Strengthening the Family Nurse Practitioner Workforce
The Growing Need for Advanced Practice Nurses in Primary Care
In response to a growing need for primary care providers, Duke University School of Nursing is expanding student enrollment in our master’s level Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program.
Across the country, access to timely, high-quality primary care remains one of the most pressing challenges for healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Over 102 million Americans live in primary care shortage areas in the United States. These communities face persistent shortages of primary care leading to delays in care, poorer health outcomes, and widening health disparities. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projects a shortage of 70,610 primary care physicians by 2038.
Why Family Nurse Practitioners Are Critical to Access
Nurse practitioners represent 1 in 4 primary care providers in rural practices. They frequently serve in underserved, urban, and rural areas with limited physician supply. As the demand for care continues to grow, so does the need for highly prepared primary care clinicians who can meet patients where they are. FNPs are essential to that solution.
FNPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRNs) that play a vital role in delivering comprehensive, person-centered primary care to patients of all ages, from infants to older adults. From managing chronic conditions to delivering preventive care and health education, the FNP brings a holistic, relationship-centered approach that improves health outcomes and strengthens continuity of care.
Expanding FNP Enrollment with Purpose
“Our decision to grow enrollment in the FNP program is grounded in a clear mission: to prepare practice-ready clinicians who are equipped to lead, innovate, and serve in the communities that need them most,” said Christina Leonard, FNP Program Director.
This expansion is supported by continued investment in faculty and academic infrastructure. This fall, the program will welcome two new Family Nurse Practitioner faculty members, Sarah Cottingham and Gina Wilson, whose combined expertise will further strengthen clinical education, scholarship, and student mentorship.
Dr. Gina Wilson, a two-time Duke University School of Nursing alum, brings more than a decade of pediatric primary care experience and recognized leadership in global health initiatives that advance neonatal outcomes and health equity through sustainable, community-based programs.
Dr. Sarah Cottingham, also a School of Nursing alumna, joins with expertise in primary care and substance use disorder treatment, advancing access to care for underserved populations through innovative, evidence-based models and a strong focus on trauma-informed and community-based practice.
Preparing the Next Generation Advanced Practice Nurses
Ranked the #1 Best Master’s Nurse Practitioner Family Program by U.S. News & World Report in 2026, Duke’s FNP degree is the top nurse practitioner program, and is distance-based. Most coursework is online, with a few virtual synchronous sessions and course-focused on-campus intensives.
Duke’s CCNE accredited FNP program emphasizes clinical excellence, systems thinking, and a deep understanding of the social and structural factors that influence health. Students gain hands-on experience across a range of settings, building the skills needed to deliver comprehensive care while navigating complex health systems.
"The program has allowed me to continue gaining full-time experience as an RN while working toward my FNP, which has been invaluable to my growth as a clinician," said FNP student Edgar Villa. "What has stood out most to me has been the leadership opportunities, as well as mentorship from faculty whose support has helped shape both my clinical development and long-term career goals."
Graduates leave not only ready to care for patients, but ready to lead change. They are equipped to improve care delivery, expand access, and partner with communities to address the root causes of health inequities.
“As we expand enrollment in our Family Nurse Practitioner program, we are investing in more than students—we are investing in the future of care,” said Anne Derouin, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs. “By preparing the next generation of FNPs, we are helping to ensure that high-quality, compassionate primary care is not limited by geography, but accessible to all.”
Learn more about Duke’s Family Nurse Practitioner program. If you are interested in pursuing your nurse practitioner degree but still deciding which program and patient population are the right fit, this NP guide can help point you in the right direction.