Advanced Practice in Nursing

A bachelor of science degree in nursing from Thomas More College (program accredited by the National League for Nursing) prepares the nurse for entry into one of the advanced practice nursing specialties.

Nurse Anethestist

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) are anesthesia specialists who administer approximately 65% of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients each year in the US. Education qualifications include a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in nurse anesthesia. A PhD is also available.

Important Web Links

• http://www.nursesource.org/anesthetist.html
• http://www.aana.com
• http://www.anesthesiapatientsafety.com
• For more details on specific nurse anesthetist programs, see the following schools:
• University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing
• Murray State, Madisonville, Ky
• Directory of Nurse Anesthetist Schools
• GRE information and application

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty. Recognized as expert health care providers, nurse practitioners deliver basic health care for infants, children, adults, and families in a wide range of outpatient and inpatient settings. Nurse practitioners may prescribe medication, and in many states practice independently without physician collaboration or supervision. Most nurse practitioners are prepared in master's degree programs, and some receive certification requiring additional clinical training beyond the master's degree.

Important Web Links

• http://www.nursesource.org/practioner.html
• For more details on specific nurse practitioners programs, see the following schools:
• University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing
• Northern Kentucky University
• Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio
• Directories of Nurse Practitioners Schools
• http://www.nursesource.org/practioner.html
• http://www.annp.org.uk
• http://www.allhealthnet.com
• GRE information and application

Clinical Nurse Specialist

A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is a masters prepared, advanced practice nurse whose care focuses on a specific patient population (critical care, geriatrics, pediatrics, etc.). A CNS divides her time into five general areas- clinical practice, teaching, research, consulting, and management. Clinical Nurse Specialists may prescribe medication, and in some states practice independently without physician collaboration or supervision.

Important web links

• http://www.allnursingschools.com
• http://www.nacns.org
• http://www.allhealthnet.com
• For more details on specific clinical nurse specialists programs, see the following schools:
• University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing
• University of Kentucky
• Northern Kentucky University
• Directory of Clinical Nurse Specialist Schools
• http://www.allhealthnet.com
• GRE information and application

Nurse-Midwife

Nurse-midwifery practice is the independent management of women's health care, focusing particularly on pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, care of the newborn, and the family planning and gynecological needs of women.

Important web links

• http://www.acnm.org
• http://www.midwife.org
• For more details on specific nurse midwife programs, see the following schools:
  • University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing
  • Ohio State University, at Columbus, Ohio
  • Frontier School of Midwifery at Hyden, Ky.
  • Directory of Nurse Midwife Schools
• GRE information and application