How did the nurse practitioner profession begin in the United States?

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A young doctor or nurse uses a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to measure the blood pressure of an elderly man seated at a clinic office desk. — Nursing A nurse uses a sphygmomanometer to check a patient's blood pressure.

The nurse practitioner (NP) profession originated in the United States during the mid-1960s. The movement began at the University of Colorado with the preparation of the first pediatric nurse practitioners.1

The profession was primarily developed as a response to a significant shortage of physicians, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare was limited. Following this initial development, other states began establishing their own nurse practitioner training programs, leading to a substantial expansion of the role within the healthcare system. Today, nurse practitioners are integral to various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and independent practices, providing essential care through a focus on wellness, health education, and the management of acute and chronic conditions.1