A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed additional advanced education and training, allowing them to provide a wider range of healthcare services. This includes taking patient histories, conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting lab tests, prescribing medications, developing treatment plans, and educating patients and their families on continued care.

Often referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse practitioners typically specialize in treating specific patient groups, such as women, children, or the elderly. Beyond clinical practice, some nurse practitioners contribute to healthcare research or work in academic settings, helping train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

While the responsibilities of a nurse practitioner can overlap significantly with those of a physician, the key difference lies in the level of education and training. Physicians undergo more extensive schooling and clinical training, resulting in broader medical expertise and typically higher salaries. Despite this distinction, nurse practitioners are increasingly playing vital roles in delivering primary care, especially in communities facing physician shortages.

As demand for accessible, high-quality healthcare grows, nurse practitioners are becoming indispensable members of the healthcare system, bridging the gap between patients and the comprehensive care they need.