Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Michigan
As Michigan strives to balance the shortage of primary care physicians with a rising population of elderly residents and new healthcare reform challenges, the family nurse practitioner (FNP) is experiencing an exciting time of new growth prospects and independent practice. With the support of a research study from the National Institute for Health Care Reform, Bill 2 proposes to provide full authority for FNPs to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications within their scope of practice and educational training.
According to Michigan Live News, nurse practitioners in family care with full authority to practice can provide more access to care and provide cost-effective treatment. As an FNP in Michigan, you may discover lucrative opportunities that are available to a valued healthcare provider.
To learn more about how you can expand your education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, please review the schools below and select the programs you are interested in. Submit a request for information to each school that offers an FNP program that you would like to learn more about. Once you have information, you can begin to make a decision about your future nursing education and career.
Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Michigan
As outlined by the Michigan Department of Regulatory Affairs, FNPs are required to complete a state-approved graduate degree that prepares you for an autonomous practice in primary care. As nurse practitioners continue to take on greater responsibilities and move forward into autonomous practice, Michigan FNP programs continue to evolve with advanced nursing education that meets the challenges and demands of the current scope of practice requirements.
As a licensed registered nurse in Michigan, you may complete your graduate program with several options that fit your lifestyle and busy work schedule. FNP programs may transition your ADN, BSN or non-nursing degree to a graduate program and an MSN to a postgraduate certificate or doctoral degree of nurse practice in family health. Depending on your degree track option, you can graduate from your FNP program in two to three years of full time study.
Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum in Michigan
FNP programs in Michigan advance your existing knowledge and experience with nursing research, theories and diagnosis rationale to prepare you for the responsibilities of an advanced practice nurse. As your scope of practice shifts from the bedside to primary care, your courses outline and explore advanced health assessment, pathophysiology and pharmacology. As a nurse practitioner in family health, you have the authority to diagnose and treat all ages across the lifespan.
The core courses that design your curriculum may include:
- Advanced practice nursing in the primary care of children, adults and the elderly provides you with the knowledge needed to assess and manage acute and chronic health problems that commonly affect these populations
- A concept of mental health assists you with the identification of problems that are commonly encountered in the primary care setting
- Health promotion concepts explore a family-centered approach to care through preventative and primary care
- Pathophysiology and collaborative management of primary care focuses on the integration of assessment, diagnosis and appropriate health interventions for disease and chronic conditions in adults and the elderly
- Family health practicum is presented in a three semester series that integrates diagnostic reasoning, assessment skills and drug therapy management with the supervision of a preceptor
Available Options for FNP Degree Financing
According to HHS.Gov/Healthcare, healthcare reform expects over one million new Michiganites to enter the healthcare system in 2014. As the primary care doctor shortage continues to worsen, FNPs can provide the timely and effective care that the communities require to stay healthy.
With the research support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, scholarships are available from numerous sources such as the Human Resources and Services Administration that provides loan forgiveness, tuition reimbursement and monthly stipends to cover the costs of living expenses while in school. The Michigan League of Nursing and the Michigan Counsel of Nurse Practitioners also provides scholarships.
Family Nurse Practitioner Careers in Michigan
As a graduate FNP, you may discover an independent career that may increase job prospects and offer lucrative opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2012, an FNP in Michigan may enjoy a median annual salary of $86,910.
FNPs work in numerous areas of care that provide them with self-satisfaction and a rewarding career such as:
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Children’s hospitals and clinics
- Retail healthcare and occupational settings
- Physician offices and medical groups
- Medical and pharmacological research
- Nurse-run clinics and community health
- Rural healthcare and community clinics
- Nurse educators in higher education
As reported by Forbes Magazine, the public has warmed to nurse practitioners and may even prefer them to primary care physicians. As an FNP, you may enjoy an expanded role in primary care that rewards your dedication to the completion of an intellectually challenging degree.
