A<unk>  is a registered<unk>  who has completed specific advanced<unk> ng education (generally a master's degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions.<unk> s provide a broad range of health care services.<unk> s <unk> s) provide much of the same care provided by physicians generally of the type seen in their specific practice areas like family practice offices, urgent care centers, and rural health clinics, and maintain collaborative working relationships with physicians.<unk> s are licensed by the state in which they practice, and have a board certification (often through ANCC - American<unk> s Credentialing Center or for specialty practice such as the NCC: National Certification Corporation) in their area of practice. Rather than a generic focus of education,<unk> s specialize in such areas as pediatrics, geriatrics, family, psychiatry and acute care.<unk> s treat both acute and chronic conditions through prescribing medications, physical therapy, ordering tests and therapies for patients. Many<unk> s have a DEA registration number that allows them to write for federally defined "controlled" medications.<unk> s may also bill Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance for services performed. An<unk>  can serve as a patient’s "point of entry" health care provider and see patients of all ages depending on their designated scope of practice. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care.<unk> s focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families.  Informing patients about their health care and encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by<unk> s.
In eight states, including Oregon, Washington DC, Washington state, New Hampshire, and many Mountain/Pacific Time Zone states<unk> s work totally autonomously, and many choose to open their own clinical practices.  American<unk> s, according to the American College of<unk> s, are required in 28 states to practice in collaboration with and under the supervision of a physician though they may prescribe medications in all U.S. states, commonwealths, districts, and territories; and carry a DEA number in most states.
Nurse practitioner
Medical technologist
General practitioner
Geneticist
Mental health professional
Registered nurse
Anesthesiologist
Hand surgeon