In the early 1960’s an increase in specialization in medicine drew many physicians out of primary care and subsequently led to a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly when government programs in 1965 provided health care coverage for underprivileged patients. Many physicians had already begun collaborating and mentoring nurses with clinical experience and nursing leaders believed nurses were qualified to expand their role to fill the need in primary care services.  The role of a Nurse Practitioner was introduced in 1965 by Loretta C. Ford, a nursing faculty member, and Dr. Henry K. Silver, a pediatrician, in response to the nationwide physician shortage.  The first program developed was a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.  Below is a timeline of the events that have followed:

1965- The first Nurse practitioner (NP) is developed at the University of Colorado.

1967- The first master's program for NPs started at Boston College.

1973- There are more than 65 NP programs in existence in the United States. The National Association of Pediatric NPs is established.

1974- The American Nurses Association (ANA) developed the Council of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.  The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) begins a national NP certification exam.

1975- Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) started.

1977- The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board begins a national NP certification exam.

1980- More than 200 NP programs are available.  There are 15,000 to 20,000 practicing NPs. Three more organizations are developed: The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Reproductive Health, and Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education.

1981- The National Conference of Gerontological  NPs is started.

1984- There are approximately 24,000 practicing NPs.

1985- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners is established and initiates the development of a national NP database.

1987- NP education receives $100 million from the federal government.

1989- 90% of NP programs award either a master’s degree or a post-master’s degree.  85% of the federally funded NP programs are at the graduate level.

1992- There are approximately 28,000 practicing NPs.

1993- The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses is started.  The AANP develops a certification program offering a national certification exam for adult and family NPs.

1994- The American College of Nurse Practitioners is developed.

1997- All states now recognize NPs.  The National Task Force publishes Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs.

1998- The AANP becomes the first national foundation for NPs of all specialties.

1999- There are approximately 60,000 practicing NPs.

2000- There are 321 institutions that offer master's or post-master's NP programs. NPs are legally able to practice in all states and in the District of Colombia.

2001-There are approximately 87,000 practicing NPs. NONPF forms Practice Doctorate Task Force.

2002- The National Task Force revises Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner Programs. The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration funds the development of Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Competencies in Specialty Areas: Adult, Family, Gerontological, Pediatric, and Women’s Health.

2003- There are approximately 97,000 practicing NPs.

2004- AACN releases a position statement proposing doctoral NP education for entry-to-practice by 2015.

2005- Nurse Practitioners celebrate 40 years of practice.  There are approximately 106,000 practicing NPs and approximately 140,000 NPs with credentials.

2006- There are an estimated 145,000 NPs (not all practicing) and 334 institutions offering NP programs.

2007- There are approximately 120,000 practicing NPs.

 

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