what is the great debate about PA vs NP I've been contemplating

[mom2twinsplus1]

both since beginning the 2nd degree program and cannot figure it out where are the differenciations are why both seem to duke it out against each other or even where it came from.

Any insight would be great

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

both since beginning the 2nd degree program and cannot figure it out where are the differenciations are why both seem to duke it out against each other or even where it came from.

Any insight would be great

Do a little bit of research regarding the nursing model of care and then check into the medical model, or allopathic model. NP's use the nursing one and PA's use the medical one. Which one sounds like the best fit for you and the one you would like to use in delivering care? If nursing is the best fit, then NP is the way to go as 23 states and growing recognize NP's as independent providers of care.

If the medical model meets your needs, then you have to decide if you wish to be an independent or dependent provider of care. If your needs include becoming an independent medical provider of care, consider medical school. If you are OK with being a dependent provider, that is your practice will always require supervision from a physician, than the PA route might be the way to go.

[mom2twinsplus1]

Thanks for your response I have tried to research the difference btwn the two mainly just by googling and haven't gound any conclusive evidence. Thanks again for taking the time to help me understand this. Do you have any sugessions on specific avenues I could take for research on the difference between medical and nursing models?

[LewisNClark]

Some scholars call these professions "separated at birth" and say that there is essentially no difference in the actual clinical duties. Nursing has a theoretical background and a history that is much different that physician assisting, however, and I think that can't be ignored. Further, as the previous poster stated, NPs are getting more independence to practice (depending on the state). I don't see this happening with PAs any time soon. As fragmented as nursing can be, it seems to me that there is a susbstantially stronger political movement associated with the profession, as compared to PAs. (Could be wrong on this one, but it's my general impression.)