Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant

[alejuandria]

Hi everyone. I am new to the site and I have a few questions. I am currently in college attempting to get my BSN. I know that once I receive my degree I want to continue my education. At this point I am stuck between going to become a physicians assistant or a nurse practitioner. I know that both programs that roughly 2 years to complete. But am not sure what the difference is between the two. If anyone can provide me with this information or a website please do so. Thanks.

[nursinghumor]

How long it will take, depends on where you go and how many classes you have under your belt already.

A PA is usually a four year degree while a Nurse Practitioner is usually a 2-3 year Masters in Nursing program.

One focuses on Nursing Practice, skills the other is for Medical School wannabees. It will focus more on diseases than the patient same as a doctor does.

I'd suggest getting at least two years of floor experience in an acute care setting to solidfy your nursing skills and gain experience.

Once you have that behind you, you'll always be able to find work and you can go anywhere in Nursing or Advance Practice.

Wish you luck.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[raymond]

I don't know of any four year PA programs, you will have to contact the above poster for that information. What I do know about the differences are, they are both master programs. A NP has his/her own licence where as a PA works under the licence of an MD. A PA told me once his job was like being an MD but just in residency his whole life, checking with another MD before making any major decisions. In my state NC, both write prescriptions, even narcotics without a co-signiture. PM me if this doesn't help.

[alejuandria]

Thanks

[alejuandria]

Thanks

[nursinghumor]

[ QUOTE ]
raymond said:
I don't know of any four year PA programs, you will have to contact the above poster for that information. What I do know about the differences are, they are both master programs.

[/ QUOTE ]


Hello Raymond,

Lots of Bachelors programs out there, one local to me is:

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Physician Assistant Program
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ
08854-5635
Phone: 732/235-4444

Needing a Masters is not a national requirement.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[vickin]

Is it true that there is approximately a $10,000 per year difference between NP and PA, with PA's being the higher income?

[carlitalives2ski]

The autonomy and actual practices for both NPs & PAs differs from state to state. There is an article that is published annually called the Pearson Report that breaks down state by state the exact practices for these health care providers.

The theoretical underpinnings of the two professions vary significantly. PAs come from a medical model, where the focus is on etiology and treatment of the disease. Nursing comes from a different paradigm, one that treats the patient from a wholistic standpoint.

[cougarnurse]

I would prefer the 'whole' person treated, then just the sx. Many health problems would be prevented/lessened if caught early.

'Cat'

[paxmaster]

I think it doesnt matter whether your a thid or that as long as your happy and satisfied with the situation