All About NPs
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) Bring a Comprehensive, Whole-patient Perspective to Health Care
NPs have been providing primary, acute and specialty health care to patients of all ages and walks of life for nearly half a century. NPs assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, make diagnoses and initiate and manage treatment plans — including prescribing medications. Millions of patients choose NPs as their health care providers, with visits totaling more than 1.06 billion annually.
“I am a patient with Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. I have had the privilege of receiving wonderful care from a nurse practitioner for the past 18 years. My NP has seen me through my diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis. She was the one who initiated tests and really listened to me when I wasn’t feeling well.”
- Molly
NP patient
What's an NP?
Learn all about NPs and the quality care that they provide patients across the country every day.
NP History
The rich history of NPs paints a picture of the great successes that have been achieved and the invaluable contributions NPs have made to the health of our nation.
NP Infographic
Learn more about the important contributions NPs are making to health care.
NP Fact Sheet
By the numbers, here’s everything you need to know about NP specialties, education and practice in the United States at a glance.
Research About the NP Role
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is home to a wealth of information about NPs and an essential resource for understanding how NPs are shaping the future of health care.
AANP Position Statements
Learn where AANP stands on the issues that matter to you and your practice with position statements and papers that reflect The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®. Plus, order position statements on official AANP letterhead for use in your practice!
NPs Internationally
The NP role continues to emerge and evolve around the world, and AANP continues to offer support for advancing the role across the globe.
NP Brochure
The Your Partner in Health, the Nurse Practitioner brochure was developed by AANP to provide an overview of the NP role. It describes their unique blend of nursing and medical care, their advanced education, the various services and specialties they provide and the important role NPs play in providing smarter health and lifestyle choices through cost-effective, high-quality health care. The brochure is now available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.
AANP 25th Anniversary Book
This 25th Anniversary Book provides an up-close and personal look at many facets of our members and their practices. AANP is grateful to everyone who shared their experiences for the anniversary book and applaud all our members for their dedication in providing the high-quality, comprehensive, personalized and patient-centered health care that brings recognition to the NP role.
NP 50th Anniversary Book
You are invited to take an up-close and personal look at health care and the nurse practitioner role. AANP is grateful to everyone who contributed to the book by sharing moments of a remarkable history.
Find an NP Near Me
Want to take advantage of the unique, whole-patient care and personal style to health care that NPs provide? Locate an NP in your area with the NPFinder tool.