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If you’re a nurse or aspiring nurse who has an interest in treating patients of all ages and for a variety of healthcare needs, the role of a family nurse practitioner (FNP) may be the right fit for you.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), nearly 69% of nurse practitioners hold a , making it the largest certification area among all nurse practitioners.

FNPs play an integral role in the delivery of primary care services, as their scope is focused on:

• Examining patients
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
• Diagnosing and treating illnesses
• Prescribing medications
• Offering preventative care
• Performing minor outpatient procedures
• Helping patients manage chronic illnesses
• Collaborating with other medical specialties to provide comprehensive patient care

In Florida, advanced practice registered nurses (which include FNPs) initially have to work under the supervision of a physician, but they can register to practice autonomously after completing at least 3,000 clinical practice hours under the supervision of a physician, thanks to a recent change to .

If you’re thinking about becoming a family nurse practitioner in Florida, it’s important to understand what the process entails, from educational requirements to your certification exam to licensure and more. In this FNP career guide, we break down the steps for you.

After gaining experience as a registered nurse, the next step is to apply for an accredited family nurse practitioner program. FNP programs are typically master’s-level programs, but the program you need will vary depending on the type of education you have already completed. Below are some of the different types of FNP programs to consider.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with an FNP specialization: You’ll complete this program if you already have a BSN. MSN-FNP programs typically take two to three years to complete.

RN to MSN program with an FNP specialization: You would apply to this program if you’re an RN who does not already have a BSN. Following completion of this type of program, you will graduate with an MSN-FNP degree and be eligible to take the national certification examination. This path will take longer than a traditional MSN program.

FNP post-master’s certificate: If you already have an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, you would enroll in this program to further your education with an additional practice area of study. These types of programs often take between one and two years to complete.

The next step is to obtain an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) license from the Florida Board of Nursing, which requires showing proof of your FNP certification. To get licensed, you will need to apply and pay the required fee.

You will also need to show proof that:

• You have a valid RN license from any U.S. jurisdiction (only required for ; not required for )
• You completed the educational requirements (This will generally be a master’s degree or post-master’s certificate from an approved program, though there are some exceptions.)
• You earned an advanced practice certification (i.e., FNP certification) from an approved nursing specialty board
• You carry malpractice insurance or you are exempt

You will also need to get fingerprinted via a Live Scan. You may be asked to take additional steps if you have special circumstances, such as a history of health issues or a criminal history. Learn more about the requirements for .

Following licensure, you can finally start working as a family nurse practitioner in Florida and kickstart your advanced-practice nursing career – but that doesn’t mean you should take a “set-it-and-forget it” approach.

In Florida, you must , and you’ll have to renew your national licensure ( and ) every five years. Make sure to reach out to your licensing and certification organizations to learn about the requirements for renewal.