens1,9044%
Nurse Anesthetists2,0104%
Locum Tenens Certified Nurse Anesthetists1,6824%
Certified Nurse Anesthetists7842%
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SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Anesthesias9,97255%
Anesthesiology5,98633%
Nursing4,12823%
Pediatrics2,88916%
Surgery2,83816%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians51%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals27%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners5%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)3%
Other4%
Nurse Practitioners $121,618 391,419 47%
Nurse Practitioners
Median Salary: $121,618
Job Postings: 391,419
Projected Growth: 47%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Nurse Practitioners139,37536%
Nurse Practitioners/Physician Assistants66,54717%
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners39,15210%
Family Nurse Practitioners26,0907%
Nurse Practitioners/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses11,5333%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing74,79833%
Primary Care50,51722%
Patient Education And Counseling32,48714%
Medical Records31,20814%
Treatment Planning30,49913%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians47%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals18%
Outpatient Care Centers9%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners4%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)4%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Other15%
Nurse Midwives $120,890 6,408 12%
Nurse Midwives
Median Salary: $120,890
Job Postings: 6,408
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Nurse Midwives diagnose and coordinate all aspects of the birthing process, either independently or as part of a healthcare team. May provide well-woman gynecological care. Must have specialized, graduate nursing education.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Certified Nurse Midwives4,44569%
Nurse Midwives99015%
Dispensing Nurses2113%
Mother/Baby Postpartum Registered Nurses2594%
Postpartum Registered Nurses1422%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Midwifery1,29252%
Nursing1,01041%
Postpartum Care98840%
Obstetrics And Gynaecology98440%
Gynecology91837%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Offices of Physicians48%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals20%
Outpatient Care Centers14%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners8%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)3%
Education and Hospitals (State Government)2%
Other4%
Registered Nurses $81,224 4,550,317 12%
Registered Nurses
Median Salary: $81,224
Job Postings: 4,550,317
Projected Growth: 12%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Registered Nurses assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. May advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention or provide case management. Licensing or registration required. Includes Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Registered Nurses1,003,65822%
Medical Surgical Registered Nurses350,5468%
ICU Registered Nurses402,2279%
Operating Room Registered Nurses350,2478%
Home Health Registered Nurses167,2804%
Show More
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
Nursing1,664,45359%
Nursing Care659,72823%
Nursing Process407,57114%
Intensive Care Unit298,42210%
Medication Administration288,95810%
Show More
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals48%
Education and Hospitals (Local Government)8%
Offices of Physicians7%
Home Health Care Services6%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)4%
Other24%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $54,621 1,205,255 11%
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Median Salary: $54,621
Job Postings: 1,205,255
Projected Growth: 11%
Occupation
Job Titles
Skills
Industry
Description

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. May work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Licensing required.

Projected Growth
Job TitleJob Postings% of Job Postings
Licensed Practical Nurses618,91451%
Licensed Vocational Nurses166,20114%
Registered Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses73,8986%
Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses68,3836%
Home Health Licensed Practical Nurses39,3413%
SkillJob Postings% of Total Postings
 
Industry% of Occupation in Industry
Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)26%
Home Health Care Services13%
Offices of Physicians12%
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals9%
Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Assisted Living Facilities for the Elderly7%
Outpatient Care Centers5%
Other28%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

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