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William
Student
Gilbert, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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What is the difference between an NP and PA?
What are the differences between a PA and an NP? Are there more possibilities with one than the other? What does the pay look like? Is one more difficult than the other?
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5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi William,
Can you clarify the distinction between a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a Physician Assistant (PA)?
What sets a PA apart from an NP? Does one role offer more opportunities than the other? How do their salaries compare? Is one role more challenging than the other?
Physician Assistants are educated using the medical model, akin to doctors, which emphasizes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease that the patient is afflicted with. On the other hand, Nurse Practitioners are educated on the nursing model, which prioritizes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient who is suffering from the disease.
For more information on the distinction between an NP and a PA, you can refer to these Google Search results:
https://www.mcphs.edu/about/news/physician-assistant-vs-nurse-practitioner#:~:text=Physician%20assistants%20train%20using%20the,the%20patient%20with%20the%20disease.
https://www.usa.edu/blog/np-vs-pa
This should kick-start your research.
Best,
Jim.
Can you clarify the distinction between a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a Physician Assistant (PA)?
What sets a PA apart from an NP? Does one role offer more opportunities than the other? How do their salaries compare? Is one role more challenging than the other?
Physician Assistants are educated using the medical model, akin to doctors, which emphasizes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease that the patient is afflicted with. On the other hand, Nurse Practitioners are educated on the nursing model, which prioritizes the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of the patient who is suffering from the disease.
For more information on the distinction between an NP and a PA, you can refer to these Google Search results:
https://www.mcphs.edu/about/news/physician-assistant-vs-nurse-practitioner#:~:text=Physician%20assistants%20train%20using%20the,the%20patient%20with%20the%20disease.
https://www.usa.edu/blog/np-vs-pa
This should kick-start your research.
Best,
Jim.
Aron Tkachuk
1
Answer
Updated
Aron’s Answer
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are what we refer to as midlevel providers. These are two distinct educational and career trajectories that share the common goal of delivering patient care.
An NP typically starts their journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. After gaining some practical experience as a nurse, they proceed to earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Science in Nursing (DNP). The scope of practice for an NP, including their capacity to provide independent patient care, varies by state. In some states, NPs can work autonomously without a doctor's supervision, while in others, a doctor's approval is required for all NP activities.
On the contrary, a PA can choose any field for their bachelor's degree, provided they complete certain prerequisite courses. PAs can specialize in diverse areas ranging from art and computer science to biology for their undergraduate studies. Nevertheless, they will typically need to take classes in subjects like biochemistry, calculus, and statistics to qualify for PA school. After obtaining their bachelor's degree, they usually need some experience, either through work, volunteering, or shadowing in the healthcare sector. Generally, the scope of practice for PAs is more consistent across states compared to NPs, but this also depends on the state.
Both NPs and PAs provide patient care, with the former following the nursing model and the latter the medical model. Each path has its own challenges. If you're keen on starting patient care immediately while working towards becoming a midlevel provider, the NP path might be more appealing. Alternatively, if you wish to explore your interests during your undergraduate studies, PA school could be a better choice. Neither option is superior in itself. I recommend taking the following steps to learn more.
Watch this video to get a better idea of the differences between an MD, PA, and NP: https://youtu.be/u6HLlUxm30c?si=d7pDSm_sdgr7bHlo
Look up PA and NP programs from the colleges you have been looking to apply to and learn what requirements they have to get into their program.
Visit https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/ to learn more about nursing and https://www.aapa.org/about/what-is-a-pa/ to learn more about becoming a PA.
Most of all, consider what is right for you, and don't let difficulty in obtaining your goals stop you. Anything work doing is going to be hard. Good luck!
An NP typically starts their journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. After gaining some practical experience as a nurse, they proceed to earn either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Science in Nursing (DNP). The scope of practice for an NP, including their capacity to provide independent patient care, varies by state. In some states, NPs can work autonomously without a doctor's supervision, while in others, a doctor's approval is required for all NP activities.
On the contrary, a PA can choose any field for their bachelor's degree, provided they complete certain prerequisite courses. PAs can specialize in diverse areas ranging from art and computer science to biology for their undergraduate studies. Nevertheless, they will typically need to take classes in subjects like biochemistry, calculus, and statistics to qualify for PA school. After obtaining their bachelor's degree, they usually need some experience, either through work, volunteering, or shadowing in the healthcare sector. Generally, the scope of practice for PAs is more consistent across states compared to NPs, but this also depends on the state.
Both NPs and PAs provide patient care, with the former following the nursing model and the latter the medical model. Each path has its own challenges. If you're keen on starting patient care immediately while working towards becoming a midlevel provider, the NP path might be more appealing. Alternatively, if you wish to explore your interests during your undergraduate studies, PA school could be a better choice. Neither option is superior in itself. I recommend taking the following steps to learn more.
Aron recommends the following next steps:
Becky Rouhi (She/Her)
Nurse Practitioner
23
Answers
Springfield, Massachusetts
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Hi William,
The main difference between an NP and a PA is the education preparation. An NP is a registered nurse with a master's or a doctorate-prepared education. A PA program often requires a bachelor's degree in any subject, with some clinical experience. Specifics would depend on the program you are applying.
Becky
The main difference between an NP and a PA is the education preparation. An NP is a registered nurse with a master's or a doctorate-prepared education. A PA program often requires a bachelor's degree in any subject, with some clinical experience. Specifics would depend on the program you are applying.
Becky
Deb Weber, MBA, MSRS, RCIS
Lab Assistant
11
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Deb’s Answer
Hi William,
Becky is correct that the educational paths are very different. Either one can specialize, and either one can be a family practitioner. Also the policies of different States can dictate the type of procedures and autonomy each is given. Pay can also vary, especially depending on experience and specialty, and even location. I recommend:
Research State licensure requirements of each
Utilize the Occupational Outlook guide for salaries
Go for what you love. It makes a huge difference on sticking with a given path.
Becky is correct that the educational paths are very different. Either one can specialize, and either one can be a family practitioner. Also the policies of different States can dictate the type of procedures and autonomy each is given. Pay can also vary, especially depending on experience and specialty, and even location. I recommend:
Deb recommends the following next steps:
Jerry Elliott
Physician Assistant
2
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Hi William,
Both professions offer a wide scope of practice (family practice, emergency medicine, cardiology, neurology, etc.). A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is always formally trained as a nurse before becoming a NP. A Physician Assistant (PA) may come from a variety of clinical backgrounds (paramedic, nurse, medical assistant, surgical technician, physical therapy, chiropractor, etc.) before becoming a PA. Both professions have the option of obtaining a master's or doctorate degree. Length of schooling is similar, as is the pay scale.
Depending on which state you work in will also dictate how much autonomy (independence) you have to do your job. Both professions allow you to work without direct supervision of a physician, but a PA typically is partnered with a physician, who they report to on a regular basis.
Regardless of which profession you choose, you're likely to have a wide range of patient experience that can be both challenging and rewarding.
All the best to you,
Jerry
Both professions offer a wide scope of practice (family practice, emergency medicine, cardiology, neurology, etc.). A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is always formally trained as a nurse before becoming a NP. A Physician Assistant (PA) may come from a variety of clinical backgrounds (paramedic, nurse, medical assistant, surgical technician, physical therapy, chiropractor, etc.) before becoming a PA. Both professions have the option of obtaining a master's or doctorate degree. Length of schooling is similar, as is the pay scale.
Depending on which state you work in will also dictate how much autonomy (independence) you have to do your job. Both professions allow you to work without direct supervision of a physician, but a PA typically is partnered with a physician, who they report to on a regular basis.
Regardless of which profession you choose, you're likely to have a wide range of patient experience that can be both challenging and rewarding.
All the best to you,
Jerry