[2] Following educational preparation at the master's or doctoral level, FNPs must become board certified by an approved certification body.

Next, a person would need to pass the RN licensing exam, which is the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination).

[4] After completion of this prior work, a person can apply to and obtain a master's or doctoral degree from a family nurse practitioner program.

FNPs deliver a range of episodic acute illness typically treated in the outpatient or urgent care setting, and chronic and preventive healthcare services.

In addition to diagnosing and treating illness, they also provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health-risk assessments, immunization and screening tests, and personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.