To become a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse must also complete a two-year, accredited master of science in nursing (MSN) program. After completing the MSN program, the nurse practitioner must pass a national certification exam. Once certified, nurse practitioners must earn continuing education credits and continue practicing (as regulated by the national certification organization) to maintain their certification. Similar to physicians, nurse practitioners are qualified to:

• Diagnose and treat common illnesses and minor injuries,
• Obtain medical histories,
• Prescribe and dispense most medications,
• Perform physical assessments and examinations,
• Perform and interpret diagnostic and laboratory studies,
• Counsel and teach health and nutrition,
• Refer patients to specialists and other health care providers, and
• Provide education to allow patients to make decisions about their own health.