Many patients aren’t familiar with the role of a nurse practitioner (NP). If this is your first visit with an NP, you may wonder what to expect.
NPs are licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose conditions, and provide treatment. In other words, they can prescribe medications. However, what they can prescribe depends on the medication class and your state’s laws.
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Key takeaways:
- Nurse practitioners (NPs) can prescribe medications in all 50 states, though the rules vary by state.
- Some states let NPs prescribe independently, while others require collaboration with a physician.
- NPs commonly prescribe antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, birth control, and more.
- Prescribing controlled substances requires federal registration and depends on state law.
- NPs diagnose and treat many acute or chronic conditions and refer you to physicians when needed.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medications?
Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in every US state. NPs are registered nurses with advanced graduate-level training. Prescribing is a routine part of their work.
Unlike physicians, NPs’ scope of practice varies by state. In many states, NPs have full practice authority, which means they can diagnose and prescribe without physician oversight. Other states require a collaborative agreement with a physician for some or all prescribing.
You can browse nurse practitioners or doctors on Zocdoc to compare options near you.
What medications can a nurse practitioner prescribe?
NPs can prescribe many of the same medications a physician may prescribe, based on your needs and their scope of practice. Examples include:
- Allergy and asthma inhalers
- Antibiotics for infections, such as strep throat or urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Antidepressants
- Birth control
- Blood pressure and cholesterol lowering drugs
- Diabetes medications, including insulin
- Thyroid medications
NPs can also refill and adjust medications for chronic conditions. Antibiotics are prescribed only when clinically appropriate for infections. Antibiotics don’t treat viral illnesses, such as colds. (For more information, check out the article: Can urgent care prescribe antibiotics?)
If you need a prescription or refill, you can book an appointment with a nurse practitioner.
Can nurse practitioners prescribe controlled substances?
In many states, yes, though the requirements are more involved. Controlled substances are medications with potential for misuse or dependence. Examples of controlled substances include certain pain, anxiety, and sleep medications.
For controlled substance prescribing, an NP must have state authorization and registration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Some states also require physician collaboration or limit which medication categories an NP can prescribe. If you take a controlled medication, you can ask the practice ahead of time whether the NP is authorized to prescribe it.
What conditions can nurse practitioners treat?
NPs diagnose and treat several health concerns, including:
- Colds, flu, and sinus infections
- High blood pressure and diabetes
- Minor injuries, like sprains
- Ongoing chronic disease management
- Preventive care and annual physicals
- UTIs and ear infections
Many NPs work in primary care, while others focus on areas including women’s health, pediatrics, or mental health.
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician?
The main difference is the training path. NPs complete a master’s or doctoral nursing program with clinical training. Physicians earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree in medical school and then complete a residency.
In clinical care, their roles often overlap. Both examine patients, order tests, diagnose conditions, and prescribe medications. Many practices use team-based care, where NPs and physicians work together.
| Nurse practitioner | Physician | |
| Degree | Master’s or doctorate in nursing | MD or DO |
| Postgraduate training | Required clinical hours within NP program with optional residency | Mandatory residency, typically 3–7 years according to specialty |
| Diagnoses and prescribes | Yes, scope varies by state | Yes |
| Common settings | Primary care, urgent care, specialty clinics | Primary care, specialty clinics, hospitals, surgery |
When might a nurse practitioner refer you to a physician?
An NP may refer you when your care requires additional expertise in certain situations, such as:
- Advanced diagnostic testing
- Complex or unclear diagnoses
- Conditions that may need surgery
- Rare diseases
- Specialty care, like cardiology
Referrals are a part of coordinated care. Your NP can often manage your daily needs alongside a specialist.
What happens during an appointment with a nurse practitioner?
For many routine concerns, an NP visit closely resembles a physician visit. A typical visit involves:
- Reviewing your medical history and current medications
- Performing a physical exam
- Discussing a diagnosis, sometimes after ordering tests
- Recommending treatment, sometimes a prescription, when appropriate
- Planning follow-up care if needed
Bring a list of your current medications and supplements to the visit to ensure everyone is kept up to date.
How do you find the right nurse practitioner?
Look for an NP who fulfills these criteria:
- Accepts your insurance
- Has verified patient reviews
- Is accepting new patients
- Offers convenient appointment times, including virtual visits
- Treats the condition you need help with
On Zocdoc, you can filter nurse practitioners by insurance, read verified reviews, and see real-time availability. Our guide on choosing a primary care physician can also apply to NPs. You can easily compare primary care doctors and other specialists on Zocdoc.
When you find a good fit, you can book your appointment online in a few steps.
Conclusion
Nurse practitioners (NPs) can prescribe medications in every state. While their scope of practice and ability to prescribe controlled substances vary by state, NPs routinely diagnose, treat, and manage both acute and chronic conditions.
If you have symptoms that need evaluation or a prescription that needs to be refilled, you can book a nurse practitioner on Zocdoc anytime.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medications?
Yes. NPs can prescribe medications in all 50 states, though their level of independent authority and the rules for certain medications vary by state.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe antibiotics?
Yes. NPs can prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection when they’re clinically appropriate after evaluating you.
Can a nurse practitioner prescribe controlled substances?
In many states, yes. An NP must have a federal DEA registration and follow any state regulations or any collaborative agreements.
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor?
NPs train through advanced nursing programs, while physicians complete medical school and residency. Their responsibilities often overlap, so many work together in collaborative care teams.
Can a nurse practitioner diagnose illnesses?
Yes. Licensed NPs diagnose and treat many acute and chronic conditions within their scope of practice.
Should I see a nurse practitioner or a physician?
An NP can handle many routine, preventive, acute, and chronic care needs. Complex, surgical, or highly specialized concerns may call for a physician or specialist, so the right choice depends on your needs.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice. It is not intended as, and Zocdoc does not provide, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Zocdoc does not recommend any specific provider. Find one you’ll love on Zocdoc today.