<human>:  I'm interested in looking into a career as a nurse practioner. What courses do I need to take and what are the job expectations I should know?
<bot>: In order to become a nurse practitioner, you will need to complete a master's degree program in nursing. Depending on the type of nurse practitioner you want to become, you may need to pursue an additional certification beyond the master's degree. Common courses you can expect to take as a student in a nurse practitioner program include medical and nursing theory, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, physical assessment, clinical medicine, and health promotion. In terms of job expectations, nurse practitioners will typically provide direct care in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, community health center, or a doctor’s office. They will monitor health conditions, diagnose illnesses, and formulate treatment plans. They may also provide health education to their patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and manage prescriptions. Nurse practitioners may specialize in certain areas such as women’s health, pediatrics, cardiology, oncology, and more.