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A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has had advanced clinical
and academic experience and provides preventive and primary health care
to patients of all ages. They are responsible for diagnosing, treating
and monitoring minor, acute and chronic health problems, as well as helping
patients to make informed decisions on how to live a healthy lifestyle.
They will perform such duties as taking patient histories, conducting physical
exams, ordering and interpreting lab work and X-rays, providing immunizations,
etc. In the majority of states, nurse practitioners are allowed to prescribe
medications for their patients. Nurse practitioners are continually working
with physicians and other healthcare professionals in order to help patients
and their families. Nurse practitioners are often known to focus on
preventative health care and risk detection. Job opportunities can be
found in private clinics, hospitals, schools, health departments, nursing homes, etc.
In terms of education, this position requires a master?s degree from an accredited
nurse practitioner graduate program. In order to enroll in a nurse practitioner
program, an individual must usually have a bachelor?s degree in nursing and be
licensed as a registered nurse. (The entire education process to become a nurse
practitioner usually spans on average six to eight years depending on the program chosen.)
After the education process is complete, individuals must pass a national
certification examination. To learn more about nurse practitioners, please visit
the American Academy of Nurse
Practitioners. Please use the links provided below to learn more about specific
educational programs pertaining to this field.
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