Healthcare can’t wait. Nurse Practitioners are ready to address your family’s healthcare needs.
Here’s what you need to know about nurse practitioners and what they can do for you.
Why Nurse Practitioners (NPs)?
Finding a family care provider in Alberta has never been more difficult. Today, over 700,000 Albertans don’t have consistent, reliable access to a primary care provider, meaning too many people are turning to walk-in clinics and emergency rooms for care that should be available closer to home.
We can do better.
The good news: Nurse Practitioners are here, qualified, and ready to be your primary care provider.
What Can a Nurse Practitioner Do?
Simply put— Albertans have the choice between a nurse practitioner or a family physician for your primary care needs, and we both offer the same services.
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Diagnose illnesses
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Order and interpret lab work and x-rays
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Prescribe medications
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Provide mental health care
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Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
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Perform procedures like stitches and biopsies
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Refer to specialists
Nurse Practitioners are highly educated health professionals with a minimum of six years of academic training, and many hours of clinical training and clinical experience. In addition to being trained registered nurses, with clinical experience at the bedside, NPs obtain Master’s or Doctoral level training and specialized certifications.
NPs have been providing care in Alberta since the 1960s. Today, approximately 100,000 Albertans already receive their primary care from an NP. A new provincial pilot program is expanding that access even further, with clinics run by Nurse Practitioners now open in communities across Alberta.
Find a Nurse Practitioner Near You
Does an NP sound like the right solution for your needs?
You may already have an NP clinic in your community. Use our clinic finder to locate a Nurse Practitioner near you.
To find all primary care providers in Alberta click here
Learn more about what NPs can do: What is a Nurse Practitioner?


