Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced academic and clinical experience. Nurse practitioners are educated through master’s level programs. The nurse practitioner must pass a national qualifying exam to gain certification. Nurse practitioners provide a wide range of professional nursing functions, as well as functions traditionally provided by physicians. Nurse practitioners work in collaboration with a physician to provide high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care. Nurse practitioners are trained to assess and diagnose health problems, conduct physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory studies and educate and counsel patients. Nurse practitioners also prescribe medications.