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Nurse practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses (RNs) who have advanced education and clinical training. They can perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat health problems, order lab work and X-rays, prescribe medications, and provide health information.

Nurse practitioners may specialize in the care of children (pediatric nurse practitioner), older adults (geriatric nurse practitioner), people of all ages (family nurse practitioner), or people with mental health problems (psychiatric nurse practitioner).

Nurse practitioners are licensed by the state in which they practice. Most nurse practitioners are nationally certified in their specialty area.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated August 25, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 25, 2008
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