While both Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are both noble professions dedicated to the care and welfare of their patients, there are a wealth of differences in education, licensing, responsibilities and philosophy. Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals who may work independently of the lead physician, while Nurse Practitioners are well trained, but not necessarily licensed caregivers, who must work under the close supervision of the attending doctor. Show Contrasts in Academic PreparationThe differences between these two professions begin at the educational level. Physician Assistants must attend a PA program following graduation with a Bachelor’s degree. These Master’s level programs are extremely rigorous and are modeled on the curriculum found in medical schools. In fact, many of the courses like dermatology, hematology and psychiatry are found in both medical schools and Physician Assistant programs, although there is a less in-depth study of these subjects in PA programs. Although the level of comprehensiveness differs between medical schools and PA programs, they are both focused on the medical science. Nursing programs do provide a strong medical background for Nurse Practitioners, but they are more focused on natural, behavioral and humanistic sciences. This emphasis upon the state of the patient rather than the treatment of the underlying medical affliction reflects a historical origin in which Nurse Practitioners were utilized to ease the discomfort of the ill or injured. Nurse Practitioners do, however, complete a Master’s degree program like Physician Assistants. Differences in Clinical PreparationIn addition to differences in classroom instruction, there are also many differences in the clinical preparation that Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners receive. While Nurse Practitioners may obtain from 500 to 700 hours of experience in a clinic learning about diagnostic techniques, common medical procedures and case management, Physician Assistants are required to spend almost 2,000 hours in a clinical environment prior to licensing. Furthermore, while Nurse Practitioners are expected to choose a specialty like pediatrics, acute care or oncology in which they can devote their clinical preparation, Physician Assistants are expected to rotate through a wide variety of medical specialties. Ultimately, the difference in clinical preparation provides PAs with more freedom to choose the type of medical practice they wish to join because they already possess a broader based experience, while NPs are more limited to their chosen specialty. Certification and LicensingThere are also significant differences in the certification and licensing of these two professions. Physician Assistants must be nationally certified to practice and are nationally certified by a single authoritative body, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. The NCCPA only certifies those who have taken the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam and passed. Nurses, on the other hand, are not required to pass a national certifying exam, although doing so will permit them advanced credentials. The state licensing procedures for each profession are slightly different. PAs must submit proof that they have passed the PANCE and completed all educational and clinical prerequisites. Nurse Practitioners typically only need to provide proof that they graduated from a nursing program. Additionally, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education hours every two years an pass a recertification exam every six years, while NPs need only complete 75 continuing education units every five to six years. Back to Top With so many choices for careers in the medical field, students may have an extremely difficult decision to make about their futures. Two of the most popular careers in the medical field are Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. The
two careers may seem similar, but they are very different. Find out what the difference is between a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician Assistant (PA). A Nurse Practitioner is an Advance Practice Nurse who has an advanced level of training and education in nursing. These Registered Nurses earn a master’s degree in nursing, and they are well suited to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical illnesses and
conditions. Some Nurse Practitioners seek additional training in specialized areas of medicine so that they are more valuable as nursing professionals. Nurse Practitioners have the ability to work their own medical practice, but many choose to work with a group of medical professionals that include physicians, other Nurse Practitioners, and other medical personnel. Some may choose to work in hospitals, while others work in other medical facilities. A few of the job responsibilities of Nurse Practitioners include:
What Is a Physician Assistant?A Physician Assistant is a trained medical professional who is licensed to work under the supervision of a doctor. They can work in clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities. They make medical decision as determined by the supervising doctor. The level of education varies but may consist of either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in either medical science, physician assistant studies, or health science. Physician Assistants should not be confused with medical assistants, who perform simple tasks and administrative tasks under the supervisor of doctors, nursing assistants, and other medical professionals. Physician Assistants can diagnose and treat common illnesses, perform physical examinations, assist with surgery, write prescriptions, order and interpret tests, give medical orders, and counsel patients on preventative care. Additional responsibilities of Physician Assistants include the following:
List of Differences Between A Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant
Salaries of Nurse Practitioners and Physician AssistantAccording to information taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salaries for Physician Assistants are $84,420 annually. The middle 50 percent of these individuals make $81,709 and $98,317 annually. According to information taken from Salary.com, the median salaries for Nurse Practitioners are $89,985 annually. The middle 50 percent of these individuals make between $83,327 and $96,712. With approximately 5 years of experience, the salaries begin to shift in Physician Assistants’ favor. With 5 years of experience, Nurse Practitioners make salaries of $72,480 to $90,234 annually, while Physicians Assistants earned salaries of $73,351 to $91,130 annually. After approximately 20 years of experience, the salaries have a larger gap between these two professions. Nurse Practitioners make salaries of $73,257 to $98,418, while Physician Assistants make annual salaries of $79,234 to $100,852. Careers as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants have some similarities, but they are also very different. For those who want to choose a career in the medical field, they have two amazing choices with a career as a Physician Assistants and a Nurse Practitioner. Both career choices offer amazing opportunities to help patients to improve or maintain their health. |
Difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner
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