How do they match: Nurse Practitioners

  • Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.

  • Consult with, or refer patients to, appropriate specialists when conditions exceed the scope of practice or expertise.
  • Diagnose or treat complex, unstable, comorbid, episodic, or emergency conditions in collaboration with other health care providers as necessary.
  • Treat or refer patients for primary care conditions, such as headaches, hypertension, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and dermatological conditions.

  • Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.
  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.