FNP vs PA

[nursing6207]

I am considering going back to school and wanted more information on FNP vs PA?

Also, I am a bit aprehensive in my decision in what I would like my masters degree to be in. FNP, CNS, Nurse Educator, Oncology NP. Any information would be helpful.

Also, is it easier for NP, or PA's to get jobs?

Thanks

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

Anyway, now that we're not communicating well I won't reply after this.

Ah, but we are!

[TakeBack]

I would say the best thing to do is to do you own research on the programs. Next decided on what you want to do in the future. At one point in time, I wanted to be a PA. After becoming a nurse, I realized that I did not want to work for anyone else for the rest of my life. As a NP I can have my own clinic and practice independently with the collaboration of an outside MD but, as a PA you can't do that. That in itself made my decision. Basically decide on what you see yourself doing in the future.

The reality of practice ownership shows that, last time I looked, about 2% of NPs own their clinic. That was 4 yrs ago or so, and it may have increased, but with the economy as it is I'd be surprised. If anyone has the numbers I'd love to see it. The same factors that are pushing generalists (and specialists!) into group practice or health system ownership affect nonphysician providers as well.The numbers are similar for PAs. They can own their practice, just not 100%; state requirments vary about the nominal single-digit percentage requirement for physician ownership.The only real difference is that some states (still less than half I believe) allow true independent practice whereas PAs are always dependent practitioners. The more rural you get, the easier it is to have a PA staffed clinic with remote supervision. For the most part PAs and NPs, as it currently stands, are quite similar in terms of practice ownership.