A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) classified as a mid-level practitioner. A nurse practitioner is trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose illness and disease, prescribe medication and formulate treatment plans.  According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, a nurse practitioner is educated at the masters or doctoral level to provide “primary, acute, chronic, and specialty care to patients of all ages and all walks of life”