{"id":109005,"date":"2019-11-26T10:03:31","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T16:03:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/?p=109005"},"modified":"2019-11-27T10:01:44","modified_gmt":"2019-11-27T16:01:44","slug":"physician-assistant-vs-nurse-practitioner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thechicagoschool.edu\/insight\/health-care\/physician-assistant-vs-nurse-practitioner\/","title":{"rendered":"Physician assistant vs. nurse practitioner: What\u2019s the difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a physician assistant?<\/h3>\n

A physician assistant<\/a>, also known as a PA, is a health care professional and primary care provider under the supervision of a licensed physician. People interested in becoming a PA go through at least six years of schooling.<\/p>\n

PAs usually attend a four-year, accredited university, obtaining a degree within the field of science. Following this, these students obtain a master\u2019s degree from an accredited college or university where they dive further into anatomy, physical diagnosis, behavioral science, and more. Finally, all PAs are required to obtain professional licensure and renew this certification every 10 years.<\/p>\n

A common misconception is that the title \u201cphysician assistant\u201d implies PAs solely serve minor roles as health professionals. However, as described by Mayo Clinic<\/a>, PAs are instrumental in mitigating the \u201cshortage of health care providers\u201d and play a \u201ccritical part of today\u2019s team-based approach to health care.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What does a nurse practitioner do?<\/h3>\n

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners<\/a> describes a nurse practitioner\u2019s (NP) job as \u201cclinicians that blend clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because entering this field requires advanced training and education, NPs are sometimes described as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. NPs<\/a> have either received their Master of Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition, they obtain certification in their field of specialty.<\/p>\n

NPs can prescribe medication, provide patients with diagnoses following examination, and provide treatment. The primary difference between NPs and other nurses is their wider range of responsibilities. While NPs have more freedom than their counterparts, a doctor must sign off<\/a> on certain decisions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So what\u2019s the difference?<\/h3>\n

Before diving into the difference between the two professions, it\u2019s important to first highlight the ways in which they are similar. Both NPs and PAs are health care professionals who help create more available primary care providers in a world with a shortage of doctors. They both endure rigorous education in a medical specialty with the goal of assisting patients with health care needs.<\/p>\n

Amongst others, the differences in these positions lie in both their education and their day-to-day work.<\/p>\n

Working independently<\/strong><\/p>\n

Across the United States, NPs have a varied amount of independence or \u201cpractice<\/a>.\u201d Different states offer NPs full, reduced, and restricted practice. A PA, however, may need to be supervised by a licensed physician (LP). The LP may not need to be on-site while the PA is working with a patient.<\/p>\n

While independence varies between the two practices, both parties are working toward policy change<\/a> that allows them to practice independently.<\/p>\n

Degrees, certifications, and concentrations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Between these two medical professionals, ascertaining each respective position entails different degrees and certifications. Even more, a practitioner\u2019s interest in a concentration might also play a role in what position he or she decides to pursue.<\/p>\n

Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

PAs often have experience in nursing and choose to move forward with PA certification following this work. Some nurses may see a PA-ship as a next step in their career to gain more independence in their practice. NPs, however, begin as registered nurses and advance to NP status following the advancement of their education and NP certification.<\/p>\n

Regardless of what position fits you best, choosing a career in the medical field is a tremendous service to people everywhere. A CNN Business article<\/a> suggests \u201cthe U.S. will need to hire 2.3 million new health care workers by 2025 in order to adequately take care of its aging population.\u201d With this in mind, those passionate about joining this field and who become either a nurse practitioner or physician assistant can help play a role in making the world a healthier place.<\/p>\n

\n

Learn more about nursing at The Chicago School<\/strong><\/p>\n

Begin your nursing journey today<\/a> with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology! Our online program offers quality education with convenience. Request more information by completing the form below.<\/p>\n

Curious about our degree offerings? Take a look at our more than 30 academic programs<\/a> offered at campuses across the U.S. and online!<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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