Description:

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an RN who has completed advanced nursing education (usually a master’s or doctorate degree) and is certified by the New York State Education Department as a "Certified Nurse Practitioner" "Nurse Practitioner" or "NP" in a specialty area of practice. The New York State Education Department certifies NPs to practice in the following specialty areas: Adult Health; Family
Health; Gerontology; Neonatology; Obstetrics/Gynecology; Oncology; Pediatrics, Perinatology; Psychiatry; School Health; Women’s Health; Holistic Care; College Health; Acute Care; Community Health; and, Palliative Care. An NP performs physical exams and diagnoses and treats illnesses and other health problems that fall within the specialty area of practice in which the NP is certified.

NPs may provide primary care, acute care or long term care. They may prescribe medical tests and treatments (i.e., x-ray tests, drugs) and perform a variety of medical procedures and minor surgical procedures. They provide health counseling, emotional support and health teaching. They coordinate and supervise patient care delivered by other health care personnel, such as RNs and LPNs. They
engage in clinical research and make health care policy. Like RNs, NPs practice in broad range of health care and community settings. Many NPs have admitting and clinical privileges at hospitals and other health facilities.

NPs work with physicians and other health care practitioners to ensure that their patients receive appropriate, timely and well-coordinated care. They consult with physicians and other health practitioners regarding their patients as well as provide clinical consultations to other health practitioners. NPs identify when their patients require further evaluation or specialized care and make the appropriate referrals.
New York law requires NPs practice pursuant to a written practice agreement with a collaborating physician except when an NP qualifies for and chooses to practice more autonomously and have collaborative relationships with physicians and/or a hospital.

Educational and Licensing Requirements:

To become certified and registered by NYSED as an NP, you must: be currently registered and licensed as a registered professional nurse (RN) in New York State; have graduated from a nurse practitioner education program acceptable to NYSED or be certified as a nurse practitioner by a national certifying organization acceptable to NYSED; complete pharmacology coursework acceptable to NYSED; and
apply for nurse practitioner certification with NYSED.

You are allowed to be certified as an NP in more than one specialty practice area. However, you must file a separate application and pay an additional fee to NYSED for each NP specialty practice area in which you seek certification. In addition, you must also meet the professional study, experience and other criteria applicable to each NP specialty practice area in which you seek certification. After you
have met all requirements for NP certification in a specialty area, NYSED will issue you an NP certificate and a registration certificate. Your license is valid for life, unless it is surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended by the New York State Board of Regents. You must renew your registration every 3 years to continue to practice as an RN in New York State. You are not legally allowed to practice as an RN
while your registration is expired.