Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: How Are They Different?
Thinking about a higher healthcare degree? You might want to know about the similarities and differences between nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). Both are jobs in the middle of being a nurse and a doctor. NPs go to nursing schools, while PAs go to medical schools. Nurses focus on patients and do check-ups, diagnoses, and treatment. Physician assistants focus on diseases. They also do check-ups, diagnoses, and treatment.
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NPs can specialize in areas like old people’s health, mental health, kids’ health, and women’s health. PAs have a more general education and can specialize in things like emergencies, bones, and general surgery.
When comparing physician assistants and nurse practitioners, remember they have different ways of looking at healthcare, different education choices, and different specialties. Think about which one fits you best.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants do similar jobs. They both take care of patients, do check-ups, diagnose, and make plans for treatment.
The main difference is in how much they are watched over. It depends on the state they work in. Nurse practitioners can work alone and give medicine in many states. Physician assistants always work with a doctor’s help.
Both PAs and NPs often work as main caregivers, especially in areas without many doctors. They make about the same amount of money on average. NPs make around $118,040 and PAs make around $119,460, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Points to Consider | Nurse Practitioner | Physician Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Role | NPs may practice independently in some states. They perform physical assessments, order and interpret diagnostic tests, manage treatment, and coordinate care. They also provide patient education and counseling. | According to the American Medical Association, PAs working under a physician’s supervision are authorized to perform physical assessments, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and assist in surgery. PAs also manage treatment plans, patient education, and coordination of care. |
| Number Practicing in the U.S. | 234,690 | 132,940 |
| Pay | Average annual salary of $118,040 | Average annual salary of $119,460 |
| Projected Job Growth | 40% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (5%) | 28% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than average for all occupations (5%) |
| Anticipated Number of New Positions Available by 2030 | 112,700 from 2020 to 2030 | 40,100 from 2020 to 2030 |
| Practice Framework | State laws determine whether a nurse practitioner can practice independently or work under physician oversight. | All physician assistants work under the supervision of a doctor. They are not permitted to work independently. |
Source: BLS
Education Needed for NPs and PAs
Both nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) need to get master’s degrees. NP and PA programs have similar classes that teach about things like medicines, how the body works, and advanced health checking.
NPs can choose a specific nursing area. PAs get a general medical education so they can work in any medical field, even special ones. If PAs want more training, they can do extra schooling or get special certificates.
On the other hand, NPs pick a type of master’s degree (MSN) before they start. For instance, they can become a family practice NP or a mental health NP. If NPs want to change their focus later, they have to get more training and a nursing certificate.
| Points to Consider | Nurse Practitioners | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirements | NPs need a minimum of a master of science in nursing (MSN) degree from an accredited school to become licensed within a state. Even though the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recommends 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.PAs need a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited medical school or center of medicine to seek licensure. |
| Degrees Available | An MSN is the minimum degree required for NPs. Licensed RNs with associate’s degrees can opt for an RN to MSN bridge program, while those with a BSN can choose a direct entry master’s program. A nurse with a BSN can enter a BSN to DNP program. | An MSN from a program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the minimum degree requirement for a PA. Some programs offer a pre-professional phase, which allows recent high school graduates and those with college credits to qualify for certification in 4-6 years. |
| Program Details | NPs typically choose a specialty area and complete 500 instructional hours and between 500-700 clinical hours (1,000 for DNPs). | PAs receive generalist training and typically complete about 1,000 instructional hours and more than 2,000 clinical hours. |
| School Accreditation | NP programs typically hold accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. | PA programs hold accreditation through the ARC-PA. You can find a list of PA programs through the Physician Assistant Education Association. |
| Points to Consider | Nurse Practitioners | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Certification | The American Nurses Credentialing Center and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offer national certifications for NPs in their specialty areas. NPs can certify in specialty areas like orthopedics, hospice and palliative care, oncology, dermatology, and more are provided through industry organizations. | PAs need to pass the physician assistant national certifying examination available through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The NCCPA also offers specialty certifications in areas like orthopedics, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, dermatology, and palliative care. |
| Licensing | Candidates for state licensure as NPs must hold a registered nurse (RN) license, a master’s or doctoral degree, and national certification. | Candidates seeking state licensure as PAs must hold a master’s degree from an accredited school and national certification. |
| Licensing Agency | NPs seek licensure through a state board of nursing or board of medical examiners. The AANP provides links to the licensing agencies. | PAs seek licensure through a state medical board, board of medical examiners, or similar agency. You can find a list of state licensing agencies through the NCCPA. |
| Recertification | NPs must earn recertification every five years or less, depending on their population focus and credentialing entity. 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. | According to the NCCPA, PAs maintain certification by completing 100 continuing education credits every two years, which must include at least 50 Category 1 credits. They must also pass a recertification exam every 10 years. |
Deciding Between Becoming an NP or a PA
Before choosing a career, think about the pay, education needed, how much you can do, and the work you’ll do. Also, consider your state’s rules for what you can do.
How Can I Get Ready for My Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam?
While both NPs and PAs need graduate degrees, they have different paths:
– NPs start with nursing education, becoming a registered nurse (RN), and then do a graduate NP program.
– PAs want students with healthcare experience, even outside nursing, like paramedics, radiology techs, or surgical techs.
Most nurses become NPs, but some become PAs. It depends on their goals, interests, and what they want to do.
NPs and PAs can focus on general or primary care:
– NPs are advanced nurses with special training for certain patients or fields.
– PAs learn general medicine, diagnoses, procedures, and treatment.
Common Questions About NPs and PAs
Is NP higher than PA?
No, neither is higher. They work in healthcare but have different education and jobs. They also work in different areas. Both need some doctor’s help, even though they work more independently than nurses or aides.
Do PAs make more than nurse practitioners?
PAs and NPs earn about the same. According to the BLS, NPs made around $120,680, and PAs made around $121,530 in 2021. The highest-paid places for both are outpatient care centers.
Can NPs and PAs prescribe medicine?
Usually, yes. But some states limit what NPs and PAs can prescribe. They can’t usually prescribe strong medications like Schedule II drugs, but each state has different rules.
What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?
NPs and PAs do similar work. But NPs learn nursing, while PAs learn from medical school. They also take different tests to get licensed.
They can also specialize in different things. For example, PAs often do surgery, while NPs focus on things like taking care of older people, kids, or women’s health.
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