Comments on: The Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a Physician Assistant (PA) http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/ Healthcare Job Blog Mon, 20 May 2013 11:15:43 +0000 hourly 1 By: WelchNP http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1427 WelchNP Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:09:35 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1427 I have been an NP for 8 years and have never seen, until now a 36 hour work week. I have been specialized in neurosurgery, first OR assist as well as orthopeadics. I have worked rehab medicine and now vascular surgery. We can do anything and more that a PA can and for the record our training is everybit as demanding as "PA school" if not more so! They go from a 4 year school with a major in biology or some science to the PA program whereas the NP has sometimes as many as 2 prior degrees in nursing prior to the Masters in Nursing or Doctorate that PA's can't even obtain. The biggest difference between the 2 paths, and this is from personal experience is that the NP is more rounded in patient care and the PA tends to have the "I'm a mini doctor" syndrome that you just don't find with NP's. Another thing is salary, for the most part it is the same, but I will say I know of NO NP or PA making grater that $150k a year but I do make more than the 3 PA's that are in the same practice as me and they work in the hospital/OR and have to take call and all of the misery that goes with it, I don't and I run my independent clinic in the office BECASUSE the doc's know I can practice more independently than the PA's!! The future of healthcare will tell the true tell!! Just watch OBAMA care and you will see the NP's take over! I have been an NP for 8 years and have never seen, until now a 36 hour work week. I have been specialized in neurosurgery, first OR assist as well as orthopeadics. I have worked rehab medicine and now vascular surgery. We can do anything and more that a PA can and for the record our training is everybit as demanding as “PA school” if not more so! They go from a 4 year school with a major in biology or some science to the PA program whereas the NP has sometimes as many as 2 prior degrees in nursing prior to the Masters in Nursing or Doctorate that PA’s can’t even obtain. The biggest difference between the 2 paths, and this is from personal experience is that the NP is more rounded in patient care and the PA tends to have the “I’m a mini doctor” syndrome that you just don’t find with NP’s. Another thing is salary, for the most part it is the same, but I will say I know of NO NP or PA making grater that $150k a year but I do make more than the 3 PA’s that are in the same practice as me and they work in the hospital/OR and have to take call and all of the misery that goes with it, I don’t and I run my independent clinic in the office BECASUSE the doc’s know I can practice more independently than the PA’s!! The future of healthcare will tell the true tell!! Just watch OBAMA care and you will see the NP’s take over!

]]> By: Aaron http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1420 Aaron Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:06:20 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1420 I've been reading all these comments that seem to be NP is better and have more privileges and stuff. Here's the thing, I am going to PA school I have a bachelors degree in medical sciences from a highly recognized university and my older sister is in a NP program here in the same state. While a lot of you keep saying PA's cannot practice without the supervision of a MD and a nurse practitioner can is true in a sense. PA's are considered the right hand man of a Doctor and yes they are under the supervision of a doctor but they are the right hand man of a doctor the MD and PA collaborate together in the speciality they are in. PA's can open their own clinics in the same scope of practice as the doctor they have been working with and the doctor does not have to be present and PA's can diagnose and treat illnesses and perform many tests without the dr being present. PA's in certain specialities can make upwards of 130,000$ a year with experience according to a recent salary survey. Pa's practice under the medical part of medicine and NP's the nursing part. I had to take organic chemistry and physics at my school to be able to apply to their PA program and then graduate level courses like immunology, infectious diseases, biochemistry that I chose to take because it has been very helpful in my Pa studies. I don't like how this article and comments are basically saying NP's are better blah blah. Does it matter that much? PA's make a higher salary than NP's especially if they specialize in urgent care and surgeries. I appreciate anyone who is a NP or PA because they are providing care for sick people and helping out MD's. we should respect both careers. I’ve been reading all these comments that seem to be NP is better and have more privileges and stuff. Here’s the thing, I am going to PA school I have a bachelors degree in medical sciences from a highly recognized university and my older sister is in a NP program here in the same state. While a lot of you keep saying PA’s cannot practice without the supervision of a MD and a nurse practitioner can is true in a sense. PA’s are considered the right hand man of a Doctor and yes they are under the supervision of a doctor but they are the right hand man of a doctor the MD and PA collaborate together in the speciality they are in. PA’s can open their own clinics in the same scope of practice as the doctor they have been working with and the doctor does not have to be present and PA’s can diagnose and treat illnesses and perform many tests without the dr being present. PA’s in certain specialities can make upwards of 130,000$ a year with experience according to a recent salary survey. Pa’s practice under the medical part of medicine and NP’s the nursing part. I had to take organic chemistry and physics at my school to be able to apply to their PA program and then graduate level courses like immunology, infectious diseases, biochemistry that I chose to take because it has been very helpful in my Pa studies. I don’t like how this article and comments are basically saying NP’s are better blah blah. Does it matter that much? PA’s make a higher salary than NP’s especially if they specialize in urgent care and surgeries. I appreciate anyone who is a NP or PA because they are providing care for sick people and helping out MD’s. we should respect both careers.

]]> By: mike http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1319 mike Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:31:30 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1319 Blake.. awesome post. Im glad I stumbled upon this site.. Every NP and PA I have met could careless about this argument.. It seems like the only people who care are the ones that are trying to figure out which one they want to pursue. I will say this.. NP,PA, or MD.. titles mean nothing.. it always comes down to the individual.. You can talk about training and experience all you want.. but if the doc, PA, or NP doesnt give a shit.. then none of it matters. What good is 2000 hrs for PAs when they have never experienced a code and are pumping on someones chest trying to get them back like most nurses.. And what good is all that nursing when your simply sick of it and semi burned out.. and all the PAs and NPs can tell you what good is that med school when doctors stop caring cuz all they can think about is the hot nurses or tee time.. no.. none of it matters.. all programs have sufficient training and we know this because all professions have put out excellent practitioners.. but in the end.. the only thing that matters is the individual.. so when you step into a doctors office and see an "i could care less" face.. maybe then you can request an NP or PA.. side note.. I am RN and have seen great NPs and PAs and have seen idiot NPs and PAs.. the percentage is the same for MDs. Im not gonna sit here and say PAs are bad cuz lack of experience.. because most study their asses off in school and take full advantage of their clinical hours.. alot of NPs have great experience from hospitals and some have poor backgrounds.. so its a toss up.. just stop worrying about who is smarter and pick a program or if your a pt see the first person available.. Blake.. awesome post. Im glad I stumbled upon this site.. Every NP and PA I have met could careless about this argument.. It seems like the only people who care are the ones that are trying to figure out which one they want to pursue. I will say this.. NP,PA, or MD.. titles mean nothing.. it always comes down to the individual.. You can talk about training and experience all you want.. but if the doc, PA, or NP doesnt give a shit.. then none of it matters. What good is 2000 hrs for PAs when they have never experienced a code and are pumping on someones chest trying to get them back like most nurses.. And what good is all that nursing when your simply sick of it and semi burned out.. and all the PAs and NPs can tell you what good is that med school when doctors stop caring cuz all they can think about is the hot nurses or tee time.. no.. none of it matters.. all programs have sufficient training and we know this because all professions have put out excellent practitioners.. but in the end.. the only thing that matters is the individual.. so when you step into a doctors office and see an “i could care less” face.. maybe then you can request an NP or PA.. side note.. I am RN and have seen great NPs and PAs and have seen idiot NPs and PAs.. the percentage is the same for MDs. Im not gonna sit here and say PAs are bad cuz lack of experience.. because most study their asses off in school and take full advantage of their clinical hours.. alot of NPs have great experience from hospitals and some have poor backgrounds.. so its a toss up.. just stop worrying about who is smarter and pick a program or if your a pt see the first person available..

]]> By: Chris Gunderson http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1261 Chris Gunderson Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:48:40 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1261 It's funny how most articles that talk about the differences between NP's and PA's tend to offer the same stuff that you can find pretty much anywhere else on the Internet. If you really want to know the biggest things that separate a NP from a PA are: 1. PA's are required by law to have a relationship with a physician. This relationship is paramount to successfully taking care of patients. A lot people see this as a master/servant type relationship; however, this is quit the contrary. The relationship that a PA has with their supervising physician allows them to grow and develop skills beyond the basic skill set that a PA initially graduates with allowing them to become a more functional and collegial member of the health care team. This is what is meant by the phrase "independence gained through dependence". With this being said, I know many PA's that own their own clinic's that have partnered with a physician to provide supervision/mentoring. 2. PA's are trained in the medical model where as NP's are trained in the nursing model. This allows physicians and PA's to share a common knowledge so that they can communicate with one another more effectively. Good communication is paramount to providing excellent patient care. It provides a core philosophy that is shared by both physicians and PA's - putting the patient first, practicing evidence based medicine, practicing to the standards of care for their respective communities, and on-going learning. 3. All accredited PA programs have specific national standards that every program (regardless of which state you are from) must meet. Those standards mirror those of their supervising physicians. For example, physicians and PA's are required to recertify every 10 years and maintain a minimum of 50 CME's per year. The Board of Medicine in every state governs PA’s and physicians. NP programs vary wildly from state to state in regards to there core requirements and clinical hours. Once a NP you are only required to take you licensing board once in your entire life and in some states you do not have to take your boards to practice at all. Hence, this is why you see some NP's with the credentials ARNP v. FNP-C after their name. If you want to practice as a PA you have to be certified. In some states NP's (even though they are practicing medicine) are governed by their respective Boards of Nursing. 4. Personally, one of the most disturbing differences that I see that separates NP's from PA's that is sadly perpetuated by many physicians, legislatures, and lay people is the NP profession touting themselves as not just independent practitioners, but as equal in par with physicians in training and education. And, yes I am talking about the Doctor Nurse program that Columbia University and the various Nurse Associations have so dubiously promoted. Personally, I think that there is nothing more tragic in our health care system as a person who has 2-3 years of extra education touting themselves as an equivalent practitioner as physicians. I find it laughable that even with the extra clinical training that a NP gets from their Doctor Nurse program that they still run short of the amount of clinical hours a PA gets during their training. It is sad to see a group of people within such an honorable profession blindly place their own ambitions and desires above that of their patients over some sort of headstrong glory hunger, just so they can call themselves doctors without actually going to medical school. It just goes to show what you can get away with when you have large sums of money and huge PAC's in Washington. Yet, on the other side, their is a part of me that is some-what sadden by physicians total lack of abstinence to start a bridge program for NP's and PA's to get through medical school in a reduced amount of time, especially when their is a huge lack of primary care providers within this country. It’s funny how most articles that talk about the differences between NP’s and PA’s tend to offer the same stuff that you can find pretty much anywhere else on the Internet. If you really want to know the biggest things that separate a NP from a PA are: 1. PA’s are required by law to have a relationship with a physician. This relationship is paramount to successfully taking care of patients. A lot people see this as a master/servant type relationship; however, this is quit the contrary. The relationship that a PA has with their supervising physician allows them to grow and develop skills beyond the basic skill set that a PA initially graduates with allowing them to become a more functional and collegial member of the health care team. This is what is meant by the phrase “independence gained through dependence”. With this being said, I know many PA’s that own their own clinic’s that have partnered with a physician to provide supervision/mentoring. 2. PA’s are trained in the medical model where as NP’s are trained in the nursing model. This allows physicians and PA’s to share a common knowledge so that they can communicate with one another more effectively. Good communication is paramount to providing excellent patient care. It provides a core philosophy that is shared by both physicians and PA’s – putting the patient first, practicing evidence based medicine, practicing to the standards of care for their respective communities, and on-going learning. 3. All accredited PA programs have specific national standards that every program (regardless of which state you are from) must meet. Those standards mirror those of their supervising physicians. For example, physicians and PA’s are required to recertify every 10 years and maintain a minimum of 50 CME’s per year. The Board of Medicine in every state governs PA’s and physicians. NP programs vary wildly from state to state in regards to there core requirements and clinical hours. Once a NP you are only required to take you licensing board once in your entire life and in some states you do not have to take your boards to practice at all. Hence, this is why you see some NP’s with the credentials ARNP v. FNP-C after their name. If you want to practice as a PA you have to be certified. In some states NP’s (even though they are practicing medicine) are governed by their respective Boards of Nursing. 4. Personally, one of the most disturbing differences that I see that separates NP’s from PA’s that is sadly perpetuated by many physicians, legislatures, and lay people is the NP profession touting themselves as not just independent practitioners, but as equal in par with physicians in training and education. And, yes I am talking about the Doctor Nurse program that Columbia University and the various Nurse Associations have so dubiously promoted. Personally, I think that there is nothing more tragic in our health care system as a person who has 2-3 years of extra education touting themselves as an equivalent practitioner as physicians. I find it laughable that even with the extra clinical training that a NP gets from their Doctor Nurse program that they still run short of the amount of clinical hours a PA gets during their training. It is sad to see a group of people within such an honorable profession blindly place their own ambitions and desires above that of their patients over some sort of headstrong glory hunger, just so they can call themselves doctors without actually going to medical school. It just goes to show what you can get away with when you have large sums of money and huge PAC’s in Washington. Yet, on the other side, their is a part of me that is some-what sadden by physicians total lack of abstinence to start a bridge program for NP’s and PA’s to get through medical school in a reduced amount of time, especially when their is a huge lack of primary care providers within this country.

]]> By: JayeTee Redd http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1260 JayeTee Redd Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:30:13 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1260 Which has the higher or more advanced medical training, the NP or PA and how many years of medical training is required for each? Which has the higher or more advanced medical training, the NP or PA and how many years of medical training is required for each?

]]> By: Alex http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1147 Alex Thu, 24 May 2012 08:43:48 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1147 I'm currently in school perusing my ADN then plan on taking an accelerated transition course for my BSN while already working as an RN. I know that's not where I want to stop. I've wanted to be a physician but quite honestly, I don't want to be nearing 40 barely starting to practice medicine. I'm ok with the decision I've made to be a non-physician health worker. I've read every thread on here and am still torn whether to go for PA or NP! I feel as though having a BSN going to PA school will have its advantages as I would have nursing courses under my belt AND the rigorous training for PA. I have looked at the curriculums, salaries, and tuitions for both. Having researched this, I noticed everything was higher and harder for PAs than NPs. I currently live in AL but intend on moving to FL after finishing all my schooling. Having said that, is there any more insight someone might have? Especially in the state of FL? I’m currently in school perusing my ADN then plan on taking an accelerated transition course for my BSN while already working as an RN. I know that’s not where I want to stop. I’ve wanted to be a physician but quite honestly, I don’t want to be nearing 40 barely starting to practice medicine. I’m ok with the decision I’ve made to be a non-physician health worker.

I’ve read every thread on here and am still torn whether to go for PA or NP! I feel as though having a BSN going to PA school will have its advantages as I would have nursing courses under my belt AND the rigorous training for PA. I have looked at the curriculums, salaries, and tuitions for both. Having researched this, I noticed everything was higher and harder for PAs than NPs. I currently live in AL but intend on moving to FL after finishing all my schooling. Having said that, is there any more insight someone might have? Especially in the state of FL?

]]> By: Kevin http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1133 Kevin Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:34:33 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1133 Well said Blake!!!! and Dan YOUR INFORMATION is WAY OFF!!!!!! do NPs if you like to deal and actually touch and be there for patients -PA if you want to do more diagnosing and stuff -salary is VERY similar changes state to stay of course -big plus is NPs you can practice independently, if you want to own your own practice some day go that route. -other then that idk what to tell people Well said Blake!!!! and Dan YOUR INFORMATION is WAY OFF!!!!!!

do NPs if you like to deal and actually touch and be there for patients
-PA if you want to do more diagnosing and stuff
-salary is VERY similar changes state to stay of course
-big plus is NPs you can practice independently, if you want to own your own practice some day go that route.
-other then that idk what to tell people

]]> By: Lauren http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-1043 Lauren Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:26:10 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-1043 I am curious as to where everyone is getting there facts. Firstly, PAs make more in some areas, but generally the pay is the same. The major exception is the west coast, particularly California where there is a strong nurse's union. The NP in Ca is licensed under the state nursing board and far exceeds the salaries of the PA in Ca (est. $30K more). Second, the PA has a biology degree or something similar usually, then they get their masters (est. 3 year program). This is does not mean they come with healthcare experience. They receive all of their training in school or after in a fellowship. NPs should (however, not always) have several years experience in an acute care setting. Some programs take NPs with less experience, which I don't agree with. Typically, most NPs have had several years HEALTHCARE experience. What more needs to be said? Everything you learn in healthcare, you learn on the job and anyone who says different is lying to themselves. And as far as the curriculum goes, at the end of the day, both PAs and NPs sit for boards. Do you think that the boards are easier for NPs?!?! I am curious as to where everyone is getting there facts. Firstly, PAs make more in some areas, but generally the pay is the same. The major exception is the west coast, particularly California where there is a strong nurse’s union. The NP in Ca is licensed under the state nursing board and far exceeds the salaries of the PA in Ca (est. $30K more). Second, the PA has a biology degree or something similar usually, then they get their masters (est. 3 year program). This is does not mean they come with healthcare experience. They receive all of their training in school or after in a fellowship. NPs should (however, not always) have several years experience in an acute care setting. Some programs take NPs with less experience, which I don’t agree with. Typically, most NPs have had several years HEALTHCARE experience. What more needs to be said? Everything you learn in healthcare, you learn on the job and anyone who says different is lying to themselves. And as far as the curriculum goes, at the end of the day, both PAs and NPs sit for boards. Do you think that the boards are easier for NPs?!?!

]]> By: Blake http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-922 Blake Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:23:20 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-922 Dan, respectfully, im not sure where you get your information. my clinical requirement from my NP program was 1000 hrs. You are also not mentioning the 4 years of nursing school and clinical training before i ever stepped into NP school. Not mentioning other training gained in nursing pracitice such as "CEN, ACLS, TNCC, ATLS, PALS,ITLS, BLS, PEPP,and last but not least CCRN", all achieved prior to advanced practice training and actually used in pt care situations. My graduate program also required at least 1 year of critical care experience prior to admission and was a 3 year program. 7 years of school and 1 year of critical care minimum, and you say that a buisness degree and 2 years of school is better training? your comments appear to be enclusive at times but are clearly inflammatory in nature. PA's are well trained and i love working side by side with them and the MD, i choose not to degrade any of them. however.....i think that this discussion may be better served by those of us who acutally touch patients. i would never attempt to determine how well a pharmacist counts pills because i am not a pharmacist. Dan, respectfully, im not sure where you get your information. my clinical requirement from my NP program was 1000 hrs. You are also not mentioning the 4 years of nursing school and clinical training before i ever stepped into NP school. Not mentioning other training gained in nursing pracitice such as “CEN, ACLS, TNCC, ATLS, PALS,ITLS, BLS, PEPP,and last but not least CCRN”, all achieved prior to advanced practice training and actually used in pt care situations. My graduate program also required at least 1 year of critical care experience prior to admission and was a 3 year program. 7 years of school and 1 year of critical care minimum, and you say that a buisness degree and 2 years of school is better training? your comments appear to be enclusive at times but are clearly inflammatory in nature. PA’s are well trained and i love working side by side with them and the MD, i choose not to degrade any of them. however…..i think that this discussion may be better served by those of us who acutally touch patients. i would never attempt to determine how well a pharmacist counts pills because i am not a pharmacist.

]]> By: dan http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/advanced-practice/the-difference-between-a-nurse-practitioner-np-and-a-physician-assistant-pa/comment-page-2/#comment-895 dan Mon, 02 Jan 2012 22:12:44 +0000 http://blog.sunbeltstaffing.com/?p=142#comment-895 I have read the entire thread. There is a level of truth in most of the comments posted. A quick glance at the comments and you can quickly pick up on the bias view. The facts are the facts. And I will point them out. I have an association with both groups and well informed about intent, practice parameters for both. First thing to understand, the nursing board is independent, it is as easy for the board to declare medical independence as it is for it to declare nurse practioners as rockets scientist. The meaning of this there is no check and balance with respect the credential they pass out. And although some PAs have private practice via hiring a physician part time to collaborate with, the fact is on paper NPs are the independent practioner of the two under the law... In the real world, all hospital treat mid-level care practioners equally, that is regardless of the groups the doctor is the final check off.. As for education, facts are the facts... the didactics associated with diagnosis and treatment it is clear, PAs has much more class room and clinical rotation time. Just for a quick illustration, the guidelines for NP education dictates 700 clinical hours which may be done sparingly, 700 clinical hours amounts to ~ about little than 3months of rotation. Looking at PA training, each rotation is about 2months long. The real, true on average coming right out of school a PA will be better informed then a NP but that edge quickly disappear within the first two years of working... Intent, both groups want to be independent, which is concerning as a healthcare consumer. One comment said, they will be the new primary care providers, really? Truth is neither profession rise to the level of training and education necessary to be completely independent. Whether PAs change the name to physician associates, or whether NPs, add another credential to the same thing they've been doing (DNP), none of it can make up for the standard set for medical practice. The good, both are highly skilled profession with a lot to offer the medical community. My suggestion dont do either if you believe its a short cut to acting like a doctor. In the end, when push come to shove, there will be signs notifying patient to specify whether you want to be treated by a medical doctor, MD, a nurse practioner, who practice medicine in a nursing model, or Physician assistant... It goes that route you will be looking for a job. Ironic enough PAs and NPs I have talked to, refuse to see anyone other than a the medical doctor do you think the rest of the public will feel differently..? Im a pharmacist so it doesnt matter to me. What i see, is that, NPs are ever trying to be viewed like doctors, and you think its a good move, but it will end up biting you in the future when push come to shove... If you want to be a doctor go do it, if you want to be a mid level care do it.. , but whatever you do stay in your lane. We all in healthcare, so no need for PAs n NPs to bicker about 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place... The ultimate choice rest with the patient. If you're a patient what would you choose. I have read the entire thread. There is a level of truth in most of the comments posted. A quick glance at the comments and you can quickly pick up on the bias view. The facts are the facts. And I will point them out. I have an association with both groups and well informed about intent, practice parameters for both. First thing to understand, the nursing board is independent, it is as easy for the board to declare medical independence as it is for it to declare nurse practioners as rockets scientist. The meaning of this there is no check and balance with respect the credential they pass out. And although some PAs have private practice via hiring a physician part time to collaborate with, the fact is on paper NPs are the independent practioner of the two under the law… In the real world, all hospital treat mid-level care practioners equally, that is regardless of the groups the doctor is the final check off.. As for education, facts are the facts… the didactics associated with diagnosis and treatment it is clear, PAs has much more class room and clinical rotation time. Just for a quick illustration, the guidelines for NP education dictates 700 clinical hours which may be done sparingly, 700 clinical hours amounts to ~ about little than 3months of rotation. Looking at PA training, each rotation is about 2months long. The real, true on average coming right out of school a PA will be better informed then a NP but that edge quickly disappear within the first two years of working… Intent, both groups want to be independent, which is concerning as a healthcare consumer. One comment said, they will be the new primary care providers, really? Truth is neither profession rise to the level of training and education necessary to be completely independent. Whether PAs change the name to physician associates, or whether NPs, add another credential to the same thing they’ve been doing (DNP), none of it can make up for the standard set for medical practice. The good, both are highly skilled profession with a lot to offer the medical community. My suggestion dont do either if you believe its a short cut to acting like a doctor. In the end, when push come to shove, there will be signs notifying patient to specify whether you want to be treated by a medical doctor, MD, a nurse practioner, who practice medicine in a nursing model, or Physician assistant… It goes that route you will be looking for a job. Ironic enough PAs and NPs I have talked to, refuse to see anyone other than a the medical doctor do you think the rest of the public will feel differently..? Im a pharmacist so it doesnt matter to me. What i see, is that, NPs are ever trying to be viewed like doctors, and you think its a good move, but it will end up biting you in the future when push come to shove… If you want to be a doctor go do it, if you want to be a mid level care do it.. , but whatever you do stay in your lane. We all in healthcare, so no need for PAs n NPs to bicker about 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place… The ultimate choice rest with the patient. If you’re a patient what would you choose.

]]>