Nurse practitioners have the authority to make diagnoses and prescribe medication.
Nurse practitioners begin as registered nurses. They complete additional education, training and certification to advance to nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners can be found in all types of health care facilities and areas of specialty medicine. According to the Mayo School of Health Sciences, the average salary for a nurse practitioner in 2007 was $86,486.
History
In 1965, the first nurse practitioners were educated at the University of Colorado. Advanced education for nursing was started because there were not enough doctors to meet the demands for health care. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, as of 2010, approximately 140,000 nurse practitioners are licensed to practice, and more than 325 schools offer nurse practitioner education. Nurse practitioners have the authority and experience to order diagnostic tests, make diagnostic decisions and prescribe medications.
Bachelor's Degree
Nurse practitioners first obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN). Most BSN programs are completed in four years. Accelerated programs are available for nurses who already have an associate degree or diploma in nursing. Students typically complete classroom education including courses in nursing, anatomy and physiology, microbiology and mental health. Clinical experience in health care facilities in several specialty areas is also required. Rotations include pediatrics, surgery and psychiatry. After graduation, students must become a registered nurse by passing the National Council Licensure Examination and meeting any other state requirements for licensure.
Graduate Degree
Registered nurses wishing to become nurse practitioners must complete a two- or four-year graduate degree. The graduate degree expands the nurse's classroom and theoretical knowledge and clinical skills. The program is focused in the nurse's specialty area of study and prepares him for the certification exam. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the curriculum covers the following areas: management of patient status, the nurse-patient relationship, teaching, the professional nursing role, managing health care delivery, monitoring quality of health care and cultural sensitivity during care.
Licensing
Upon completion of a graduate degree, nurse practitioners must obtain a license. Most states require a national certification from organizations such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Nurse practitioners take a written exam to test their general knowledge as well as their area of specialty. Once certified, nurse practitioners must maintain their certification and complete continuing education courses. For example, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners certifies in the areas of adult, gerontologic and family nurse practitioners and requires recertification every five years.
Specialties
Nurse practitioners work in almost every specialty area of medicine. Many work as adult, family or pediatric practitioners. Other areas of specialty include oncology, gerontology, maternity and neonatal care and psychiatry.
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