What to Look for in Clinical Placement Support in Online FNP Programs

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) help fill a crucial care gap. Nurse practitioners work in various specialties, but FNPs focus on caring for patients across their lifetimes, from prenatal to geriatric care.

With rising healthcare staffing shortages, FNPs across the United States are stepping into the role of primary care provider without sacrificing quality of care. A 2024 systematic review of 1,653 studies on advanced practice nursing found that nurse practitioners (NPs) provide care equal to or even better than that provided by physicians.

In addition to honing their skills through a Master of Science (MSN)>, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or post-master’s certificate, registered nurses (RNs) learn to provide this level of care through FNP clinical placements.

How to Become an FNP

Becoming an FNP requires an active registered nursing license; completing an accredited MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or post-graduate certificate focused on primary care for the whole family; and completing at least 500 supervised clinical practice hours, which are part of graduate degree requirements.

After completing their FNP-focused graduate degree, a nurse must obtain certification from one of two credentialing boards by passing a certification exam.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) credential. Upon passing a computer-based 175-question test, the FNP-BC license is valid for five years.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (NPCB) offers the Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified (FNP-C) credential. Also valid for five years, the FNP-C requires passing a computer-based examination of 150 multiple-choice questions.

Why Become an FNP?

Becoming an FNP can be a highly rewarding career move leading to higher salaries and job security. RNs earned a median annual salary of $93,600 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); nurse practitioners, including FNPs, earned a median of $129,210.

And while the BLS predicts job growth for both RNs and NPs, positions for RNs are expected to increase 5% between 2024 and 2034, while those for NPs are expected to jump by an astonishing 40%.

This demand is in large part due to the roles that nurse practitioners, and particularly FNPs, can fill as primary care providers. The United States is currently facing a healthcare staffing shortage, with a deficit of 141,160 full-time equivalent (FTE) physicians expected by 2038, according to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis.

How Does FNP Clinical Placement Work?

Clinical placements for FNPs allow graduate students to develop their clinical expertise through direct patient care with a focus on:

• Assessment: Obtaining patient information and performing physical examinations
• Diagnosis: Analyzing subjective and objective patient information to identify a disease or condition
• Treatment: Establishing and prescribing a patient-centered and evidence-based care plan
• Evaluation: Monitoring patients’ care plans and making adjustments as needed

The specifics of FNP clinical placement can vary depending on the program. Many nursing schools leave it to students to find their own preceptors, the experienced mentors who provide supervised, hands-on training. While students can complete didactic instruction hours online, they cannot do the same for clinical hours: They must be completed in person in environments that allow students to experience the day-to-day duties they will encounter as nurse practitioners.

How Many Hours of Clinical Practice Do FNPs Need?

FNP-BC and FNP-C certification require at least 500 direct patient care clinical hours. However, many nursing programs call for their students to complete as many as 750 hours for an MSN degree or 1,000 for a DNP.

What to Look for With Clinical Placement Support

When considering nurse practitioner programs, students can prioritize programs that work with students to help them find the right clinical placements. The process often starts with students connecting with the school’s placement support team. The placement team then helps students look for preceptors and clinical sites that meet the clinical rotation requirements for their degree. The team then helps students earn clearance to work at the site.

Placement teams can work to ensure a placement meets the program requirements and can help students navigate the logistical paperwork required before starting a placement. This support can be invaluable for students who already have their hands full with their course loads — but not every program provides it.

Clinical Placement Support at American International College

Students in American International College’s online nursing programs receive dedicated support from AIC’s placement team. After you complete a placement intake form outlining your location and preferences, we will assign you a clinical placement coordinator to help you prepare for your clinical experience. Our team will assist in securing quality placement sites and preceptors that meet your program requirements so you can prioritize your coursework.

While AIC works to place all of our students, we cannot guarantee placement. Success in clinical placement will be determined by preceptor engagement, student participation, and stakeholder cooperation throughout the process. We expect that students will meet clinical placement requirements before course enrollment and meet any required deadlines.

Find the Right Clinical Placement for You With American International College

FNP clinical placements ensure that graduate nursing students have the tools and knowledge to drive positive patient outcomes. With the increasing need for family medicine professionals, FNPs will continue to play an important role — particularly in states like Massachusetts, where they have full practice authority.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, explore American International College’s online Master of Science in Nursing — Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) and online Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Certificate programs and learn more about the clinical placement services we offer.

Find out how AIC can help you advance your career in nursing.