What is the difference between a PA & NP?

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Duties? Prescribing? I'm unclear on the differences in practice.

Thanks!

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Duties? Prescribing? I'm unclear on the differences in practice.

Thanks!

Hi,

Based on some research I have done, a nurse practioner is taught from a nursing/whole mind-body point of view while physician assistants learn from the medical model like doctors do in med school. Whether a NP or PA has medication prescribing priviliadges depends on the state they are in. Also whether an NP or PA practices independently is dependent upon the state they are in and the hospital/doctor they are working with. Even in states that say a PA/NP must work under a doctor, some are given lots of freedom and flexiblity. Many PA programs require that you have something like 1000-2000 hours of hands on patient care and take students who are EMTs/orderlies/or even nurses.

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Thank you for the very intelligent reply. It makes alot of sense, what you said. I think I will stay on the NP track. I like the 'whole person' model of care.

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