NP vs. PA

My big sis is a doc on the west coast and she said they had a nurse at her hospital that was trying to get into a PA program forever, so she finally gave up and went the NP route. In the long run she was very happy. From what I hear the schools are few and far between, wait lists are long, and in the end you do about the same thing give or take, plus you get paid about the same. Personally, I'd do the NP route, but that's just me. Good luck!

I have the same impression that the PA route takes forever and I am 31 and dont want to wait too long.. I know that NP route is really good too due to the opportunities that there is in with Nursing. Wow its incredible how popular PA are now a days there are hiring them alot. There is a large demand but I have seen the pre-reqs and are much more the PAs.

Thanks much and many blessings to you!

I think it really just depends on what side you want to work on. NP is more on the nursing side and PA is more or the doctor side. I'm going to go for NP once I get my BSN. You can have your own practice etc. I looked them up quite a while ago. There were a few differences but nothing major I can think of right now. Do a Google search. "Differences between NP and PA" You should get a lot of info.

Hi Melanie~

I am thinking the samething doing my BSN and then getting my NP degree. They are both great careers but I think the Nursing model is more my calling.

Thanks so much! Good luck on your path!

Depending on the state you're planing to practice. NPs can prescribe meds and PAs need a MDs approval on their prescriptions. NPs can't assist during surgery and PAs can.

I second on PA being more on the MD side and NPs on the nursing side.