Nurse Practitioner
Career Description
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who hold a masters or a doctoral degree in nursing. Nurse practitioners have advanced knowledge and skills that expands their scope of practice beyond that of a registered nurse. NPs work in community clinics, long term care and hospital settings. They provide a broad range of health services including physical examinations, management of acute and chronic illness, ordering and interpreting lab and other diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and performing procedures. NPs also work as educators and researchers.
Academic Requirements
- An individual interested in becoming a Nurse Practitioner must complete a Masters in Nursing.
Licensure Requirements
- Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse
- Upon completion of educational requirements, one must write the NP licensure exam.
- To work as a Registered Nurse in Nova Scotia, an individual must meet the licensure set by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia.