Nurse practitioners care for the sick and injured.
They provide for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of their patients. They observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress, assist physicians during treatments and examinations, administer medications, and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. A.D.N. programs are given in junior or community colleges and take about two years to complete. B.S.N. programs are offered at universities and colleges, which last 4 to 5 years. Diploma programs last 2 to 3 years.