[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/07\/advanced-practice-provider\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/07\/advanced-practice-provider\/","headline":"What Is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Health Care?","name":"What Is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) in Health Care?","description":"

<\/p>","datePublished":"2026-07-09","dateModified":"2026-07-09","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","name":"Primary Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/primary-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2274886950-e1783622877691.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GettyImages-2274886950-e1783622877691.jpg","height":866,"width":2000},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2026\/07\/advanced-practice-provider\/","about":["Family Health","Health Topics A-Z"],"wordCount":1227,"articleBody":"Sometimes, your doctor\u2019s office might suggest you see a nurse practitioner, especially if their schedule is full. But if you’re weighing whether to see a nurse practitioner versus a doctor, you may have questions about how the two differ.A nurse practitioner is just one example of an advanced practice provider (APP). Physician assistants, certified nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, and clinical nurse specialists are all APPs, too.You might not know what to expect at an appointment with an APP. But these licensed health professionals provide high-quality, efficient care.The Difference Between APPs and Licensed DoctorsAPPs and doctors have a lot in common. Many APPs can help with your everyday health care needs, which is why APPs like nurse practitioners regularly perform routine checkups. APPs can take on the following tasks:Administering vaccinations \u2014 APPs can provide vaccinations for illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. They can also give injections and local anesthesia.Diagnosing common health issues \u2014 APPs can handle most of the same diagnoses as doctors, from common sicknesses to diseases.Giving referrals \u2014 You might visit an APP for treatment of what you think is a minor or common issue. But if your diagnosis is complex or requires more treatment, they might refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist, gastroenterologist, or ob-gyn.Making treatment plans \u2014 APPs can help you figure out the next steps for your health issues.Ordering x–rays and labs \u2014 Depending on your health care issue, your APP might order an x-ray or blood work. They can also interpret the results and report them back to you.Performing routine medical visits \u2014\u00a0Most APPs can take care of your annual physical exam. They can take your blood pressure, check your heart, lungs, ears, and eyes, and do other routine health tasks.Prescribing medications \u2014\u00a0In Pennsylvania, APPs can prescribe medications with a doctor\u2019s guidance, but this isn’t the case in all states.Types of APPs and What They Do \u00a0\u00a0You’ll find APPs in doctors’ offices, hospitals, schools, and other health care settings. Facilities tend to have more doctors than APPs, but it\u2019s common to see APPs on staff. Specific guidelines on where APPs can work and what they can do vary by state.There are five kinds of APPs, each with different responsibilities. Their educational backgrounds, training, and areas of expertise differ slightly.Certified nurse anesthetistsA certified nurse anesthetist is a kind of registered nurse. This type of APP specializes in anesthesiology.Anesthesia is a critical part of surgery. It’s what ensures your surgery is painless and puts you to sleep during an operation.Certified nurse anesthetists may be part of the anesthetic care team that helps keep your core functions, like your heart rate, normal during surgery. They watch, check, and improve these functions while you’re under anesthesia.Certified nurse-midwivesCertified nurse-midwives are APPs that specialize in women\u2019s care. They focus on gynecology, family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and pre- and post-conception care.Nurse-midwives are most often part of health care teams for pregnant women and their families. They often work in hospitals, birth centers, and doctors\u2019 offices, but may also visit you at home.Clinical nurse specialistsA clinical nurse specialist is an APP who’s also a registered nurse but has a higher level of education. This extra education gives them a more advanced perspective in nursing.Leaders in nursing, certified nurse anesthetists, certified nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners are all kinds of clinical nurse specialists.Nurse practitionersMany nurse practitioners have similar responsibilities to doctors. In some states, they can practice without a doctor\u2019s guidance, but not in Pennsylvania.Many nurse practitioners focus on specialized care, including:FamilyNeonatalOrthopaedicPediatricPsychiatricWomen\u2019s healthNurse practitioners always practice patient-first care, regardless of the group they focus on. This means that a nurse practitioner will put your needs first, just like a registered nurse does.Physician assistantsNurse practitioners and physician assistants (PAs) have similar roles. But they receive different kinds of education and training.Physician assistants follow a medical model for giving care, one that focuses on diagnosing people and developing treatment plans. This differs from the patient model that nurse practitioners follow.Many physician assistants provide primary care, with a primary care doctor overseeing their day-to-day work. But some are in specialized care, too.Do APPs Have the Same Training as Doctors?APPs are highly specialized experts in their fields, but they complete different courses and training programs than doctors.Doctors must complete medical school and a residency, along with patient care and communications training. APPs go through graduate-level programs while doctors earn doctorate degrees. APPs spend 8 to 10 years in school, whereas it takes as many as 15 years to become a doctor.All APPs have different educational backgrounds, depending on their roles. But they must complete certification exams to work. They also have ongoing education to stay current on medical trends and findings.APPs are licensed within the states that they practice. They are also required to obtain continuing medical education hours every two years to be certified and stay up to date with their licensing.How APPs and doctors work togetherIf you see an APP, you’ll likely see them without a doctor in the exam room. They can perform a lot of health care duties without a doctor\u2019s help.But your APP and doctor are a team. Your doctor supervises, guides, and supports the APPs that work with them.Collaboration is what makes the APP and doctor team care approach work. An APP will talk about health care issues with a doctor so they can work together to find solutions. This team-based primary care method can help you find relief faster.Even when APPs conduct appointments or tasks alone, they rely on a doctor for guidance. Often, doctors directly supervise APPs, too.The Benefits of Making Appointments with APPsSo, next time you call your doctor\u2019s office to schedule an appointment, should you see an APP? Will you still receive the same level of care? Are nurse practitioners as good as doctors?The short answer is yes. Medical teams have your best interests at heart. No matter their titles, they work together to provide high-quality care.There are also benefits to seeing a nurse practitioner or PA for primary care. Doctors\u2019 schedules can fill up quickly. You might have to wait several weeks or even months to see a doctor.But APPs like nurse practitioners may not be as busy, so you may be able to get into their schedules sooner. If you\u2019re dealing with something urgent, like an illness, an APP appointment might help you receive care sooner.You always have a choice in who you see for your health care appointments. But the next time you schedule, consider seeing an APP.SourcesAmerican Association of Nurse Practitioners, What\u2019s a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Accessed February 2026. https:\/\/www.aanp.org\/about\/all-about-nps\/whats-a-nurse-practitioner. Link.American Society of Anesthesiologists, Anesthesia as a Career. Accessed February 2026. https:\/\/www.asahq.org\/education-and-career\/career-resources\/anesthesia-as-a-career. Link.Lisa S. Rotenstein, Nate Apathy, Susan Edgman-Levitan, et al, JAMA Network Open, Comparison of Work Patterns Between Physicians and Advanced Practice Practitioners in Primary Care and Specialty Practice Settings. Accessed February 2026. https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2805966. Link.MedlinePlus, Certified Nurse-Midwife. Accessed February 2026. https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/002000.htm. 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