NP — Nurse Practitioner
An advanced practice registered nurse with graduate training, licensed to diagnose and treat, often with prescriptive authority.
NP on NPI records
In the NPPES registry, credentials appear in the provider's name line (for example, “Jane Smith, NP”). The credential is self-reported free text, so formatting varies (“NP”, “N.P.”). Each provider profile on this site normalizes and explains the credential, and shows the taxonomy code and license number reported to NPPES alongside it.
Find a Nurse Practitioner by name with the NPI lookup by name or browse specialty directories.
Frequently asked questions
What does NP stand for?
NP stands for Nurse Practitioner. An advanced practice registered nurse with graduate training, licensed to diagnose and treat, often with prescriptive authority.
Does a NP have an NPI number?
Yes — Nurse Practitioners who bill health plans or are listed on claims obtain a Type 1 (individual) NPI. You can find one with the NPI lookup by name.
How do I verify a NP's license?
The NPI record shows the license number and state reported to NPPES (see any provider profile's taxonomy table). Verify licensure with the state licensing board — see our guide to verifying a provider's license.
Source: CMS NPPES (public data). Snapshot 2026-07-10.