A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education and training in diagnosis and management of common medical conditions.

Nurse practitioners provide the same care provided by physicians and maintain close working relationships with physicians.  They are trained to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic illness and disease.  They are able to order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies, prescribe medications, physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments.  Their education allows them to provide well-child care, including screening and immunizations.

To be licensed as a nurse practitioner, the candidate must first complete the education and training necessary to be a registered nurse (RN).  In most states a master’s degree is required.  Once RN status has been attained, they must then complete a state-approved advanced nursing education program.  After completing the education program, the candidate must be licensed by the state in which he or she plans to practice.  They can also apply for national certification from one of several professional nursing organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).

The initials following each practitioners name indicate the various degrees and certifications they have earned.

RN  -- Registered Nurse

MSN  --Master of Science in Nursing

CFNP  --Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

CPNP  --Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

CNS  --Clinical Nurse Specialist

FNP-CS  --Family Nurse Practitioner Certified Specialist

 PA-C  -- Certified Physician Assistant