Nurse practitioners typically are prepared at the graduate level. Many existing nursing programs award a master’s or a doctoral degree. The more extensive educational pathway prepares them to provide a broad range of diagnostic and treatment services for individuals and families. This advanced form of nursing practice began in the United States in the 1960s, when some nurses received extra training to diagnose and treat common acute and stable chronic illnesses. Nurse practitioners first worked mainly in primary care and now also work in specialty areas, often alongside physicians. The authority given to nurse practitioners to diagnose, prescribe medications, and practice independently differs by jurisdiction.
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