6 answers
Benjamin
Student
Herriman, Utah
1
Question
Updated
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Which is better being a physicians assistant or being a nurse practitioner?
Which is better being a physicians assistant or being a nurse practitioner. What do you guys think?
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6 answers
Cheri Hall
Physical Therapist
45
Answers
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Updated
Cheri’s Answer
Dear Benjamin,
Both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) play crucial roles in healthcare, sharing similar responsibilities but having distinct training and focus areas. The key difference between these two roles lies in their education and patient care approach. Both roles require an initial bachelor's degree from a four-year university, followed by graduate school to earn a Master's of Science in either Nursing or Physician Assistant studies.
NPs can operate in almost any healthcare environment, diagnose patient conditions, and prescribe medications. In 28 states, NPs have the authority to practice independently, without a physician's oversight. As an NP, you'll focus on how an illness impacts a patient's quality of life, emphasizing health promotion and restoration. You'll also consider how patients, families, and communities respond to the illness. NPs receive advanced nursing training and specialize in a particular area rather than a general role. Therefore, you should know your desired medical focus when pursuing your graduate degree.
On the other hand, PAs have a broad medical foundation. Their training is based on the medical model, covering the basics of medicine and specialties. Although PAs can act as primary care providers, they usually need to work under a physician or surgeon's direct supervision. PAs primarily focus on the biological aspects of diagnosing and treating disease, looking first at the problem's pathology and then finding a cure.
If an NP wishes to change specialty certifications, such as transitioning from neonatal to family nurse practitioner (FNP), they need further education and licensure. However, a licensed PA can switch specialties without needing a new certification or additional job training.
The job market for both NPs and PAs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. Their average salaries are around $125,000.
When deciding between the NP and PA roles, consider your future career path while pursuing your degree. Are you interested in earning a bachelor's in Nursing? Or would you prefer to major in a science field like Biology or Chemistry? While still in high school, consider volunteering or shadowing at local doctor's offices or hospitals to get a sense of the daily roles of both NPs and PAs. You could also ask them why they chose their career path.
Both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) play crucial roles in healthcare, sharing similar responsibilities but having distinct training and focus areas. The key difference between these two roles lies in their education and patient care approach. Both roles require an initial bachelor's degree from a four-year university, followed by graduate school to earn a Master's of Science in either Nursing or Physician Assistant studies.
NPs can operate in almost any healthcare environment, diagnose patient conditions, and prescribe medications. In 28 states, NPs have the authority to practice independently, without a physician's oversight. As an NP, you'll focus on how an illness impacts a patient's quality of life, emphasizing health promotion and restoration. You'll also consider how patients, families, and communities respond to the illness. NPs receive advanced nursing training and specialize in a particular area rather than a general role. Therefore, you should know your desired medical focus when pursuing your graduate degree.
On the other hand, PAs have a broad medical foundation. Their training is based on the medical model, covering the basics of medicine and specialties. Although PAs can act as primary care providers, they usually need to work under a physician or surgeon's direct supervision. PAs primarily focus on the biological aspects of diagnosing and treating disease, looking first at the problem's pathology and then finding a cure.
If an NP wishes to change specialty certifications, such as transitioning from neonatal to family nurse practitioner (FNP), they need further education and licensure. However, a licensed PA can switch specialties without needing a new certification or additional job training.
The job market for both NPs and PAs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. Their average salaries are around $125,000.
When deciding between the NP and PA roles, consider your future career path while pursuing your degree. Are you interested in earning a bachelor's in Nursing? Or would you prefer to major in a science field like Biology or Chemistry? While still in high school, consider volunteering or shadowing at local doctor's offices or hospitals to get a sense of the daily roles of both NPs and PAs. You could also ask them why they chose their career path.
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
40
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Benjamin,
This is a great question and one worth both perspectives! As a NP who started as an RN, for me, the NP was the only way to go. In the United States, each state has laws which govern the PA and the NP roles. In the state of Illinois, I have full practice authority and don't need a collaborating physician in my state. PAs in Illinois are not independent practitioners and must collaborate with a physician in their practice.
NPs use health as their model, we tend to find the root cause of a patient's problem and work outward for a solution. PAs work under a medical model and use pharmacy, diagnostics, interventions, etc. to improve the patient's outcome.
We have two different philosophies and we come at the problem from two different angles. As others have said, many of the other factors, salaries, etc. are quite the same. Good luck choosing. Mauree
This is a great question and one worth both perspectives! As a NP who started as an RN, for me, the NP was the only way to go. In the United States, each state has laws which govern the PA and the NP roles. In the state of Illinois, I have full practice authority and don't need a collaborating physician in my state. PAs in Illinois are not independent practitioners and must collaborate with a physician in their practice.
NPs use health as their model, we tend to find the root cause of a patient's problem and work outward for a solution. PAs work under a medical model and use pharmacy, diagnostics, interventions, etc. to improve the patient's outcome.
We have two different philosophies and we come at the problem from two different angles. As others have said, many of the other factors, salaries, etc. are quite the same. Good luck choosing. Mauree
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
I'm not entirely certain if it's fair to claim that one is superior to the other. With years of experience, both roles tend to blend into a similar form in the practice of medicine. They both carry out evaluations, diagnoses, prescriptions, tests, and treatments, to put it simply. However, there are differences in the education and philosophy behind the care provided, as well as the licensing process.
Nurse Practitioners, regardless of their specific titles, usually get their regulatory powers from the Nursing Board in each state. Their Nurse Practitioner license is their second one, with the RN license being their first. On the other hand, Physician Assistants are more regulated by the Board of Medicine, and their license is their first one. This means that Physician Assistant training is more focused on the basic medical model, similar to a condensed version of what a medical student learns before doing some clinical work.
In contrast, a Nurse Practitioner will typically have 4 years of nursing training, and ideally, experience as a Registered Nurse, before they go back to school for further training as a Nurse Practitioner. It's also worth noting that in most states, a Nurse Practitioner can work independently or in affiliation with a physician, and can even have their own practice. This is not the same for Physician Assistants.
When it comes to income, working hours, working conditions, and so on, both roles are quite similar. It seems that those who are most vocal about one role being better than the other are often those in academia. However, it's important to remember that this is also a reflection of the academic model and a way to protect their own positions.
Nurse Practitioners, regardless of their specific titles, usually get their regulatory powers from the Nursing Board in each state. Their Nurse Practitioner license is their second one, with the RN license being their first. On the other hand, Physician Assistants are more regulated by the Board of Medicine, and their license is their first one. This means that Physician Assistant training is more focused on the basic medical model, similar to a condensed version of what a medical student learns before doing some clinical work.
In contrast, a Nurse Practitioner will typically have 4 years of nursing training, and ideally, experience as a Registered Nurse, before they go back to school for further training as a Nurse Practitioner. It's also worth noting that in most states, a Nurse Practitioner can work independently or in affiliation with a physician, and can even have their own practice. This is not the same for Physician Assistants.
When it comes to income, working hours, working conditions, and so on, both roles are quite similar. It seems that those who are most vocal about one role being better than the other are often those in academia. However, it's important to remember that this is also a reflection of the academic model and a way to protect their own positions.
Ryan VanSickle
Physician
11
Answers
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Benjamin~
The idea of becoming a NP in my mind is something only relevant for those already in the nursing career path. I consider experienced NPs and PAs to be on equal playing fields and therefore if someone is early on in the career path decision tree but determined on an advanced level practitioner status I'd recommend going PA . Keep in mind this is a an over simplified time and economic argument that doesn't take into account the experiential benefit of being an RN or any other part of the healthcare team prior to advancing further in your training.
The idea of becoming a NP in my mind is something only relevant for those already in the nursing career path. I consider experienced NPs and PAs to be on equal playing fields and therefore if someone is early on in the career path decision tree but determined on an advanced level practitioner status I'd recommend going PA . Keep in mind this is a an over simplified time and economic argument that doesn't take into account the experiential benefit of being an RN or any other part of the healthcare team prior to advancing further in your training.
Lucy Iwuagwu
Nursing and midwifery student
44
Answers
Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Both physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) play crucial roles in healthcare, providing patient care and helping address the provider shortage, but each career path has unique benefits. PAs are trained in the medical model and typically work under a physician's supervision, allowing them to work in various specialties with broad autonomy in diagnosing and treating patients. NPs are trained in the nursing model and often have a stronger emphasis on patient education, preventive care, and a holistic approach. They may have more independence, especially in states that allow them to practice without physician oversight. In terms of education, both roles require advanced degrees (typically a master's), but NPs usually need a nursing background, while PAs do not. Ultimately, the choice depends on your background, career goals, and interest in the style of care each role provides....a physician assistant works less hours and there is more of a social life and work balance than nurse practitioner.
Jennifer Beverly, DMSc, PA-C
Physician Associate
4
Answers
Billings, Montana
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
What a great question, Benjamin! You have received a lot of great answers so far. Since I am a PA and work in PA education I will give you an overview of the educational requirements and the profession.
1. A master's degree is required, and PA programs typically last 24-26 months continuously.
2. The application process can be lengthy. Our small program received 1000+ applications for 48 seats this year. Don't let that discourage you though. There are a lot of programs to choose from.
3. PA education is highly regulated by one central accreditation body which ensures all programs contain similar content in their curriculum.
4. Clinical rotations for PA students require 2000+ hours of clinical training during the second year of the program. The clinical rotations are set up by the program to ensure quality instruction.
5. PAs can move from one specialty to another without much problem since our training is based on a strong foundation of medical knowledge.
6. PAs do not have more time with patients or a better work/life balance than any other medical provider. That is all dependent on the clinical setting they choose to work in. This is one of the biggest misconceptions students have about the profession.
7. PAs are trained in the holistic care of the patient. Every component that contributes to health, we address.
8. PAs and NPs usually have similar salaries when working in the same practice setting.
9. Many states have removed the requirement for "physician supervision". Even if there is a requirement for physician supervision the PA practices very independently, but is able to consult the supervising physician for complex cases.
10. The majority of PA schools require some type of healthcare experience prior to acceptance.
11. There are residency training programs for PAs who want to specialize in areas such as Emergency or Critical Care medicine, and others. This is done after graduation from PA school.
12. PAs are required to obtain 50 hours of continuing medical education per year to maintain their license and have to retake a national exam every 10 years.
A career in the medical field is hard work. Just choose your hard.
It's best to shadow some NPs, PAs, and physicians to see where you think you fit best.
Best of luck in your future!
1. A master's degree is required, and PA programs typically last 24-26 months continuously.
2. The application process can be lengthy. Our small program received 1000+ applications for 48 seats this year. Don't let that discourage you though. There are a lot of programs to choose from.
3. PA education is highly regulated by one central accreditation body which ensures all programs contain similar content in their curriculum.
4. Clinical rotations for PA students require 2000+ hours of clinical training during the second year of the program. The clinical rotations are set up by the program to ensure quality instruction.
5. PAs can move from one specialty to another without much problem since our training is based on a strong foundation of medical knowledge.
6. PAs do not have more time with patients or a better work/life balance than any other medical provider. That is all dependent on the clinical setting they choose to work in. This is one of the biggest misconceptions students have about the profession.
7. PAs are trained in the holistic care of the patient. Every component that contributes to health, we address.
8. PAs and NPs usually have similar salaries when working in the same practice setting.
9. Many states have removed the requirement for "physician supervision". Even if there is a requirement for physician supervision the PA practices very independently, but is able to consult the supervising physician for complex cases.
10. The majority of PA schools require some type of healthcare experience prior to acceptance.
11. There are residency training programs for PAs who want to specialize in areas such as Emergency or Critical Care medicine, and others. This is done after graduation from PA school.
12. PAs are required to obtain 50 hours of continuing medical education per year to maintain their license and have to retake a national exam every 10 years.
A career in the medical field is hard work. Just choose your hard.
It's best to shadow some NPs, PAs, and physicians to see where you think you fit best.
Best of luck in your future!