Differences in Clinical Preparation. Can nurse practitioners and physician assistants prescribe medications? Medical Profession Comparison Chart: Medical Assistant vs. Nurse vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. The amount of training each one undergoes is also different. However, PAs aren’t authorized to do so. Nurse practitioners are more patient-centered; Physician assistants are more disease-centered. When jobs are advertised for advanced practice providers, the posting will often invite PAs and NPs to apply for the open position. Nurse practitioner certification examinations reflect a particular population. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. Both nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) are advanced practice providers who often function in similar roles. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are positioned to provide essential care to patients. For the most part, yes. Family Nurse Practitioners go to nursing school to get an Bachelor of Nursing (BN) degree. 31 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than average. Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs Online, Family Nurse Practitioner vs Doctorate Nurse Practitioner, American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Like a nurse practitioner, though, a physician assistant can also diagnose disease and write prescriptions. Physician's Assistants can only work under the direct supervision of a licensed Medical Doctor. Physician assistants, on the other hand, are more likely to specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as emergency or internal medicine. Both options provide career alternatives to professionals who wish to work in advanced healthcare roles, but not as physicians. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $109,820 as of May 2019, while the median annual wage for physician assistants reached $112,260 during the same month. Nurse Practitioner vs. An NP learns from a nursing school, on the other hand, a PA has to learn from a medical school. Meeting the Requirements Both NPs and PAs should play important and growing roles in health care. Both NPs and PAs treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and work closely with primary care physicians. They may also specialize in different categories. Is NP higher than PA? AdventHealth University also has an on-campus Master of Physician Assistant Studies for those interested in pursuing that pathway. However, some states impose limitations on the type of medications that nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can prescribe. Expand All Physician assistants get a somewhat broader education in their graduate programs. These registered nurses (RNs) with graduate training in advanced practice nursing provide many of the same... Find the right program for you and advance your education with an online degree. The amount of experience one needs varies from one school to the next, but most programs require at least 1,000 hours of HCE or PCE. The annual median salary for nurse practitioners in the same time period was $115,800. In addition, the Association of American Medical Colleges reports, “The United States will see a shortage of up to nearly 122,000 physicians by 2032.”. The nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) occupations share similarities and some key differences. Physician assistants earn a median salary of $108,610 per year; however, that rate can vary from one state to another. Physician assistants are more likely to go into a surgical specialty, for example, while nurse practitioners may focus on areas like adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or women’s health. They may sit for the appropriate exam or complete a minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice and 75-150 continuing education units in their NP specialty.PAs need 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) hours every two years and an exam every six years. NPs often work with physician oversight. However, some states impose limitations on the type of medications that nurse practitioners and physicians assistants can prescribe. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners FNPs and PAs are an essential part of modern healthcare, and they are likely to become even more important in the coming years. Nurse Practitioner vs. AdventHealth University Online, BSN to MSN-FNP Even though the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommended the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) as the new NP standard, states and credentialing entities still just require a master’s degree.PAs need a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited medical school or center of medicine to seek licensure.DEGREES AVAILABLEAn NP can seek a master’s or DNP from a nursing school, although the AACN suggests the DNP.More than 200 physician assistant programs, most of which offer master’s degrees, were available in 2019, according to the BLS.PROGRAM DETAILSNPs typically choose a specialty area and need to complete 500 didactic hours and between 500-700 clinical hours (1,000 for DNPs).PAs receive generalist training and typically need to complete about 1,000 didactic hours and more than 2,000 clinical hours.SCHOOL ACCREDITATIONNP programs typically hold accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN).PA programs hold accreditation through the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Here, we’ll examine the NP vs. PA career path to better understand the difference between PA and NP roles, specifically educational requirements, scope of practice and career outlook. 3. AHU Online is an investment in your future self and career. However, there are differences when it comes to family nurse practitioner vs. physician assistant roles. Currently, NPs need a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited school to become licensed within a state. The career opportunities awaiting certified PAs are numerous. Association of American Medical Colleges, “New Findings Confirm Predictions on Physician Shortage” 26% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations (7%), according to the BLS (2019). In addition, although both nurse practitioners and physician assistants certainly work with more independence than nurses or aides, they still often need some sort of physician oversight. Most PAs begin their career journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field, as well as taking some additional courses to meet the requirements of their desired PA program. While nurse practitioner (NP) and physician assistant (PA) professions both offer autonomy, responsibility and competitive salaries, there are clear differences between PA vs. NP careers. They also work in different specialty categories. Physician assistants are more likely to go into a surgical specialty, for example, while nurse practitioners may focus on areas like adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or women’s health. In addition, although both nurse practitioners and physician assistants certainly work with more independence than nurses or aides, they still often need some sort of physician oversight. With Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) having some similar duties, many considering these healthcare careers are curious about the salary difference. This allows them to prescribe and treat patients much like physicians, while under the supervision of a physician. AAPA, “6 Steps to Become a PA” For the most part, yes. However, NP practice authority varies by state, and in almost half of states, NPs can possess full practice authority (FPA). NPs can specialize in several areas, including gerontology/geriatrics, mental health, pediatrics, and women’s health. An NP attends a nursing school, while a PA attends a medical school or center of medicine. AdventHealth University Online, Master of Science in Nursing Details about the Job Quality of diabetes care in family medicine practices: influence of nurse-practitioners and physician's assistants. For instance, nurse practitioners can specialize in occupational NP, family NP, holistic NP, emergency NP, … However, nurse practitioners come from a nursing background, while a physician assistant education comes from a medical learning model. You can find a list of state licensing agencies through the, PAs need 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) hours every two years and an exam every. There are also some slight differences when it comes to the areas of training and specialization for the physician assistants and for the nurse practitioners. Physician: Salary and Job Outlook. Nurse practitioners also need to hone their decision-making and problem-solving, and interpersonal skills — skills vital to determining treatment plans and making patients feel comfortable during their visit. The program’s curriculum provides in-depth knowledge on advanced health assessment, leadership, and women’s and pediatric care — all on a flexible schedule so you can earn your MSN and advance your career at the same time. They also work in different specialty categories. These individuals are healthcare providers who have earned a master’s or a post-master’s degree, and are legally certified to assess, diagnose, and treat patients just as a doctor would. PAs need a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited medical school or center of medicine to seek licensure. The American healthcare industry is currently in a state of extreme growth and evolution. Learn more about the PA vs. NP salary below. In most locations, the decision to … Nurse Practitioner vs. Background: Under the Affordable Care Act, the number and capacity of community health centers (HCs) is growing. However, this degree is only the first step on the journey to becoming an FNP. This tends to lead to … Recommended Readings Her professional passions include holistic medicine, VBAC, and evidence-based care. The, PAs seek licensure through a state medical board, board of medical examiners, or similar agency. Both practices must complete advanced education programs, with NPs attending nursing school and PAs attending medical school.