Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Family Nurse Practitioner

Certificate: Online
More Program Options
Master's : Boston, MA
Master's : Online
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The United States is experiencing an ongoing shortage of primary care physicians, leading to a surging demand for family nurse practitioners. Northeastern University's Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program provides individualized coursework and clinical experience that prepares qualified students to fill the gap and become nationally certified as family nurse practitioners.

Online
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
12-24 Months
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring
Entry Terms
No
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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Overview

If you want to expand your areas of practice or take your advanced nursing care career to the next level, Northeastern University can help you. With the United States experiencing an ongoing shortage of primary care physicians, the need for certified family nurse practitioners is surging. 

The Bouvé College of Health Sciences' Graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner program provides individualized coursework and clinical experience—preparing you to fill the gap and take the next step to become nationally certified as a family nurse practitioner by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

The program is designed for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) currently holding a master's degree (MS or MSN) and a certification in another APRN specialty. The curriculum focuses on the expertise required to take the National Family Nurse Practitioner Certification Examination from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the AANP.

Course offerings and clinical practicum requirements are individualized, and credit requirements range from 19 to 29 based on previous specialty certification. In general, you will complete the program in four to five semesters. 

More Details

Unique Features

  • The online curriculum allows you to continue working as you earn your graduate certificate.
  • Course offerings and clinical practicum requirements are individualized based on previously earned certifications.
  • The Bouvé College School of Nursing prepares you for national certification exams in your area of practice through personalized problem-solving experiences in and out of the classroom.
  • During the program, you'll gain 750 hours of clinical experience required for certification.

Program Objectives

The family nurse practitioner certificate will prepare advanced practice registered nurses to:

  • Provide evidence-based healthcare to individuals, families, and communities across diverse cultural and practice settings.
  • Effectively utilize technological advancements in healthcare—including telehealth, genomics, and mobile monitoring devices—when providing care to individuals, families, and communities.
  • Actively collaborate and communicate with fellow clinicians and institutions to ensure coordination of care to individuals, families, and communities.
  • Provide leadership across diverse practice settings in the provision of primary healthcare to individuals and families across the lifespan.

Career Outlook

  • The United States is facing a shortage of primary care physicians, leading to a surging demand for family nurse practitioners nationally. Looking toward 2034, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) foresees a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023) estimates an opening of 29,200 positions for advanced practice nurses annually through 2032. The bureau also reported a median salary of $125,900 for advanced practice nurses in 2022.
  • Other factors that support the rising need for advanced practice nurses include an aging population, greater funding for preventive care, significant loss of primary care providers in rural areas, and a lack of providers in underserved communities.

Looking for something different?

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Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$1K *
Cost per credit

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Application and fee (NursingCAS)
  • Statement of purpose
  • Professional resumé
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official educational transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework with a grade-point average of 3.0
  • A master’s degree in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
  • National certification (ANCC or AANP) in the specialty area of practice
  • One year post-master's professional advanced practice nursing experience
  • Current registration/licensure to practice nursing in the United States

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Fall Term
Spring Term
Application Deadline:
Fall: August 1
Application Deadline:
Spring: November 1
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning
  • Throughout the program, you'll gain the 750 clinical hours required to get certified.
  • All students gain clinical experience in women's health, pediatrics, and adult gerontology.
  • Clinical hours can be completed locally or in the Boston area.
Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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