Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality healthcare services similar to those of a medical doctor. NPs have graduate, advanced education and clinical training beyond their registered nurse preparation. Most NPs have master’s degrees and many have doctorates. NPs are licensed by the state they practice and most are nationally certified in their specialty area. NPs are recognized as expert healthcare providers.
Among the many services NPs provide, they:
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays
- Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries
- Prescribe medications and other treatments
- Council patients on healthy lifestyle
- Manage patients' overall care
For further information visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners at www.aanp.org