NPs and PAs play unique roles in healthcare and both professions allow practitioners to work in different specialty areas. Generally, NPs specialize in a specific population, while PAs have a general background. An NP practices under the nursing model of care and may work independently without direct physician oversight depending on state regulations. A PA boasts a traditional medical background and may specialize in surgical care.
However, PAs must work under a physician's supervision. It takes longer to become a PA. NP master's programs typically last 24 months, although an NP must first earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. PAs must also complete a bachelor's degree before beginning graduate studies. Their master's program is typically 27 months and includes 2, hours of clinical experience.
However, earning potential varies widely by specialty. Prospective nurse practitioners must complete a graduate degree. An MSN typically requires about two years of full-time study. Graduates must pass a national certification exam in their chosen specialty area and fulfill any state-specific requirements to obtain their APRN licenses.
Prospective PAs must also complete a graduate-level program. While admission requirements for PA schools vary, most look for candidates with high GPAs and medical experience. Graduates must pass a national certification exam and apply for licensure in the state they plan to practice in.
Professional organizations offer a variety of membership benefits, including access to resources, events, and professional development ventures. The following organizations provide PAs with many helpful benefits, including events, seminars, and opportunities for professional development and networking. In , she obtained her MA in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska.
She has more than 15 years of clinical experience with all ages and in many different environments. Cynthia has always been committed to public awareness and overall health for herself as well as others. Meredith specializes in out-of-hospital birth, lactation support, and childbirth education.
Her professional passions include holistic medicine, VBAC, and evidence-based care. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Share this. PAs complete a master's degree in 27 months or three academic years. They are responsible for performing physical assessments, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, starting and managing treatment, and coordinating care, including patient education and counseling. According to the American Medical Association, PAs working under a physician's supervision are authorized to perform physical assessments, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, and assist in surgery.
PAs must graduate from an accredited program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam to become licensed in their state. They must also obtain national certification as a PA. Top Nurse Practitioner Programs.
State nursing boards declare a student eligible to take the certification exam and issue an authorization to test. On the other hand, physician assistants follow a disease-centric model. They are trained to make deductions based on clinical reports and symptoms source. However, RNs who go on to become PAs get to apply their nursing skills to this profession. Their empathetic approach, acute analytical skills, and advanced training as a PA make for a winning combination.
As an RN, you may already meet this prerequisite if you have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Some PA programs are more science-oriented than others and may require specific classes not covered in nursing school. Thus, you should look at the required qualifications of each program before making the final decision. The best option is to select a PA program that matches with your current academic and professional profile.
First, you will have to complete several semesters usually 3 of academic coursework which is a blend of theory and practical knowledge required in the field. After this, the PA student will move onto a clinical setting to complete the required clinical hours. This can be done in a number of ways, specific to each program.
Most will look somewhat similar to clinicals in nursing school. The minimum duration for that is clinical hours, and most clinical rotations may take place in multiple settings source. On the whole, completing the PA program takes months depending on the school you applied to. Your clinical rotations and academic grades may also affect the timeframe. However, your professional experience allows you to adapt to the demanding rotations more quickly. Otherwise, the board would not accept your PA degree.
Apart from this, you have to log in at least a hundred hours of Continuing Medical Education CEM every two years to maintain your certification. They have the medical training, advanced skills, and experiences necessary to get enrolled in the program.
Therefore, any nurse who wants a different career trajectory with different responsibilities can become a physician assistant. It will take a nurse approximately 3. The exam is questions and lasts five hours. After completing your education and certification, you can create a resume that emphasizes your medical skills.
Here are resume tips for physician assistants:. Lastly, you can use your resume to apply to physician assistant jobs. To learn about open positions for PAs, you can network with other students from your PA program. Your school may also post job opportunities for graduates on its own job board. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job. What is a nurse? Registered nurse : A registered nurse is a nurse who has completed nursing school and passed a licensing exam.
You can earn an RN license after completing an associate degree or bachelor's degree program. Licensed practical nurse: LPNs perform more basic tasks compared to registered nurses and earn a diploma or certificate that can take less time to complete than nursing school. Licensed practical nurses also must pass an exam to get a license to practice as a nurse.
Nurse practitioner: A nurse practitioner is a medical professional who earns at least a master's degree and passes an exam to become an NP. Clinical nurse: A clinical nurse is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate education by earning a master or doctorate degree in nursing. What is a physician assistant? Surgery: Physician assistants can specialize in performing care for patients before and after surgeries at the direction of surgeons.
Family medicine: PAs who specialize in family medicine can provide general care for patients throughout their lives. Emergency care: Physician assistants can work in an emergency department to independently care for patients with life-threatening conditions. Dermatology: PAs with a dermatology specialty can diagnose and treat skin conditions and perform diagnostic tests. Pain management: Physician assistants can specialize in helping patients manage their pain by prescribing medications and monitoring patients' symptoms and side-effects.
Pathology: A PA with a pathology specialty can assist pathologists with autopsies and postsurgical tissue samples that can help with diagnosis of diseases and medical research.
Radiology: A physician assistant who specializes in radiology can order and perform diagnostic tests using medical imaging devices and observe medical images to perform diagnoses. Nurse vs. PA: Similarities and differences. Listen to patients' symptoms and conditions and input this information into medical records Take patient vitals and health statistics including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, height and weight Conduct physical exams for patients Confer with doctors and other medical professionals on patients' symptoms and treatments Counsel patients on symptom management and medications.
Perform patient exams Order diagnostic tests and interpret their results Diagnose patients' conditions Prescribe medications to treat patients Develop and manage treatment plans for patients. Job outlook. Work environment. Licensing and certification. How to pursue a nurse to PA career path. Review the requirements. Experience: Most physician assistant programs require applicants to gain at least 2, hours of patient care and health care experience.
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