NP or PA or md?
There is such a large assortment of healthcare career paths, it can be overwhelming! But, knowing the difference between your options is essential when deciding what career path is best for you!
NPs, MDs, and PAs can all serve as primary care providers! You will find all three of these roles writing prescriptions, meeting with patients, as their duties are quite similar. But what makes them so different?
This chart below highlights the amount of training, salary, and amount of autonomy each career requires:
Disclaimer: Average Salary varies depending on location, speciality, and more.
NPs, MDs, and PAs can all serve as primary care providers! You will find all three of these roles writing prescriptions, meeting with patients, as their duties are quite similar. But what makes them so different?
This chart below highlights the amount of training, salary, and amount of autonomy each career requires:
Disclaimer: Average Salary varies depending on location, speciality, and more.
Profession |
Total Years of Training |
Autonomy |
Average Salary |
Nurse Practitioner |
5-8 |
Restricted, Reduced, and Full
practice |
$105,546 |
Physician Assistant |
7 |
Restricted Practice |
$102,090 |
Medical Doctor |
11+ |
Full practice |
$200,810 |
Nurse practitioner (NP)
According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), NPs are “clinicians that blend clinical experience in diagnosing and treating health conditions with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management.” Becoming a Nurse Practitioner requires a Master’s of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. It also requires additional training and certification, and requirements for certification differ between states. A nurse practitioner has more authority than a registered nurse, and similar responsibilities to that of a doctor. NPs are expected to write prescriptions, diagnose injuries/illnesses, conduct and order tests, provide care, etc. Nurse Practitioners can serve as a primary or specialty care provider, and usually focus their care on a specific population (families, children, elderly).
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Steps to becoming an NP:
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cardiac Nurse Practitioner
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Steps to becoming an NP:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree
- Become a registered nurse (involves passing NCLEX-RN exam)
- GET EXPERIENCE
- Get Graduate degree
- Obtain State License and Certification
- Pursue further specialization (OPTIONAL)
medical doctor (MD)
Medical Doctor (MD):
Medical Doctors are the most intensively training clinicians, meaning they have much more school and training. MDs can work in hospitals, clinics or private practices. They can treat patients for illness or injuries, prescribe medication, order tests, etc. Most medical doctors have a specialization such as dermatology or gynecology. Becoming an MD is not easy, it requires a doctorate degree in medicine, a medical license, and at least three years of residency.
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
Medical Doctors are the most intensively training clinicians, meaning they have much more school and training. MDs can work in hospitals, clinics or private practices. They can treat patients for illness or injuries, prescribe medication, order tests, etc. Most medical doctors have a specialization such as dermatology or gynecology. Becoming an MD is not easy, it requires a doctorate degree in medicine, a medical license, and at least three years of residency.
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Dermatology
- Orthopedics
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (take MCAT)
- Finish Medical School
- Residency
- Obtain a license to practice medicine
- Specialty Certification (OPTIONAL)
physician's assistant (PA)
Physician’s Assistant (PA):
According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, “PAs are certified as medical generalists with a foundation in primary care.” A PA’s main role is to perform exams, diagnose patients, create treatment plans, etc. They perform many of the same tasks as a physician, only under physician’s supervision. Physician assistant’s play a big role in the medical industry. This role can vary and be diverse. Becoming a PA requires a wide variety of skills in order to keep hospitals and clinics moving efficiently. Physician assistants help doctors, surgeons, and other medical professional with various tasks. They work in ALL areas of medicine, meaning formal training and experience is essential for this career.
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, “PAs are certified as medical generalists with a foundation in primary care.” A PA’s main role is to perform exams, diagnose patients, create treatment plans, etc. They perform many of the same tasks as a physician, only under physician’s supervision. Physician assistant’s play a big role in the medical industry. This role can vary and be diverse. Becoming a PA requires a wide variety of skills in order to keep hospitals and clinics moving efficiently. Physician assistants help doctors, surgeons, and other medical professional with various tasks. They work in ALL areas of medicine, meaning formal training and experience is essential for this career.
Here is a SHORT list of specialties:
- Dermatology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Surgery
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
- GAIN EXPERIENCE
- Apply to ARC-PA accredited programs
- Complete a master’s program
- Pass the PANSE licensing exam
COMMON QUESTION: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NP AND PA?
- NP must be a nurse
-NP are trained as specialists (adult, pediatrics, etc) -NP need to have a collaborating physician, but may practice independently -Nursing Board oversees NPs -Nurses use Nursing Model |
-PA can come from many backgrounds
-State Board of Medical Licensure oversees general medicine -All PAs MUST have an MD in a supervisory role -PA students have more hours of supervised clinical practice in training -PAs use the Medical Model |
Nursing Model vs Medical model
What's the difference?
A very reductionist explanation is that the medical model prioritizes the disease rather than the patient and the nursing model is more concerned with the patient's overall well being. While a patient centered model for care is a core principle of nursing, it is considered more of an elective in MD or PA school where they have a heavier emphasis on the pathophysiology of disease.
Click the picture below for a link to a better explanation.
Click the picture below for a link to a better explanation.