Missouri Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) in Missouri are valued as an essential member of the healthcare team in numerous areas of care. With training and education to perform as a diagnostician and provider of primary care, FNPs have the medical and prescriptive authority to care for patients of all ages with the collaboration of a physician. As an advanced practice nurse in Missouri, you may realize the vital role of the FNP with numerous opportunities and exceptional career possibilities available to nurse practitioners dedicated to family health.
If you are ready to take your nursing education to the next level, check out the schools and programs on our site. You will find over 300 Family Nurse Practitioner programs nationwide, some of which offer online options for added flexibility. Request information from all of those you are interested in to begin.
FNPs in Missouri are dedicated to providing the optimal treatment and advocacy for their patients through political action that can improve their efficiency as independent practitioners. Although FNPs are provided with the skills and training to perform as independent practitioners, Missouri law had dictated that supervision of a physician was required for their practice.
As reported by the Southeast Missourian News, the recently passed legislation has permitted FNPs to collaborate with physicians via email, texting and other electronic communications known as “telehealth.” As the role of the FNP continues to evolve with healthcare reform, graduate programs of study in Missouri respond with current standards of FNP practice information, advanced education in primary care and the optimal skills required to providing preventative care.
Enrolling in a state-approved FNP program requires that you are a licensed RN in Missouri. A master’s or graduate degree is mandatory in Missouri and may be satisfied with several program tracks that fit your specific needs such as:
- ADN to master’s in FNP
- BSN to FNP graduate program
- MSN to postgraduate certificate or doctoral program
- Non-nursing to FNP graduate program
With numerous options and scheduling for part or full-time programs, working nurses can complete FNP programs at their own pace or in two to three years of study.
Family Nurse Practitioner Curriculum in Missouri
As an advanced practice nurse in family health, your program focuses on the treatment and management of acute disease and chronic conditions. FNPs perform primary and preventative care for individuals from infancy to senescence in physician offices, nurse-based clinics and hospital settings. With courses in nursing research, theories, and patient education, you can be prepared to provide evidence-based treatment and effective health interventions.
Your curriculum may include core courses such as:
- Community and population-based healthcare discuss the concepts of the health experience on individuals and their families
- Advanced pharmacology for drug therapy management is required for certification and practice
- Health assessment provides the skills required to perform effective diagnostics, treatment and health interventions
- Advanced pathophysiology defines the identification of disease that affects patients of all ages
- The clinical practicum is typically provided for over three semesters and addresses the actual care of patients in a medical setting
After successful completion of your FNP program, you may be required to pass a national certifying examination that addresses your area of family health. In addition, FNPs are expected to perform 1000 hours of clinical practice with supervision of a physician.
Financing your Family Nurse Practitioner Program in Missouri
With an already overwhelmed primary care workforce, the shortage of general physicians and an increasingly ageing population in Missouri, the mission of healthcare reform has turned to FNPs to provide the care and fill-in the gaps of physicians. As supported by the AACN, the National Governors Association outlines the importance of FNPs in a study and how the profession can resolve the issues of the primary care shortage. Fortunately, the Affordable Care Act has provided incentives for nurses to accomplish advanced degrees with NurseCorps that offers of tuition reimbursement programs, financial aid and scholarships.
Family Nurse Practitioner Careers in Missouri
As a graduate of an FNP program, you may have numerous opportunities to work in a lucrative career that rewards you with self-satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
Positions for FNPs in Missouri include areas of care such as:
- Hospitalist in medical centers and hospitals
- Children’s hospitals, family clinics and community-based centers
- Rural health and outreach centers
- Medical and pharmacological research facilities
- Nurse educator at universities and colleges
- Retail healthcare and occupational health settings
As reported by the Southeast Missourian News, a shortage of primary care providers and physicians makes the use of FNPs in rural and urban areas an absolute necessity. As reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, FNPs in Missouri may expect an annual median salary of $86,680. As you explore your numerous options as an FNP, your dedication to your nursing career may be highly valued by healthcare employers and your community.
