In response to your article titled “Nurses of the animal world” (March 24), I applaud the fact that Allan Hancock College may be teaming up with the Humane Society to produce a vet tech certification program.
It is a gross mischaracterization, however, to compare a person who receives this one-year certification at a community college with a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners are advanced practice medical professionals who diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medicines in partnership with doctors. Nurse practitioners hold masters and doctorate degrees in their field. Chances are you see a nurse practitioner when you visit your doctor’s office.
I wouldn’t want anyone to think the person treating him or her is a graduate of some certification program at a local community college. Nurse practitioners are licensed professionals with many years of clinical experience under their belt, providing excellent care of your health.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 7, 2011.
