What distinguishes a nurse practitioner from a registered nurse?

A nurse practitioner is distinct from a registered nurse primarily due to the additional state requirements and training that they must complete. Nurse practitioners typically hold a master's or doctoral degree in nursing and are trained to perform more advanced clinical tasks. This advanced education allows them to assess, diagnose, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate treatment plans, which goes beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses.

The additional state requirements often include successful completion of a board certification examination and obtaining a separate license to practice as a nurse practitioner, which varies by state. This progression of education and certification empowers nurse practitioners to provide a higher level of care and to work more autonomously in various healthcare settings, often including the ability to manage patient care independently.

While the ability to prescribe medications is an important distinction, it is part of a broader set of competencies that come with advanced training. Similarly, performing physical therapy or supervising nurse aides does not accurately reflect the core distinctions regarding education and licensing that define the role of a nurse practitioner compared to a registered nurse.