A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced educational training that can perform many more healthcare services than registered nurses. A nurse practitioner typically has a Masters or Doctorate in Nursing. Nurse practitioners are grouped with advanced practice nurses because they are able to perform many of the same, if not all the services provided by a physician. A nurse practitioner is licensed and certified in a particular state and is permitted to provide primary health care and mental health services, as well as diagnose conditions and prescribe medication in most states. A nurse practitioner may specialize in a particular branch of medical care such as pediatric, geriatric, holistic, adult, or family.

Nurse Practitioner Training Requirements

Graduates of an MSN NP degree program are required to become licensed in the state in which they practice. State Nursing Boards determine license and certification requirements, while most include formal education and clinical experience. NPs may have to complete additional training as required by the state board. License terms also differ from state to state, and certain states may also require board certification.

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Nurse Practitioner Schools and Degree Programs

The Master of Science of Nursing program may differ slightly from state to state depending on state board regulations. The training requirements are generally the same however, and a nurse practitioner training program consists of a large amount of course work and an equal amount of on-site training. The actual courses and training subject matter may differ depending on the specialization track chosen. Specializations include adult NP, family NP, Geronotological NP, Geriatric NP, Pediatric/School NP , in fact, NPs may specialize in any of the many types of medical care. In training, nurse practitioners learn all the skills to necessary to function as a full service healthcare provider including diagnosis and treatment of a large range of conditions, analyzing lab results, and consulting patients on treatment and healthcare management. In most states, NPs are also allowed to prescribe medication.

Nurse Practitioner Prerequisites

To become a Nurse Practitioner several prerequisites must be fulfilled. First, the aspiring Nurse Practitioner must attend nursing school either at the Associate or Bachelor Science of Nursing level. The graduate then must pass the national certification exam to become a registered nurse. Becoming a registered nurse also requires on-site training in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

In preparation for becoming an NP, students may take some courses that will satisfy NP requirements in their future education. Use the search box above to find these recommended courses. Once the graduate is a certified RN, he or she may continue to the Mater's level of education to specialize and train to become a nurse practitioner.

Nurse Practitioner Continuing Education

Nurse practitioners must renew their licenses periodically depending on state board requirements. Nurse practitioners may also return to school to receive a doctorate in nursing DNSc. It is thought that in the future, a DNSc will be the minimum training requirement for to become a nurse practitioner. Search HealthCare-TrainingCenter.com to find continued education courses for Nurse Practioners.