2 answers
Bailey
Student
Providence, Rhode Island
2
Questions
Updated
2899 views
What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?
I am going to the University of Indianapolis to study nursing. Though I am certain that I want to persue a degree in the medical field I am struggling to decide between becoming a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant. What are your thoughts on this? #medicine #nursing #nurse #healthcare #physicians #college #career #career-counseling
Login to comment
2 answers
Dr. Colette Forde RN, DNP, CNM
Director of Clinical Education
16
Answers
River Edge, New Jersey
Updated
Dr. Colette Forde’s Answer
NPs begin their career by enrolling in a nursing program. The minimum qualification to practice is a Masters degree in a Nurse Practitioner program as well as passing NP board exams. However, the minimum qualification to practice is moving towards a DNP. As NPs practice in each state under the rules and guidelines of the Board of Nursing within that state, there are some local and regional variations in what is considered the minimum level of academic preparation .
PAs must have a Batchelor's degree to apply for entry into a PA program, often located in the School of Medicine in that college. Programs are generally three years and after graduation, the student needs to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying exam in order to practice.
Both of these roles are in high demand and will continue this trend as current staff members retire in record numbers. One of the most basic and important differences in these roles is that NPs have the ability to practice independently, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medication (without physician oversight), in most states. Currently there are about 25 states in the US where this applies (there are some criteria attached to this such as the number of acquired hours of clinical practice). This means that NPs can open up their own practices without having a collaborative agreement with an MD. An important point to remember is that all healthcare practitioners consult with others, refer patients to specialists etc., as part of their clinical practice.
PAs, on the other hand, cannot practice independently. They have a lot of autonomy in their role as do NPs, but they must always practice under an MDs supervision. They can work in hospitals, in the OR, in outpatient settings , urgent care settings, etc., but always with an MD supervising.
You will always need to verify this information in the future as the healthcare landscape changes yearly, and with that comes changes in the rules and regulations under which we practice.
Look at the prerequisites for entry into both programs, the academic requirements needed to apply (such as GPA), etc., ?
Can you complete the programs part-time if you need to work while in school ?
How long does the program last ? What is the cost of each program ?
Network with NPs and PAs while you are in college (ask to shadow them for a day) to help you get some real life examples of their day-to-day work
What are the salaries and job opportunities in the area of the country where you want to work?
PAs must have a Batchelor's degree to apply for entry into a PA program, often located in the School of Medicine in that college. Programs are generally three years and after graduation, the student needs to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying exam in order to practice.
Both of these roles are in high demand and will continue this trend as current staff members retire in record numbers. One of the most basic and important differences in these roles is that NPs have the ability to practice independently, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medication (without physician oversight), in most states. Currently there are about 25 states in the US where this applies (there are some criteria attached to this such as the number of acquired hours of clinical practice). This means that NPs can open up their own practices without having a collaborative agreement with an MD. An important point to remember is that all healthcare practitioners consult with others, refer patients to specialists etc., as part of their clinical practice.
PAs, on the other hand, cannot practice independently. They have a lot of autonomy in their role as do NPs, but they must always practice under an MDs supervision. They can work in hospitals, in the OR, in outpatient settings , urgent care settings, etc., but always with an MD supervising.
You will always need to verify this information in the future as the healthcare landscape changes yearly, and with that comes changes in the rules and regulations under which we practice.
Dr. Colette Forde recommends the following next steps:
Richard W Easterling, MSN, BS, RN
MSN BSEd RN | Nursing Administration
11
Answers
Updated
Richard W’s Answer
In the workforce the end result can be the same. The primary difference is usually the way the person got to the end degree. You will find that emergency medical technicians and paramedics become physician assistants, and nurses become advance practice nurses. Advance practice in nursing is the equivalent of a master's degree, six years of study; 4 years in nursing school to get a bachelor degree, then 2 years to get the advance practice degree. Physician Assistant schooling is generally 2 years beyond the degree that was acceptable to the PA school.