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How long have NPs been providing health care?
NPs have provided excellent health care for more than 43 years. The first NPs were
educated at the University of Colorado in 1965. Programs soon spread across the U.S.
As of 2009, there are about 125,000 practicing NPs. Close to 6,000 new NPs are
prepared each year at over 325 colleges and universities.
How are NPs educated?
The entry-level training for NP's is a graduate degree. At this time, NP's complete a master's or doctoral degree program. This means that NPs earn a bachelor's degree in nursing (4 years of education), then their graduate NP degree (2-4 years of education). Both types of programs provide the knowledge and clinical skills needed by NPs to perform as independent healthcare providers. Almost 350 universities and colleges have one or more NP program.
NPs are licensed in all states and the District of Columbia. They practice under the rules
and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. Most NPs are nationally certified
in their specialty area and are recognized as expert healthcare providers. The faith that
patients have in NPs is shown by the almost 600 million visits made to NPs each year.
Where do NPs practice?
NPs practice in rural, urban, and suburban communities. They practice in many types
of settings. These include clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private
physician or NP practices, nursing homes, schools, colleges, and public health
departments, to name a few.
What services do NPs provide?
From treating illness to advising patients on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, NPs provide
a full range of services. Patients who see NPs report an extremely high level of
satisfaction with the care they receive.
Among the many services that NPs provide, they:
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Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays
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Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, infections and injuries
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Prescribe medications and other treatments
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Manage patients' overall care
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Spend time counseling patients
Help patients learn how their actions affect their health and well-being
NPs specialize in many areas, including:
Women's Health
NPs also often practice in sub-specialty areas such as:
How can I locate an NP?
AANP is pleased to provide consumers with a quick and easy way to locate an NP. Go
to www.npfinder.com and follow the simple steps to locate an NP in your area. If you
have questions or need additional information, contact npfinder@aanp.org or call (512)
442-4262, ext. 5211.
Summary:
More and more people are choosing NPs as their primary, acute and/or specialty
healthcare provider. In addition to being top-notch healthcare providers, NPs deliver a
unique blend of nursing and medical care. They provide comprehensive, personalized
health education and counseling. NPs assist patients in making better lifestyle and
health decisions.
NPs have distinguished themselves from other healthcare providers by focusing on the
whole person when treating specific health problems and educating their patients on the
effects those problems will have on them, their loved ones and their communities.
By providing high-quality care and counseling, NPs can lower the cost of health care for
patients. For example, patients who see NPs as their primary care provider often have
fewer emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays and lower medication costs.
Choose an NP – Your Partner in Health! |
