Aug 11, 201510 yr What is the difference between NP & PA? From my research the fill seemingly the same scope except PA must be under a MD where in some states NP can be independent. Is that correct is there more to the difference More Like This Critical Care IMCU - Can someone tell me about it? 15 Replies Active 02/22/2026 07:49 PM Job Search, Interview, Resume Recently let go, how can I explain it 4 Replies Active 02/09/2026 12:56 PM
Aug 11, 201510 yr An NP is an advance practice nurse, an RN who has obtained a Master's degree as an advanced practice nurse, who uses a nursing model of treating.A PA is a medical model that has alternate theory. And may not be master's prepared.An NP can go from 0-RN, to NP without much of an RN experience.In order to get into PA school, one needs multiple hours of clinical experience (as an EMT or Medic) in order to apply for the program.Both work towards the same goals. I believe in some states NP's can be independent. In my state they work in conjunction with an MD. Same with PA's.NP's seem to have a great deal of choice when it comes to specialty. They are widely used in said specialty. Where as PA's work in some MD offices, however, most are found in emergency departments, at least in my area of the woods.Both are clinical providers.
Aug 11, 201510 yr Using a Google search with your own State as a key word would probably give you the best clue. Since practice varies considerably by State.....make Google your friend
Aug 11, 201510 yr An NP is an advance practice nurse, an RN who has obtained a Master's degree as an advanced practice nurse, who uses a nursing model of treating.A PA is a medical model that has alternate theory. And may not be master's prepared.An NP can go from 0-RN, to NP without much of an RN experience.In order to get into PA school, one needs multiple hours of clinical experience (as an EMT or Medic) in order to apply for the program.Both work towards the same goals. I believe in some states NP's can be independent. In my state they work in conjunction with an MD. Same with PA's.NP's seem to have a great deal of choice when it comes to specialty. They are widely used in said specialty. Where as PA's work in some MD offices, however, most are found in emergency departments, at least in my area of the woods.Both are clinical providers.Most of this is not correct at all. ALL Physician Assistants need a master's degree in order to practice All the NP programs I have looked at require so many years of RN experience before being accepted.Most PA programs PREFER hands on clinical experience such as EMT, CNA, ect, but, it is not always required.PA's have a great deal of choice when it comes to specialties also.
Aug 12, 201510 yr Most of this is not correct at all. All the NP programs I have looked at require so many years of RN experience before being accepted.There ARE direct entry NP programs which do not require any RN experience. Here is one that doesn't even require that one have a degree in nursing at all. One can be accepted with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.https://www.son.rochester.edu/programs/apnn/ampnn.html#admissionThe AMPNN is designed to admit non-nurse baccalaureate graduates to BS and MS programs in nursing. Non-nurses earn a bachelor's degree in a one-year generalist component (see the ABPNN program) and a master's degree in a two-year advanced practice component. Students are accepted to a Nurse Practitioner (NP) specialty upon admission to the AMPNN program. Graduates are eligible for professional Registered Nurse (RN) licensing examinations and Nurse Practitioner licensure and national credentialing.
Aug 12, 201510 yr American Academy of Physicians Assistants web site with helpful information:https://www.aapa.org/become-a-pa/
What is the difference between NP & PA? From my research the fill seemingly the same scope except PA must be under a MD where in some states NP can be independent. Is that correct is there more to the difference