What Are the Differences Between a PA (Physician Associate) and a Nurse Practitioner?
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How are PAs and nurse practitioners different from each other?
Physician associates (PAs) are trained in general medicine across a wide range of disciplines. They're also licensed to practice through collaborative arrangements with physicians. Nurse practitioners (NPs) receive training in advanced nursing practices. They also often work with physicians, but they do not have the same collaborative agreement as PAs.
How are NPs and PAs similar to each other?
NPs and PAs are similar in many ways. The specifics of what each profession can and cannot do vary depending on state regulations and laws. But in general, NPs and PAs:
- Are highly skilled professionals
- Have the training and qualifications needed to diagnose and treat patients
- Can prescribe medications in certain states
- Need a graduate degree, board certification and clinical training before they can practice
What are the differences in education for NPs and PAs?
In many states, the path to becoming an NP begins with the completion of a standard nursing program. This portion of their education could end in an associate degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). After this, they must pass an examination to be certified to practice nursing in their state. Several states also require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become an NP. Some NPs also choose to pursue a doctorate’s degree to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a nurse practitioner specialty.
PAs also need a qualifying bachelor's degree. Many choose a degree in a medically related field such as nursing or health science to prepare for graduate programs. PAs must also attend an accredited PA program for specialized training. Most graduate with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. PA certification programs typically take 2 to 3 years to complete.
What are the differences in training for NPs and PAs?
In addition to coursework, training in a master's program usually requires NPs to participate in 2 to 3 clinical rotations. A clinical rotation is when a medical or nursing student works under the supervision of a physician. Those rotations can give the nurse 700 to 800 hours of hands-on experience at a clinic, health center or private practice. NPs are also required to take a National Certification exam. Renewing that certification requires 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) and 1,000 clinical hours every 5 years.
Like NPs and physicians, PAs must also work in a clinical or hospital setting before becoming eligible for certification. Opportunities for shadowing and internships help students complete the minimum 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice they need. PAs also need 100 hours of continuing medical education (CME) every 2 years and must take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every 10 years.
What can NPs and PAs do??
NPs and PAs can handle many of your health care needs and concerns. In fact, they can do many of the things that a primary care physician can do. They also have similar skills and responsibilities when working in a clinical setting. Although regulations vary by state, MinuteClinic® NPs and PAs are equally qualified to:
- Administer screenings, physicals and vaccines
- Diagnose and treat skin conditions as well as common illnesses and injuries
- Obtain your medical history
- Perform and interpret diagnostic and laboratory studies
- Provide patients with education and recommendations
- Write prescriptions
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References used as sources for this page:
- usa.edu/blog/np-vs-pa/
- physicianassistantedu.org
- physicianassistanttraining.org/physician-assistant-career-requirements/
- journals.lww.com/jaapa/Fulltext/2016/04000/Physician_assistants_and_nurse_practitioners_are.1.aspx
- learnhowtobecome.org/physician-assistant
- usa.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-nurse-practitioner/
- learn.org/articles/What_Education_is_Required_for_Nurse_Practitioners.html