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 If you're thinking about advancing your healthcare career, you're likely well aware of the many different directions that your career could take. Two very popular paths are becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) vs physician assistant (PA). To help you with this very important decision, we've put together this guide explaining the differences between a nurse practitioner vs physician assistant, what each role does, how much you can earn, and more. Keep reading to learn which path is right for you. Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant: What's the Difference?What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who has additional responsibilities for administering patient care than RNs. NP model draws from the nursing tradition, one that includes a whole person and wellness approach. What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?A Physician Assistant (PA) is a Master’s prepared individual that works interdependently with physicians who are licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease and to prescribe medication for patients. The PA tradition draws from a medical model. NP vs PA
Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant Job DutiesPhysician Assistant Job OverviewAccording to U.S. World News & Report, working as a physician assistant is THE BEST job you can have in 2021. They ranked PAs as #1 in best health care jobs, #1 in 100 best jobs, and #1 in best STEM jobs. An increase in the number of patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are causing an increasing demand for healthcare providers. Physician assistants often provide preventive care and treat the sick. Increases in medical technology and access to healthcare services further strains the healthcare system requiring an increase in advanced practice providers. Some of the responsibilities of a physician assistant include:
Nurse Practitioner Job OverviewNurse Practitioners deliver advanced care to a variety of patients in the clinical setting. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), NPs work “autonomously and in collaboration with healthcare professionals and other individuals, to provide a full range of primary, acute, and specialty health care services.” The idea of working independently of physicians is a great incentive for some people to move into the nurse practitioner career. In fact, the profession rates #2 as the best job in health care and the #3 job overall in the top 100 jobs, according to the U.S. News & World Report. NPs provide teaching and supportive counseling and refer patients and families as appropriate. They focus on health education, health promotion, and disease prevention. CRNPs also collaborate with others to provide health care services to individuals, families, and communities. >> Related: Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs Work EnvironmentsNPs and PAs can work in many of the same work environments, but there are some differences:
Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant SalaryOn average, physician assistants earn around $1K more than nurse practitioners annually. But salaries vary widely based on where you live, your specialty, and a number of other factors. Nurse Practitioner SalaryAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for nurse practitioners was $120,680, in 2021. The lowest end of the salary range for nurse practitioners is $79,870 and the high end of the range is $200,540. Highest Paying States for Nurse Practitioners The BLS reports the following states as having the highest mean salary.
Physician Assistant SalaryAccording to the BLS, the median pay for physician assistants was $121,530 in 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $77,940, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $164,620. Highest Paying States for Physician Assistants The BLS reports the following states as having the highest mean salary.
Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs NP vs PA Education Requirements & ProgramsProgram length is roughly the same for both a PA and an NP after earning a bachelor’s degree. Both are master’s level programs and can be completed in 2-3 years depending on the specific program.
Program CostsNP school tends to be cheaper because the classroom portion is often completed online while PAs must be on campus for the program.
NP vs PA Scope of PracticeNurse practitioners are educated to serve a specific population while Physician assistants have a more general background. Physician assistants tend to have a surgical specialty while NPs are more at the patient’s bedside throughout the hospitalization. Physician Assistant Scope of PracticeThe role of a physician assistant is confusing because the scope of practice is often similar to that of a general doctor, but there are some key differences. Similar to a nurse practitioner, PAs can practice independently of a physician in certain states. Nurse Practitioner Scope of PracticeIn 23 states, nurse practitioners have “full practice authority” which means they do not have to work under the supervision of a doctor. Full practice states include Oregon, Maine, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, and Iowa. In states with reduced practice (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah) and restricted practice (Texas, California, and Florida), NPs must have a medical doctor sign certain medical patient care decisions. NPs have prescriptive privileges in all 50 states and can administer controlled substances in 49 states.  Nurse Practitioners evaluate their patients holistically, including both the emotional and mental aspects of the patient’s condition and not just the physical. For this reason, a great deal of time is spent on the education aspect of patient care. Can NPs and/or PAs operate their own practice?Both PAs and NPs can operate their own practice in states that allow full authority. This is very state-specific. Show Me Nurse Practitioner Programs NP vs PA Career OutlookAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurse practitioners is expected to grow by 45% by 2030. This is much faster than the national average of other healthcare-related professions, including physician assistants which are expected to grow in demand by 31%. NP vs PA CertificationNP recertification is every two years and requires a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours in your certified specialty and continuing education hours. PA recertification is two parts. Every two years, 100 continuing education hours are required and every ten years a recertification exam must be passed. Nurse Practitioner (NP) CertificationThe American Nurses Credentialing Center requires certification renewal every two years. 1,000 clinical hours during the two-year certification and completion of 75 CEU hours including 25 of pharmacology CEU hours are required. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing website also mentions the following five Nurse Practitioner certifying organizations,
Chart Source NCSBN.org Physician Assistant (PA) CertificationThe National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants has 10-year certification cycles. During every two-year period, professionals must earn at least 100 continuing education credits. At the end of each 10-year cycle, PAs must pass a recertification exam. Why Becoming Either an NP or a PA is a Great Career PathNPs and PAs both provide direct patient care at the advanced practice level, including working independently or collaboratively. With so many baby boomers aging, the need for more graduate-level health care providers is increasing by the day. Plus, the need for these professions has escalated because of the Affordable Care Act with more than 40 million more people added to the primary care systems after finally getting health insurance in the last two years. “Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are more cost-effective in a health care system, and there has been an amazing up swell interest in how to integrate them into hospital systems in more and more ways,” says Jonathan Bowser, director and associate dean of the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. FAQsExploring your career options? Check out some of these other articles:
Is a physician assistant above a nurse practitioner?Is NP higher than PA? Neither profession ranks "higher" than the other. Both occupations work in the healthcare field, but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.
What can a PA do that a NP Cannot?A physician assistant can diagnose and treat a wide array of medical concerns, prescribe medicine, and may even perform surgery. A nurse practitioner can help diagnose and treat patients with routine and complex medical conditions, sometimes working alongside physicians to do so.
Which is more advanced a nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant?Many people have primary care providers that are NPs or PAs. But what's the difference? In basic terms, a nurse practitioner is a registered nurse (RN) with advanced education and clinical training. A physician assistant is a medical professional with advanced education who is trained in the same way physicians are.
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The difference between a nurse practitioner and a physicians assistant
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