Clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) plan, direct and coordinate the daily patient care activities in a clinical practice. CNSs ensure adherence to clinical policies, protocols, regulations and standards.

Nurse practitioners diagnose and treat both sudden and long-term conditions. They may do physical exams, physical therapy or order tests and therapies for patients. NPs order, perform or interpret results of blood tests, EKGs and X-rays. They use these tools, along with patient symptoms and medical history to develop the right diagnosis.

Health educators provide and manage health education programs that help individuals, families, and their communities maximize and maintain healthy lifestyles. They collect and analyze data to identify community needs prior to planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. They may serve as a resource to assist individuals, other health care workers, or the community, and may administer fiscal resources for health education programs.