What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has additional education beyond that of a registered nurse (RN). NP's have a minimum post-graduate education of a master’s degree. Nurse Practitioners have passed a national certification exam related to population foci or specialty and are licensed in their state from the State Board of Nursing. Learn More.

NPs assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses and initiate and manage treatment plans — including prescribing medications. Millions of patients choose NPs as their health care providers, with visits totaling nearly a billion annually. 

NPs are quickly becoming the health partner of choice for millions of Americans. As clinicians that blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs bring a comprehensive perspective and personal touch to health care.

What sets NPs apart from other health care providers is their unique emphasis on the health and well-being of the whole person. With a focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling, NPs guide patients in making smarter health and lifestyle choices, which in turn can lower patients' out-of-pocket costs.