FNP Course Descriptions

[trj524]

Hey everyone,

So I'm having a hard time finding detailed course descriptions for FNP programs. From what I have gathered, a lot of the courses are research-based (definitely important). However, how much time (if any) is spent on things such as diagnostic readings, lab interpretation, central line placement, suturing, etc.? Is most of it learned during clinical ("on the fly") as you go, or our we taught these things and then learn to enhance those skills during clinicals? Of course, we pick up on some of these things as general nurses, but do we learn how to do it from a provider's POV in school?

I understand that it varies depending on the type of program (FNP vs. ACNP) and how much of the program is online vs. classroom-based. I'm particularly curious about UTMB, UT Tyler, and UTHSC in Texas.

I apologize for my ignorance on this topic in advance, but any info from anyone enrolled in or graduated from these programs would be appreciated!!

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

I'm not sure they teach FNP how to place a central line. Not something routinely done in the primary care setting. In my acute care program we had a course where we learned all the invasive procedures such as CVLs, intubation, LP, chest tubes.

But, being in the acute care environment those are skills necessary to know as the NP.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Hey everyone,

So I'm having a hard time finding detailed course descriptions for FNP programs. From what I have gathered, a lot of the courses are research-based (definitely important). However, how much time (if any) is spent on things such as diagnostic readings, lab interpretation, central line placement, suturing, etc.? Is most of it learned during clinical ("on the fly") as you go, or our we taught these things and then learn to enhance those skills during clinicals? Of course, we pick up on some of these things as general nurses, but do we learn how to do it from a provider's POV in school?

I understand that it varies depending on the type of program (FNP vs. ACNP) and how much of the program is online vs. classroom-based. I'm particularly curious about UTMB, UT Tyler, and UTHSC in Texas.

I apologize for my ignorance on this topic in advance, but any info from anyone enrolled in or graduated from these programs would be appreciated!!

Most of the technical skills are taught in workshops, provided the program offers them, and are normally just general introductions to technique. You will not find central line placement as a FNP technique you learn in school; you hopefully will have a basic workshop introduction to minor surgical procedures and joint injections as well as suturing. These basic techniques take practice hours to master and this will be done in the post-graduate practice space (you may get some chances to perform procedures as a student in clinical but it will likely not be enough to master a technique).

Diagnostics is a central part of NP education and occurs throughout the program as p[art of the core coursework. There may also be workshops on specific diagnostics like basic x-ray interpretation. This is all furthered in your clinical experiences and the appropriate diagnostics mastered in clinical practice.

The quality of the program will be evident in how many of these topics are covered an in what depth but don't focus on technical procedures, anyone can learn them at any time, focus on a comprehensive didactic program with excellent clinical experiences.