Who we are:

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse practitioners (NP) are advanced practice registered professional nurses who are prepared through advanced graduate education and clinical training to provide a range of health services, which includes diagnosing and managing common as well as complex medical conditions to people of all ages.  NPs can practice as independent practitioners (based on state licensure) or collaborate with physicians in various specialties.

NPs assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, diagnose, and initiate and manage treatment plans which includes prescribing medications. As clinicians, NPs blend clinical experience with an added emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention and health management when diagnosing and treating health conditions.

Physician Assistant (PA)

Physician assistants (PA) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medication, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. PA’s earn a master’s degree and may obtain advanced degrees.  With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.  PA’s can practice as independent practitioners (based on state licensure) or collaborate with physicians in various specialties. PA’s are trained as medical generalists, which provides them diagnostic and treatment skills in all areas of medicine and for all patients, regardless of age or gender.

PA’s are primarily regulated by state medical boards, but by separate PA boards in several states.  PA’s must have 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every  two years and recertify every 10 years through an exam that evaluates general medical knowledge.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) are advanced practice nurses who undergo rigorous testing and credentialing by the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. CRNAs work independently or in collaboration with physician anesthesiologists, surgeons, podiatrists, and other qualified healthcare professionals to provide anesthesia care in all types of settings and for all types of surgeries and procedures.

Nurse Anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care to patients in the United States for more than 150 years.  More than 49 million anesthetics are safely administered by Nurse Anesthetists each year in the United States.  CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural America, enabling healthcare facilities in these medically underserved areas to offer obstetrical, surgical, pain management and trauma stabilization services.

Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are advanced practice registered professional nurses who are prepared through advanced graduate education and clinical training, have passed a national certification exam, and are licensed by the state to safely prescribe a full range of medications and treatments.  With an emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive, and gynecologic health, CNMs provide personalized evidence-based care for women and girls of all ages and backgrounds from adolescence through menopause.  In fact, many women use CNMs as their primary care provider.

In the state of North Dakota CNMs are independent practitioners but understand the importance of appropriate consultation and collaboration with not only OB/FYN physicians but providers in various specialties and settings.

Audiologist

Audiologists are medical providers who have received a doctoral degree in audiology (AuD).  Audiologists engage in professional practice in the areas of hearing and balance assessment, non-medical treatment, and (re) habilitation. Audiologists provide patient-centered care in the prevention, identification, and evidence based intervention and treatment of hearing, balance, and other related disorders of people of all ages. Audiologists work in various settings such as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) clinics, private practice, school systems, and in hearing preservation and occupational roles.

The audiologist will assess the patient’s hearing, tinnitus, or balance difficulties.  They will make appropriate referrals to ENT, Neurology, Physical Therapy, and Psychology.  The audiologist will develop a treatment plan which might include fitting of hearing aids, osseo-integrated devices, or cochlear implants to minimize the negative impact untreated hearing loss can have on the health of an individual.  The goals of an audiologist are to preserve hearing and provide solutions to ensure that patients are safe in their environment and able to fully engage in communication around them.

Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC)

Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC) are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in treating people with substance abuse disorders.  The requirements of this are a Bachelor’s of Science degree in an Addiction Studies related program and the completion of 960 clinical training hours supervised by a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor or a Licensed Master Addiction Counselor.  Areas required for training include screening and assessment, treatment planning, referral, service coordination and documentation, counseling, client/family/community education, and professional and ethical responsibilities.

LACs assess, diagnosis substance use disorders per the DSM-5, make treatment placement recommendations per the requirements of the American Society of Addiction Medicine levels of care, counsel in both group and individual settings, educate on addiction and recovery for patients and the public, are expert examiners for court cases, and provide follow-up continuation of care for all patients served.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

Clinical nurse specialists (CNS) are advanced practice registered nurses who have graduate preparation (Master’s or Doctorate) in nursing. Like other advanced practice registered nurses, they are trained in physiology, pharmacology and physical assessment in addition to their particular area of specialty. Throughout the CNS training, a choice is made on which specialty they would like to focus on.  They are then certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) based on their specialty.  Clinical nurse specialists provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of patients. They also provide expertise and support to nurses caring for patients at the bedside, help drive practice changes throughout the organization, and ensure the use of best practices and evidence-based care to achieve the best possible patient outcomes.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) are behavioral health professionals who have obtained their masters’ degree in social work as well as completed an additional 3000 hours of supervised clinical hours.  LCSWs conduct psychosocial assessments, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions through individual, group, family, and couples therapy.  LCSWs utilize multiple therapeutic modalities according to each individual client’s needs.  LCSWs can practice independently and do collaborate with other providers as needed and appropriate.

LCSWs assess patients, refer for psychological testing, medication management, and other potential community supports.  LCSWs focus is to assist with coping and regulation of mental health symptoms, improve interpersonal relationships as well as maintenance in the community, supporting self-advocation and meeting client needs, and working toward overall better quality of life in all aspects.