A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced education beyond that required of the generalist registered nurse (RN) role. Upon which, additional certification or credentialing is provided. Nurse practitioners are tasked with managing physical and mental acute and chronic medical conditions through history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic tests and treatments. They are are qualified to diagnose medical problems, order treatments, prescribe medications, and make referrals. Nurse practitioners are required to apply for additional credentials at the state and federal level. They must also maintain a certain number of continuing education credits in order to maintain certification and licensure. Direct entry nurse practitioner programs do exist, but many will have prerequisite requirements such as a minimum number of years of professional working experience.
- Community clinics
- Health centers
- Urgent care centers
- Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
- Home health care agencies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Hospice care
- Physician offices
- Nursing homes
- K-12 schools, universities and colleges
- Veteran’s administration
Nurse Practitioner Programs
Founded more than 130 years ago by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne has grown to become one of the nation's top Catholic universities. The school’s mission is to provide a well-rounded education that challenges students academically while nourishing their spiritual and ethical development. Today, Duquesne is home to 10 schools of study and serves more than 10,000 students.
Programs:
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
As few as 20 months
Nursing@Simmons enables Registered Nurses to earn an MSN online from Simmons College and prepare to pursue certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner in as few as 20 months.
Programs:
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- RN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner