Master of Science: Nurse Practitioner (NP)

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced academic and clinical education who provides quality, cost-effective health care to patients. NPs provide primary care with a focus on primary prevention, health maintenance, anticipatory guidance, patient education, and counseling in addition to diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of specialties. NPs collaborate with physicians to provide a unique coalescence of nursing and medical patient care along with providing a holistic focus on their patients.

You may choose from two clinical tracks: Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). Students studying to become nurse practitioners choose either the pediatric (PNP) or family (FNP) track. Students choosing to become a CNS follow an adult medical-surgical track.

• Nurse Practitioner: Child Track (PNP)
• Nurse Practitioner: Family Track (FNP)

The advanced expertise of the Nurse Practitioner includes:

• Diagnosing acute and chronic illness
• Creating treatment plans
• Prescribing medications and treatments including laboratory & diagnostic tests
• Interpreting diagnostic lab tests & x-rays
• Directing patient care and follow-up
• Patient education
• Specialty referral

Who should consider a career as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner? Nurses who:

• are experts in their RN practice
• desire to expand and develop advanced practice skills
• care about quality health care delivery
• want professional role enhancement

How does the Nurse Practitioner provide effective primary care? The NP is competent in:

• Management of patient health and illness
• Health provider-patient relationships
• Effective patient education and counseling
• A professional APN role as a leader, clinician, educator and provider of evidence-based care
• Managing, negotiating and ensuring quality health care delivery
• Providing culturally sensitive care