The good news for this question is that there are numerous online Nurse Practitioner specialty programs available. Best Medical Degrees has been reviewing online programs for several of these specialties and has published information on some of the most affordable and best value programs. Best Medical Degrees is continuing to research Nurse Practitioner programs and will be publishing additional specialties soon.
Are There Different Types of Nurse Practitioner Specialties?
Yes. Nurse Practitioner specialties are varied and sometimes be in primary care or acute care concentrations, which generally involve:
Acute Care
These nurses typically work in emergency departments, short term care facilities or outpatient care clinics to provide care to patients suffering brief (but severe) illnesses.
Primary Care
Primary Care nurses assess and diagnose health conditions, provide primary care, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, order and interpret lab results and coordinate with physicians to provided quality patient care.
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
These Nurse Practitioners may offer home-based or outpatient mental status changes or chronic conditions. Depending on individual state regulations, these Advanced Practice Nurses are able to prescribe medication, assess patients and diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans and evaluate treatment effectiveness. They may also collaborate with physicians. Best Medical Degrees has published a ranking of 10 Best Value Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP) Nurse Practitioner Online Degrees you may want to explore.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The American Association of Nurse Practitioner estimates over 870 million Americans visit Family Nurse Practitioners each year. There are two categories for this profession designated as Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. FNPs train to provide care for children and adults, providing wellness exams, assessment and diagnosis of ailments, prescribe medications and coordinate general healthcare. Best Medical Degrees has identified 10 Best Value Online Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have been delivering care for patients from birth to 21 years of age for over 40 years. These professionals may conduct well-child exams, treat common illnesses, prescribe medication (dependent on state laws), provide immunizations, screenings, etc. As with Family Nurse Practitioners, there are both Acute Care and Primary Care specialties for this profession. 10 Best Value Online Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Certified Midwife Nurse Practitioner (CMNP)
Certified Midwife Nurse Practitioners specialize in reproductive health and childbirth. They perform annual exams, births and prescribe medications. Additionally, these Advanced Practice Nurses provide education, prenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and care of newborns. Best Medical Degrees ranked 10 Most Affordable Online Nurse-Midwifery Certificates which will give you a starting point in identifying online programs.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
CRNAs provide patients with pre-surgical (or procedure) care, monitor and maintain anesthesia control during those procedures and assist patients in recovery from anesthesia. They assess patients and work with other healthcare professionals to develop an anesthesia plan. Best Medical Degrees has ranked 20 Most Affordable Nurse Anesthesia Degree Programs which can point you to accredited CRNA programs.