What is the difference between Doctor, P.A., and Nurse Practitioner?

A doctor has a degree from medical school (4 years, either an MD or a DO) and has gone through residency (anywhere from 3 to 10 additional years of training). They are licensed to practice medicine or surgery (or both) independently, write prescriptions, etc. They are board-certified, if qualified, on the national level and must obtain a state license where they practice.

The requirements for a PA vary a bit from state to state, but it's usually at least a two year program and many already have a bachelor's degree, but I don't think it's always required. They work in close relationships with supervising doctors and they don't perform surgery, but they may do almost any other aspect of medicine. They may write their own prescriptions under the doctor's license but are not independently licensed to practice on their own, although they are boarded nationally.

A nurse-practitioner is a nurse with an advanced degree beyond the RN, usually a masters but sometimes a PhD. Whether they practice completely independently or not varies by state, but in many states they do. They usually are highly specialized, like doctors who specialize, and prescribe under their own DEA number. They are also nationally certified and licensed by the state.

PAs and NPs, let me know if I have any of this wrong. ;-)

1

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

What is the difference between Doctor, P.A., and Nurse Practitioner?

I want to go into P.A. (physician assistant) but I don't quite know the difference.

Nurse Practitioners have to become an RN first...then go for their Master's degree as a NP. They can see their own patients and write prescriptions with a doctor's approval.

Physician Assistants can have an undergraduate degree in just about anything, but with a few required Biology and Chemistry courses as pre-requisites before they get their Master's degree as a P.A. They can also see their own patients, and in most states can write prescriptions (states like Ohio are the exception).

The decision you make should be based on the state you plan to practice in. Check out the AAPA website for more information about P.A.'s. : )

Hey,

In reply to your question, What is the difference between Doctor, P.A., and Nurse Practitioner?, I say you that this site http://asknursingonline.com/ might help you in your situation

As you asked; "I want to go into P.A. (physician assistant) but I don't quite know the difference." it may help you.

Best of Luck :)

"...Nurse Practitioners

NPs are advanced practice nurses. They must complete a four-year degree in nursing, plus a master's in an area such as family practice, pediatrics or geriatrics. "Most NPs were experienced nurses before returning to school to earn their master's degree," Swenson says.

Beginning in 2013, NPs will be required to complete a doctorate of nursing practice. Unlike the traditional Ph.D., this degree will focus on clinical practice. "It's an exciting development for the field," says Swenson, who is a nurse practitioner.

Although NPs enjoy a great deal of autonomy, they are required by state law to practice within a system "that provides for consultation, collaborative management and referral," according to the needs of the patient. This means that they must work closely with other members of the healthcare team, including physicians.

Physician Assistants

PAs complete a four-year degree in a science, such as chemistry or biology, plus a master's degree. Master's programs are structured much like medical school. For example, at Augsburg College, which offers the only PA program in Minnesota, candidates complete 19 months of classroom studies, followed by 17 months of clinical rotations. This clinical phase culminates in a 12-week preceptorship in a specialty.

By state law, PAs must practice under an agreement with a supervising physician. But they work quite independently, and are allowed to see patients "at locations that are geographically remote from the supervising physician..."

Good luck to you!

What you need to do is actually talk to PA's and NP's and find out what they can and cannot do in your state. The place to start would be here, at the PA assn's website:

http://www.aapa.org/

If you find a PA close to you, give him/her a call. Most of the PA's and NP's I know love to talk about what they do.

Both PA's and NP's work under the supervision of a doctor, but they have a lot of autonomy.

Doctors have significantly more education and training, and significantly more responsibility. They also make a lot more money, as would be expected, given the above factors.

here you will find an answer http://faqnursing.com/

Kind regards

Elly