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