What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has received advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty. Most Nurse Practitioners have national certification in their area of expertise.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Texas can provide a wide range of health care services, including:

  • Physical examinations and assessments
  • Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses
  • Ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic tests
  • Prescribing medications and other therapies
  • Providing health education and counseling
  • Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease
  • Providing prenatal care and women’s health services
  • Providing pediatric care
  • Providing care to older adults
  • Performing minor procedures, such as skin biopsies and injections

NPs in Texas can also provide care in a variety of settings, including:

  • Primary care offices
  • Urgent care centers
  • Hospitals
  • Specialty clinics
  • Schools
  • Workplaces
  • Homes

Please note: NPs in Texas must have a collaborative practice agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medications.

Here are some specific examples of the services that NPs in Texas can provide:

  • Treat common illnesses such as colds, flu, and strep throat
  • Prescribe antibiotics and other medications
  • Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma
  • Provide prenatal care and women’s health services, such as pap smears and mammograms
  • Perform minor procedures such as suturing lacerations and administering injections
  • Provide immunizations
  • Offer health education and counseling
  • Coordinate care with other healthcare providers

NPs in Texas can also provide specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics.