Georgia Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Similar to physicians, the family nurse practitioner (FNP) has the ability to diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for their patients. However, the FNP applies a holistic approach to treatment that includes patient education, preventative care and health information. Although FNPs in Georgia work in collaboration with a physician, their practice in family health is vital to the care of individuals, families and communities. As a Family NP, you may enjoy more autonomy in practice and position yourself for a rewarding and lucrative career as a medical professional.
The passing of the Affordable Care Act sparked new legislation for FNPs to practice in a more autonomous role in primary care. As an FNP in family health, your ability to treat all ages of the lifespan increases your marketability and makes your practice highly desirable in hospitals, family physician offices and retail healthcare settings. In a research study supported by HealthAffairs.org, the concerns of the growth of the chronically ill and the elderly have created alarming consequences for a dwindling supply of primary care physicians. As health care reform continues, NPs will continue to be an essential segment of primary care providers in Georgia.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also reported that NPs and physicians performed equally effective in areas of primary care diagnostics, treatment and drug therapy. The study further recommended that APRNs should be granted complete autonomy of practice to provide the optimal services they are trained and certified to perform.
To learn more about how you can earn your Family Nurse Practitioner degree in Georgia,review the school listings on this page. We have compiled a listing of all the nursing schools that offer Nurse Practitioner degrees with a Family focus, highlighting those that offer online options as well. Request information from the featured schools directly below to learn more about flexible Family Health NP programs available to you. Learning about your educational options is the first step to advancing your career as a Nurse Practitioner.
Family Nurse Practitioner Programs in Georgia
As the role of APRNs continues to expand, the FNP programs of Georgia consistently evolve with the challenges of a growing field of advanced practice for nurses. Most programs offer flexible scheduling hours, non-traditional program tracks and part-time programs that conform to the busy schedule of working professionals. A registered nurse in Georgia must attend a state-approved graduate program that focuses on family health.
Degree track options for FNP programs may include:
- ADN to master’s degree in FNP
- BSN to FNP graduate program
- MSN to postgraduate certificate or doctoral FNP program
- Non-nursing degree to FNP master’s degree program
Program Curriculum for FNPs in Georgia
As your nursing practice moves towards greater autonomy in patient care, your courses are designed to empower you with advanced health assessment skills, increased knowledge of disease and conditions and diagnostic rationale. Your Primary Care NP program in Georgia provides the education and support to prepare you for independent practice in primary care.
Your curriculum may include courses such as:
- Advanced nursing research and theories: provides a strong foundation for evidence-based health interventions
- Advanced concepts in primary care: provides education in the identification and management of complications of chronic conditions and advanced disease
- Models and theories of mental and physical health: explores the impact of co-occurring conditions commonly seen in primary care
- Advanced health assessment: a series of courses that examine patients of all ages across the lifespan
- Clinical practicum: provides a preceptor and three semesters of providing care in an actual medical setting
Although program tracks vary in length, a nurse with a BSN may complete an FNP master’s program in two to three years of full-time study. Certification requirements in Georgia also include passing a national certification examination prior to practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Career Opportunities for Family Nurse Practitioners in Georgia
Healthcare reform has resulted in scores of insured residents in Georgia, putting a strain on health care delivery and access to services. With the shortage of a primary care workforce, Georgia continues to propose legislation that supports the full-practice authority of FNPs to fill-in the gap and provide diagnosis, treatment and cost-effective care.
Georgia legislation allows FNPs to sign all health-related documents without the co-signatures of physicians. In addition, the law allows delegation of certain medical procedures to certified nurse practitioners without physician supervision.
According to the BLS, FNPs earn a median annual salary of $100,660 per year in GA (2017). As a nurse practitioner with a family focus in Georgia, you may discover the demand for your expert care in an array of areas such as:
- Retail care and occupational health settings
- Hospitalist positions in hospitals and medical centers
- Nurse-run clinics and community-based centers
- Medical and pharmaceutical research
- Medical physician groups and private practice
As reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, physicians and the public are gaining greater acceptance of FNPs and appreciate their vast contribution to primary care and health services. This makes it an exciting time to expand your role and your practice and reap the rewards of a lucrative and rewarding nursing career.
