RN/BSN programs and Accelerated RN/BSN Programs
Nurse practitioners can maintain their own practice, prescribe drugs, and do work similar to that of a Physician Assistant. Nurse practitioners have an advanced nursing degree, roughly equivalent to a Master's degree in other disciplines. Most nursing programs prefer that students have a Bachelor's degree, which can be in any major, or be specifically a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). For example, nurses may work in pediatrics, emergency medicine, cardiac care, and others. There are many specializations in nursing, generally based on type of treatment or specialty.
Nurses record patients' medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, administer medications, and help with patient rehabilitation after they leave primary medical care. Nurses perform basic duties that include treating patients under a doctor's orders, educating patients and providing advice and emotional support to a patient's family members.
