Physician Assistant vs Nurse Practitioner: What's the Difference?

Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant? You may be trying to decide which path to take or simply what is the difference. In this video you will hear the biggest differences between the two (PA vs NP) professions.
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About me:
I’m Michele Neskey, aka The Posh PA. Welcome to my channel! My mission is to provide personalized guidance, education, and motivation to build confidence and promote wellness for aspiring physician assistants and beyond.
Having been a PA for 17+ years and helped hundreds of students gain acceptance into PA school, I understand the admissions process. I know what they are looking for, and I can help you tailor every component to make you shine, giving you the BEST chance of getting accepted to a program. But it doesn't end there. I create personalized plans for PA students and practicing PAs including test-taking strategy for the PANCE, contract negotiations, and tools to overcome and prevent provider burnout.
My goal is to get you into a physician assistant (PA) school & survive the rigorous program, help you prevent burnout as a practicing PA, and help you take care of yourself so you can be the best version of YOU for your patients, family, and most importantly YOU!
#physicianassistant #nursepractitioner

[@theposhpa]

If you have any questions let me know :

[@chrissutton1730]

I'm 36 and just started going to school to complete a bachelors in RT. I've been thinking more and more everyday that I might want to keep going after and become a PA. I'm worried about being "too old" once I have completed my degree's. Also outside of shadowing would you think that doing clerical work of some kind would be constituted as medical experience by a PA school?

[@theposhpa]

@@chrissutton1730 You are not too old!! I love helping non-traditional applicants :) Clerical work would not count as patient care experience but would as healthcare experience if in the medical arena

[@chrissutton1730]

@@theposhpa right now I do scheduling for patients who are in the ER. I go into every patients room and try to get them follow ups with the correct specialties or their PCPs' based on whatever the concern is that brought them in. I've learned so much just from being around the profession that it's really kinda opened my eyes to it and sort of given me a passion for the field just from watching and seeing interactions. I never really expected to learn anything about the human body when I took this job. I thought I was just going to be doing the office work side of it and then go home. However it's driven me to want to become an RT and since the company I work for pays for the schooling practically it seems it would be stupid not to advance my knowledge in the area for free practically.

[@juanleonardo3359]

I am an NP myself but I can see from the comments that there's a lot of insecure NPs out her lol. Let's face it, PAs are trained like MDs - the medical model schooling. Majority of NPs like myself obtained it online, which is not bad. But if we are talking about who is more highly trained and knowledgeable to be a provider, we all know it is the PA. MDs prefer PAs than NPs and that's the truth. I am out here to spread facts than being too defensive and insecure LOL.

[@SarangiNepali]

Thank you!!! God. God bless your heart

[@Dezzy372]

You are not an NP! Stop being a damn troll.. 🙄

[@armandosolis3560]

My friend got his FNP and DNP online....@@SarangiNepali

[@felixt.8354]

😂 🤝

[@tannercollins2925]

Thank you for this comment. Let the truth be told

[@jann1717]

I am not a student for either profession; but, I am doing research since most of my medical visits are now managed by either a PA or NP. If there is a doctor in the office, I've yet to see them. Anyway, with no insult intended, (especially as I see a lot of PAs without concern) it seems that NPs have more practical, hands on experience with a variety of illnesses since they were a nurse first. My niece is heading to PA school but has only been a CNA as part of her requirement & that doesn't seem to be exactly the same. Your video offers some clarity but.... Thank you.

[@isaiahburns2870]

I love your videos and I think an interesting topic to cover would be crna vs caa

[@theposhpa]

Thank you! I agree :)

[@stephaniephillips4450]

Thank you so much. You have articulated the differences very well. Do you know if it is doable to end up in Neonatology as a PA?

[@theposhpa]

Yes it is!

[@Dezzy372]

My brother is a PA, and he said he sometimes feel like it was a waste. I asked why? He said he didn’t feel prepared upon graduation, and like me, we are very educated individuals. That’s why I decided to choose the NP route. I however, do think it’s important that we work together in the field, we already have the MD thinking we’re trying to steal their JOB! 😂

[@armandosolis3560]

You never will. A NP or a PA doing Neurosurgery or CardioThoracic surgery with some undergraduate science classes(PA)-could be a Bachelor of Arts and 2 years of PA school-ah , no thanks!

[@Baseballismature]

facts #stopscopecreep@@armandosolis3560

[@Alfeco-dm7uk]

Dude. You leave the university knowing nothing about nothing. That's the same in every career and every country. Shut up. Listen. Learn. Shut up. You are the FNG, so shut up, listen, learn and shut up.

[@Dezzy372]

@@armandosolis3560 I’m sure you mop floors at McDonald’s, stay out of this conversation! 🤣

[@armandosolis3560]

Aren't you the head cashier at in and out burgers? Swear I've heard that name there. LOL. Get my order right dangit!!!!@@Dezzy372

[@dr.deborahjenksdnp2716]

You did a fairly good job of breaking down the differences, however, NPs are not supervised by physicians in over half the states.

[@theposhpa]

Thanks. Yes its definitely state dependent.

[@juanleonardo3359]

No offense but I don't think being supervised does really matter. As an NP who worked with both NPs and PAs, I can admit to myself that PAs are more preferred by MDs because of their training of the Medical model. And PAs tend ton have more superiority than NPs. But I am happy with my job - just not jealous in any ways lol

[@metorphoric]

@@juanleonardo3359 This is totally subjective and depends on the geography, and discipline. I worked in healthcare as a Recruiter for a Endocrine, Family Medicine and OBGYN clinics and we mostly hired FNP.

[@Lifegoals4me]

I suspect that depends on where you live! That’s not typical of Arizona, NPs are highly valued here. We’re a full authority state, so no doctor supervision. I think physicians are often resentful that in full-authority states, they can’t make extra pocket money off “supervising” NPs. I have friends that practice in states that aren’t full-authority and they often share their frustration about having to pay for supervision that is practically non-existent.

[@kevinzhang6623]

@@juanleonardo3359 Well, being an independent practitioner is a privilege, isn't it?

[@jnursing]

Critical Care RN in NP school here: Everyone here is so disrespectful. NP’s and PA’s are amazing providers. Most NP’s have a lot of years of experience at the bedside and even critical care. Which if anyone didn’t know, nurses tend to catch some things MD’s and other providers miss. With that being said, having that clinical background as an RN at least 3 plus years before becoming an NP, I wouldn’t go with a PA who there could be a chance jumped straight into a Masters degree from being a business man or an artist, or anything else but a clinician. So that’s why NPs are a bit more trusted. Yes PA’s have extensive training AKA 2 years only just like most NP programs, not online ones! But at the end of the day 2 years would be there only “experience” in a clinical setting if they weren’t any type of clinician before entering PA school and barely because first year is didactic only and second year is clinical rotations. In order to be an NP, in a good school, you must be an RN with bedside experience for at least 2 years. So if anything an NP would have much more clinical exposure anyway than a PA, who was a an accountant who got their undergrad health sciences degree before deciding to become a PA. So y’all have to stop being disrespectful to NPs and PAs as well both are amazing providers and they are an extension to the interdisciplinary team. It’s called collaborative care delivery and for y’all that don’t even have a degree or a medical background, get out of the comments cause you absolutely know nothing about the medical community. It’s always the ones that have not achieved the least bit of education that have something to say.

[@theposhpa]

I completely agree!

[@kelseyparochelli595]

There is a huge variation in NP training based on experience as an RN. I too was a critical care RN for 7 years before I became an NP. I feel really prepared with my training because of the experience I had as an RN. I really think NP training is what you make of it. There will be some NPs who got into school as a new grad RN and had a basic RN experience before completing their NP. I would argue those NP are less prepared than a new grad PA. Then there are the ER or ICU RNs for 30 years that chose to go back to NP school. In some cases they have more experience in the medical field than a MD. Both PA and NP professions are great. They both have their strengths and weaknesses.

[@nemomemo5191]

You do need a set number of hours in a clinical setting before you apply to PA school (2-3k hours for competitive applicants) in addition to being exceptional in undergrad which consists of hard 300 level classes like orgo, biochem, genetics etc. Trust me those courses really test someone’s capability of learning. Not gonna get into how competitive it is to even get into the program. PAs and NPs have different paths but are ultimately on the same level of practice. There gonna be NPs better than PAs and vice verse. Better not to generalize because one was a RN and the other wasn’t.

[@felixt.8354]

I dont wanna disregard nursing experience before NP school. Nurses are VALUABLE. However, years of experience as an RN doesn't equate to years of being a provider (figuring out a medical diagnoses and treatment). So I wouldn't necessarily say that those years of nursing make an NP extra better than a PA as a provider. And like someone else said, Pre-PAs are required to have 2k hr clinical experience before PA school.

[@The_Temple]

Philosophy of care differs substantially between the two

[@Keshia-sc2bp]

I'm doing Health Studies now, to get in the Respiratory Care program. I did my research about PA im very interested in it. Can you give me any tips on pursuing in the field?

[@theposhpa]

Yes I have tons of videos on this channel!

[@deeR0o]

Hey! I have been stuck on whether I want to become a PA or NP. I am about to graduate high school and not sure which route is right for me. But I had a quick question, for my undergraduate degree, what should I study to have a greater chance at being accepted into PA school, and what should I study to have a greater chance at being accepted into NP programs? Thank you for the amazing videos!

[@theposhpa]

Sorry for the delayed response. You can either decide to get a bachelors in nursing which would help towards NP or for PA any science major that you are interested in that gets your prerequisites done.

[@pookariah18]

NP here, thanks for not disparaging NPs. We are here simply because there is a huge gap in patient access to providers, due to the fact that many MDs are choosing to go into specialties. I am absolutely shocked at what I read on MD forums about their opinion of nurse practitioners. We are here to assist and augment the MDs practice because doctors asked for help in the 1960s. That’s why the position was created in the first place. I have worked in both the primary care and hospital setting and as far as I can tell MD utilize us in the same way.

[@pabbi4383]

may i know how to be a physician assistant after nursing program? thanks

[@bentleygamertv1624]

Curious too

[@sagebell6629]

yes i would like to hear a response on this

[@kimberella2105]

If I could start my nursing career again I’d go to PA school as a lpn lol. I’m a RN though going for NP since there’s no other way for me to transition

[@theposhpa]

You can apply to PA school as an RN.

[@XmXm999]

@@theposhpaI am thinking of doing this. Realized nursing path might not be too challenging for me. PA seems a bit more higher training. Please , any advice. As soon i entered the ED, i start IV lines easy, i am not nervous and i do very well with patients. I am not interested in doing bed pens and medsurgy things :/

[@amy.a518]

@@XmXm999there are more specialities than just med surg…

[@kevinzhang6623]

Yes you can and many nurses have, you just need to fulfill the prereqs. In fact it's easier since you don't need the 1000-4000 hours of clinical experience, you already have that as a nurse, it may make you a stronger applicant. There are people with degrees in an unrelated field, some masters or even PhD's that have worked in that field before making a switch and going back to PA school or another school for something unrelated. At the end of the day, it'll always be on the person him or herself for the reason why things are the way they are, because others in the same situation find a way.

[@kevinzhang6623]

@@XmXm999 "Might not be too challenging" No offense but your reasons sound a bit superficial, you may want to take a deep look inside and ask yourself why you really want to be a PA and talk to actual PA's and NP's, shadow them on what they do, to see if this is something you want to do for the rest of your life. Imo, the "wondering" mindset just keeps setting you back

[@christopherralphbataoil3473]

Most nurses who go to NP school worked as an RN at bedside and side by side with MD. Also, they had patient experience so to discredit that they have less clinical hours is irrelevant. Most of them have seen the ins and outs of healthcare system.

[@texas6065]

Thank you Ma'am for clearing the differences between the NP and the PA. One question if a NP is a Nurse Practioner the ì don't understand why they would be allowed to open their own practice? One would think that it would be the PA that would be allowed as they would have more experience where as again the NP deals with mainly the beginning of the visit and that's when The PA comes in to do diagnosis and/orthings of the more hard core items, so to speak. Either I missed that part or you didn't cover it which means I must have missed it. Again Thank you for your passion and time.

[@theposhpa]

I think there is confusion here regarding the nursing versus NP role. NPs are advanced practice nurses and can open their own practice.They do not go into rooms before PAs as we have very similar roles in clinical practice. Those who go in first are typically medical assistants or nurses. I have a new video coming out this week that breaks it down. The

[@texas6065]

@theposhpa Thank you, I am confused so I will do my best to watch the Video. I had learned years ago how to do a lot of Nursing duties but because of knowing how to do urine output measuring and wound care draining output, packing and unpacking a large wound daily for my Mother who had body breakdown spots from Cobalt Radiation from 72. My youngest would come in and help me which influenced her decision to go into the Geratic Field after getting g her CNA. My other daughter went into the fields of the Heart due to one of my Younger Sisters who has the Heart of a 90+-year-old person. I'm not sure what her title is but I know she works with the Top Heart Dr/Surgeon in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

[@texas6065]

@theposhpa My daughter who works with the Assisted living side of her field she's is working on her Nursing degree As of now she not only is a Medication aid but all helps take care of the patients. And on her days off she goes and takes care of my Youngest Sister who is an amputee and wheelchair-bound, and takes care of me. For years didn't take time to care for myself as I was busy taking care of my Parents, helping raise a Niece and Nephew, and then Grandkids after that. I would not trade my experiences for nothing. I will say Stepping into the position of Family Caretaker can be rewarding but stressful. Even though it cost me my health and then I just lost my Husband to a sudden Heart attack last year. I Thank you so much and all the other people who commented on this.

[@BalletMum14]

Excuse me what? We go in the beginning of a visit and it is finished by a PA? While I know your question is highly likely from complete confusion as to what NPs can do I certainly find it a face slapping insult. We provide medical care from beginning to end. We diagnose diseases and conditions; order necessary diagnostics and interpret said diagnostics; order necessary treatments, including medications; provide necessary follow-up to make sure you don’t croak. So NO, NO, NO! We are not front acts for PAs.

[@imthrillz5255]

I was debating PA or NP, after looking over both programs, competitiveness, curriculum, credit hours, etc. I am shocked at how NPs are pushing for full autonomy. Some of their programs are completely online and only require you to be a licensed RN and pay an admissions fee, other programs are 36-50 credits only, and half those classes are some sort of nursing theory or ethics class and feel like they belong in nursing school. A new grad nurse could literally go to NP school, finish, and be labeled a provider, that is just beyond me. I will no longer accept to be seen by an NP again.

[@alexsazo9540]

“A New grad RN could literally go to NP school and…” Where did you get this information from?

[@imthrillz5255]

@@alexsazo9540 It isn’t hard to look up program admission requirements.

[@alexsazo9540]

@@imthrillz5255 I’m not sure why this upset you I was genuinely wondering where such an absurd program existed and I was hoping to see it for myself. I’ve seen NP program requirements and they were definitely not like you stated.

[@NurseJake]

@@alexsazo9540 Please provide a resource for such statements instead of generalized comments. Please re-watch the video for a better understanding. Side notes - A masters program takes a few years = not a new grad. You will be working as an RN. There's also a major push for NP's to complete a Doctorate. Imagine having a RN that has critical care experience in an ICU than transitioned to NP with a FOCUSED clinical specialty vs a PA that is trained in GENERALIZED clinical training over multiple specialties. Nevertheless, this PA may have ZERO clinical experience before applying to the program...

[@goguled]

Nurses go through a rigorous program to become registered nurses this is not a requirement to become an PA. This program can take 2-4 years and than they attend a NP program to become NP. PAs only go through school once through a 4 year program while an NP has gone through 6 years of rigorous schooling.

[@goldieslacks]

I don't like np's i feel like there are too many of them

[@YORUM537]

This is so wrong 😅 , there's a shortage in nurses around the world

[@refugex]

We need nurses bro, we're supposed to be a team. If it was only PAs, who would take care of the patients day to day?

[@armandosolis3560]

Both are mid-levels:)

[@msA-zy6mw]

still making six figures per year tho.

[@armandosolis3560]

Actually, my cousin is an ADN RN making quite a bit for himself-He's making $150.00/hr. as a traveling flight nurse. Some RN's are actually making more than Nurse Practioners actually working as RN's and not as Nurse Practioners. It is what it is. Ask around and you will know what I mean......... @@msA-zy6mw

[@armandosolis3560]

Still not MD/DO level.

[@msA-zy6mw]

In fact it’s PA and not MD

[@afialele]

​@armandosolis3560 and that's fine

[@2bookoo4u]

As a patient, it's unsettling to pay so much for medical care and not see a real 100% MD. No offense, but I expect to see a real Dr. when I'm paying the exuberant costs associated with the medical industrial complex.

[@np.nicola]

What a pointless video from a PA .. seems to me like your a pretend Dr… or underpaid Dr , at least a NP still follows a nursing route… I’d rather see a Doctor than a physician associate and a nurse practitioner than a nurse.

[@blackbeard4663]

PAs are much more qualified based on the training model. PAs have a solid base of biomedical science and allow for extension of the physician led team.

[@theposhpa]

I think it depends on the specialty but I do agree the training is different. We are both highly trained and should be respectful of one another!

[@dlee3938]

I find these comments cringy to read and unprofessional because it’s not about who’s more qualified, I would never say to one of my colleague PA they are less qualified or more qualified than an NP. They do the same things but just different routes of trainings. Please embrace unity rather than division by saying who’s better than who.

[@theposhpa]

@@dlee3938 I agree with this. We are both qualified professionals and work better together!

[@LorianandLothric]

PAs have a stronger formalized education and have to take far more credits. They also have 2,000 clinical hours in PA schools while NPs only have 500 hours. PA education is very standardized across programs and must follow stringent requirements on what needs to be taught. NPs programs lack the same oversight and standards. There is an increasingly number of NP programs that are online. And it is easier to get accepted to them compared to PA school, which is notoriously difficult to get in. The acceptance rate for PA school is even lower than med school.

[@rachaelchisam9064]

@@LorianandLothric There are 500 clinical hours for the NP program itself- but remember nurse practitioners have multiple steps in their education to get to that level. Clinical hours in both nursing school and throughout their NP program. As far as PA school being difficult to get in to- this would make sense, as there are far more options for those wishing to continue their nursing practice. If there are less programs for potential PA's to apply to, of course it is going to make it more difficult to get in. It is easy to discount the training that nurses have to have before they can enter an advanced practice position. The "clinical experience" you need for PA school could be anything that was in the healthcare field (nurse aid, working in a clinic, unit secretary, etc) while the nursing background has to be legitimate patient care.