How do they match: Nurse Practitioners

  • Medical Surgery Nurse
  • Physician Assistant
  • Physician's Assistant

  • 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.

  • Counsel patients about drug regimens and possible side effects or interactions with other substances, such as food supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or herbal remedies.
  • Prescribe medication dosages, routes, and frequencies, based on such patient characteristics as age and gender.
  • Prescribe medications based on efficacy, safety, and cost as legally authorized.
  • Provide patients or caregivers with assistance in locating health care resources.

  • Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
  • Develop medical treatment plans.
  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.
  • Prescribe medications.
  • Record patient medical histories.
  • Treat medical emergencies.