Advanced practice Registered nurses or nurse practitioners (NPs) are similar to physicians, as they offer various health services. Most NPs are educated to the master's level or even higher with the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and have licensure to diagnose illnesses, prescribe drugs, manage patient treatment plans, and educate individuals on prevention and self-care. Areas of practice would be very broad, including but not limited to primary care, mental health, anesthesiology, neonatal nursing, and others. NPs form essential fissures in the healthcare fabric.