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Discussion

NP vs MD/DO

Hi,

I recently graduated with a B.S. in Physiology and realized at that instant that becoming a dentist isn't my true passion, rather, the medical fields is much more exciting to me. With that said, I've been deciding between a NP route vs an MD/DO route. I know the NP philosophy is centered around patient-centered care vs just treating the disease which is one reason why I'm attracted to it. But the question I would like to ask is has anyone here in this forum ever considered the NP route over the MD/DO route and why? Any advice will be greatly appreciated! :D I'm currently volunteering at a medical clinic and will shadow both NPs and MD/DOs to see which one I prefer the most.

Featured Replies

  • Author
hello, megamiepona and welcome to allnurses.com

here are three threads about this very topic:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/wanted-doctor-203369.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/stuck...ight=medschool

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/young-should-pursue-np-md-200198.html

we are very glad to have you with us. good luck with your career aspirations.

enjoy the site.

thanks for the forum links siri! how did you make your decision to become an np vs a doctor?

  • Admin

You are welcome, megamiepona.

Actually, I always wanted to be a nurse. After HS, I enrolled in an RN program. Never considered MD.

After becoming an RN, I went the NP route, became an OB-GYN NP and a few years later, an FNP (Family Practice NP).

I considered MD years afterwards and was actually accepted into med school. Decided after much much thought, that I was quite satisfied being an NP.

I think many nurses consider med school at some time in their careers, before becoming a nurse or afterwards. It is a huge decision to make, I know.

Shadowing an APN is a great idea to give you a better idea of what we do.

The only info I could share with you is that NP's have to work with/under an MD/DO. So they don't have the complete autonomy as the physicians have. So, as an NP, if you're into alternative therapies, nutritional supplements, etc. you'll need to find a physician that works with and believes in those same treatments in order for them to sign off on your orders. At least that was the way it was for the NP's that I worked with in home health. Good luck with your decision!

  • Admin

That's not entirely correct information, cisco.

Many NPs must work in "collaboration" with a physician, but not "under their direct supervision". Many NPs have their own practices in some states.

All states have NP prescriptive authority and the physicians do not "co-sign" the prescriptions for the NPs have their own DEA numbers.

And, physicians do not have to "sign-off" any orders.

Cisco is incorrect on how an NP works under a physician, they do not. In most states they can practice at their own medical practice or any medical facility. Cisco must be thinking of a Physician's assistant, they work under a physician and can't work in practice medicine by themselves like a nurse practitioner.

Cisco is incorrect on how an NP works under a physician, they do not. In most states they can practice at their own medical practice or any medical facility. Cisco must be thinking of a Physician's assistant, they work under a physician and can't work in practice medicine by themselves like a nurse practitioner.

In many states, NP's don't work directly under a Physician as a PA does, but must have a Physician "adviser" who "reviews" their charts, although this is often a formality. The Physician need not be in the same city even.

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