Nurses who were able to secure an advanced study in nursing and training in diagnosis and management either in common or complex conditions or situation in the medical field are called Nurse Practitioners.  These nurses are more able when it comes to providing a wide range of healthcare services and treatment.  They are also certified by the national board and can have additional credentials, such as, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Family (FNP)
  2. Pediatric (PNP)
  3. Neonatal (NNP)
  4. Gerontology (GNP)
  5. NP on Women’s Healthcare (WHNP)
  6. NP on Psychiatry and/or Mental Healthcare (PMHNP)
  7. Acute Disease Care (ACNP)
  8. NP specializing in Adult Healthcare (ANP)
  9. Oncology (ONP)
  10. NP for Emergency Medicine Healthcare and Treatment


Nurse Practitioners can treat chronic or acute conditions like a physician would.  They also perform history taking, patient examinations, and/or therapies as long as they are within the field of specialization or practice.  They can practice on their self-established clinics or offices, depending on the state requirement as some states require collaboration with a licensed physician.  Their practice is state regulated, and may include:

  •        Diagnosis, treatment, evaluation and testing for illnesses and diseases.
  •        Prescribing rehabilitation treatments
  •        Prescribing treatments that are pharmacologically based
  •        Prescribe possible therapies and rehabilitative measures
  •        Giving prenatal care and advice on family planning
  •        Providing child healthcare, including newborn screenings.
  •        Provide and perform immunizations.
  •        Provide care for patients in critical and acute conditions (e.g. emergency situations)
  •        Execute minor surgeries or procedures; may also provide surgical assisting
  •        Counseling and education to patients that are to undergo treatment or surgery.
  •        Educating individuals on self-care, treatment possibilities, and health behaviors.
  •        May also provide education to student nurses as a Clinical Instructor.

NPs can only obtain certification by succesful completion of NCLEX-RN and an advanced nursing program, usually offered by colleges and universities.  They also practice in different health care, rehabilitation, and medical facilities.

These institutions may include:

  • Family clinics and emergency care centers
  • Health centers and the Health Department
  • Health Maintainance Organizations
  • Private or Public Hospitals
  • NP offices or clinics
  • Nursing Homes
  • Educational Institutions
Licensed Practical Nurse
Online Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Family Nurse Practitioner