Mid-Level Provider
Mid-level providers at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Clinics include Nurse Practitioners (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and Physician Assistants (PA). All nurses with a master’s degree in science and board certification are licensed by the State of Utah as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).  The roles of APRN’s and PA’s for patient care are very similar but educational preparation and licensure varies.

APRN (NP, CNS, CRNA)
An APRN has advanced education and clinical expertise. All APRN’s are licensed and board certified.  These nurses can conduct health histories, physical exams, diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medications, and order and interpret diagnostic tests.   APRN’s work closely with physicians to develop treatment plans, provide preventative counseling and education to patients and their families. Quite often APRN’s are also involved with clinical trials, staff development and quality improvement programs.

Physician Assistants
PAs are board certified medical practitioners who are licensed, or in the case of federal government employees, credentialed, to practice medicine with physician supervision.  PAs can also conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests, counsel on preventative health care, write prescriptions, assist in surgery and perform some medical procedures within the scope of their practice.  A PA’s practice may also include education, research and administrative services.