Master of Science: Nurse Practitioner (NP)
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced academic and clinical education who provides quality, cost-effective health care to patients. NPs provide primary care with a focus on primary prevention, health maintenance, anticipatory guidance, patient education, and counseling in addition to diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses in a variety of specialties. NPs collaborate with physicians to provide a unique coalescence of nursing and medical patient care along with providing a holistic focus on their patients.
You may choose from two clinical tracks: Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). Students studying to become nurse practitioners choose either the pediatric (PNP) or family (FNP) track. Students choosing to become a CNS follow an adult medical-surgical track.
Nurse Practitioner Curriclum
The advanced expertise of the Nurse Practitioner includes:
- Diagnosing acute and chronic illness
- Creating treatment plans
- Prescribing medications and treatments including laboratory & diagnostic tests
- Interpreting diagnostic lab tests & x-rays
- Directing patient care and follow-up
- Patient education
- Specialty referral
Who should consider a career as a Primary Care Nurse Practitioner? Nurses who:
- are experts in their RN practice
- desire to expand and develop advanced practice skills
- care about quality health care delivery
- want professional role enhancement
How does the Nurse Practitioner provide effective primary care? The NP is competent in:
- Management of patient health and illness
- Health provider-patient relationships
- Effective patient education and counseling
- A professional APN role as a leader, clinician, educator and provider of evidence-based care
- Managing, negotiating and ensuring quality health care delivery
- Providing culturally sensitive care
Fall Semester: May 1
Director of Master's Program
After becoming an RN with an associate’s degree, Ibrahim Thabet said, “I felt that my journey was not complete. I decided to continue my education at Upstate Medical University because of the school's rich tradition of prestige.
I could not have imagined an easier transition.” Ibrahim achieved his goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner by earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Nursing.
—Ibrahim Thabet, FNP (2010)