When was the first Nurse Practitioner (NP) program developed?

The first Nurse Practitioner (NP) program was developed in the 1960s, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of advanced nursing practice. This decade saw significant changes in healthcare demands and the recognition of the need for primary care providers. The program was established by Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver at the University of Colorado in 1965. Their innovative model aimed to address the shortage of primary care physicians, particularly in underserved areas, and it integrated advanced nursing skills with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention.

The 1960s were characterized by societal shifts, including heightened awareness of public health and a growing discourse around the roles of non-physician healthcare providers. These factors contributed to the establishment of the NP role, which sought to extend healthcare access while maintaining a strong emphasis on nursing principles and patient-centered care. The NP model has since evolved and expanded across the United States, but its foundations were firmly established in this transformative era.