Nurse practitioner
work in a variety of specialties
Cardiology
Emergency
Family practice
Geriatrics
Neonatology
Nephrology
Oncology
Pediatrics
Primary care
Psychiatry
School health
Women's health
Licensure
Today, more states are requiring NPs to have a master's or doctorate degree and national certification.
Certification
National certification is offered through various nursing organizations (such as the American Nurses' Credentialing Center, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, and others). Most of these organizations require that NPs complete an approved master's or doctorate-level NP program before taking the certification exam. The exams are offered in specialty areas
Acute care
Adult health
Family health
Geriatric health
Neonatal health
Pediatric/child health
Psychiatric/mental health
Women's health
To be recertified, NPs need to show proof of continuing education. Only certified nurse practitioners may use a "C" either in front of or behind their other credentials (for example, Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, FNP-C, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner). Some nurse practitioners may use the credential ARNP, which means advanced registered nurse practitioner. They may also use the credential APRN, which means advanced practice nurse practitioner. This is a broader category that includes clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists.
The NP is allowed to provide a broad range of health care services
Performing certain procedures, such as a bone marrow biopsy or lumbar puncture
Taking the person's history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests and procedures
Diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases
Writing prescriptions and coordinating referrals
Providing education on disease prevention and healthy lifestyles