What is the difference between a registered nurse (R.N.) and a nurse practitioner (N.P.)?

An R.N. is a registered nurse who has completed a 2- or 4-year degree in Nursing Science. R.N.'s work in offices, hospitals, and schools delivering and assisting with patient care and patient education. Several of the nurses at Campus Health have completed a certification program as a specialist in college health nursing. You will see that they have a C. after their R.N. title.

Nurse Practitioners (N.P.s) have 2 years of additional training after their R.N.certification plus a clinical internship. The additional education they receive focuses on physical assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Many N.P.'s have their Master's degree in nursing as well as their N.P. certification. N.P.'s may have a specialty field such as gynecology, family medicine, or geriatrics. In most states, N.P.'s can prescribe medications. They may practice independently or under a physician's supervision, depending on state laws. In Arizona, N.P.'s can function independently and can prescribe medications.

Campus Health Service employs an excellent team of R.N.'s and N.P.'s to meet the varying needs of our student population.