Primary Health Care FAQ

1. What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? 
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained healthcare professional who can serve as your primary care provider. NPs have advanced university education and national licensure that allow them to assess and diagnose health concerns, order and interpret bloodwork and diagnostic imaging, prescribe medications (including controlled substances), refer to specialists when needed, and provide care focused on prevention, treatment, and the management of both acute and chronic conditions. 

2. Can a Nurse Practitioner be my primary care provider? 
Yes. In Alberta, Nurse Practitioners are fully licensed to provide comprehensive primary care. They can assess, diagnose, and prescribe medications, order and interpret lab tests and imaging, manage both short-term illnesses and long-term conditions, provide ongoing whole-person care focused on wellness, and refer you to specialists when needed. 

3. Do I need a referral to see an NP? 
No referral is usually required. You can book an appointment with a Nurse Practitioner directly, although it is always best to contact our clinic for details. 

4. What services do NPs provide? 

Nurse Practitioners provide a wide range of healthcare services, including: 

• Preventive care and health education 
• Diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries 
• Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma 
• Mental health support and treatment 
• Women’s health, men’s health, and family care 
• Whole-person, patient-centered care in collaboration with you and, when needed, other healthcare providers 

5. Can Nurse Practitioners prescribe medications? 
Yes. Nurse Practitioners in Canada have the authority to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. They are able to start, adjust, or stop prescriptions, order lab work to ensure safety and effectiveness, and provide education on how to use medications properly. 

6. What training and certifications do NPs have? 
To become a Nurse Practitioner, a nurse must first be an experienced Registered Nurse, complete a graduate-level Nurse Practitioner program, and pass a national certification exam. NPs are also required to meet ongoing continuing education and practice requirements in order to stay licensed. In total, this involves a minimum of six years of academic and clinical training, which includes a bachelor’s degree in nursing, RN licensure, graduate NP education, and NP licensure or registration. 

7. Where do Nurse Practitioners work? 
Nurse Practitioners practice in many different settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. Some NPs also choose to work in private practice, where they may operate their own clinics. In private practice, patients typically pay directly for their visits, although some insurance providers and health spending accounts may cover costs. 

8. How do NPs improve healthcare access? 
Nurse Practitioners play a key role in improving access to healthcare. Research shows that they: 

• Reduce wait times by offering same-day or urgent appointments 
• Lower emergency department admissions by up to 20% 
• Increase patient satisfaction with the quality of care by more than 20% 
• Reduce unnecessary medication use by more than 50% 
• Provide primary care to more than three million Canadians 

9. Can Nurse Practitioners perform cosmetic or aesthetic procedures? 
Yes. Many Nurse Practitioners pursue additional training and certification in cosmetic medicine. With appropriate education and adherence to professional guidelines, NPs may provide services such as Botox, dermal fillers, PRP therapy, and laser treatments. 

Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta. (2025.). What is an NP?  https://albertanps.com/about-npaa/what-is-an-np/ 
Canadian Nurses Association. (2017). Nurse practitioners: Untapped resource. Canadian Nurses Association. https://cna-aiic.ca/np