PA

PRACTICE

NP

PRACTICE

EXAM/LICENSURE

SCHOOLING

SCHOOLING

Advanced practice healthcare providers that assess, diagnose, and treat patients.

EXAM/LICENSURE

PAYMENT

Many have medical experience from the past (e.g: used to be nurses, or other medical profession)

They are minimally masters prepared (degree wise)

MSN or Doctorate of Nursing Practice

Bachelor's degree in any major then 2-3 year PA program (about 25 weeks)

Nursing Model: Focuses on holistic patient care, culture, status, looking at the patient as a whole, etc.

The Program can be in person, hybird, part-time, full time, etc.

(2019 data) In 21 States + Washington DC, NP's can practice without MD oversight

American Nurses Credentialing Center exam (ANCC)

OR

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

PAY/MONEY

Depends on the specialty, state, experience level, etc.

Average $111,840

Some run their own clinic

1st year: Theory/Book work. 2nd year: rotations/clinicals (a lot like med school)

Clinical Hours: 2,000

Clinical Hours: 500-1,500

In-person program ONLY

2 years full time, 3 years part time, and/or + 1 year for Doctorate

Medical Model: Focuses mostly on disease

Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

ALWAYS needs MD oversight (it's not babysitting, it's more like a 2nd pair of eyes)

Depends on the specialty, state, experience level, etc.

YouTuber - Nurse Liz: Family Nurse Practitioner

Average: $108,610

Schedule Flexibility

Work nightshifts

Work 3, 12's

Work 2, 24's

Other options

Lowest Paid: $90,150

Highest Paid: $127,220

Nurse Liz

Youtuber: Adanna the PA

Adana the PA

Can also work in a small clinic but there needs to be an MD

PARAGRAPH

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice nurses that can diagnose, treat, consult, and do other things to help patients. They are also able to conduct physicals, order tests, prescribe medication, and more. In some states, NP's don't need an MD's supervision and can even run their own clinic. Many people used to be RN's before they became an NP so they have years of experience. To be an NP, they need to enter a Masters or Doctorate program which can last from 2-4 years. The good thing about NP programs is that they are very flexible. Some do part time programs, others do full time, some can even do online or hybrid.

PARAGRAPH

Physician Assistants are very similar to NP's. They can also diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication to help patients. Unlike NP's, PA's need to have MD supervision therefore they cannot run their own clinic without an MD. This does not mean that PA's are being babysat with every patient. MD supervision is more like a second pair of eyes in case they need help. Some people go directly to PA school after majoring in any subject in college. Others are first nurses (or other) and then advance their career to PA school. PA programs are about 2-3 years but there is not much flexibility. People have to go to PA school full time.

They can work in different specialties