Nurse Practitioner Vs. Physician Assistant

Medical jobs are on the rise in the United States and the number of people aspiring for a medical career are also increasing. A career as a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner are good career opportunities in this already large and ever-expanding medical industry. Both the jobs of a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant have enormous self-development opportunities. However, most people are not able to make a choice between these two and are in a dilemma regarding the differences. In this article, we'll give you some useful information about nurse practitioner vs. physician assistant, to help you in your decision.

The job descriptions and salary ranges of both these jobs are almost the same. However, the educational requirements and certifying organizations vary. To be successful as a medical practitioner, one needs to have a loving and caring attitude towards the patients. One also needs to be dedicated, hardworking and ready to work for long hours. Let us have a look at the major differences between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner, in the following table.

Physician Assistant Vs. Nurse Practitioner
Job Aspect	Physician Assistant	Nurse Practitioner
Profile Definition	Physician assistants are trained, registered and certified healthcare professionals who are authorized to practice health and medical care under a physician's supervision.	Nurse practitioners are trained, registered and certified nurses who are authorized to do assigned medical or operational tasks under a physician's supervision.
Educational Requirement and Training	To apply for a bachelor's or a master's degree in order to become a physician assistant, it is necessary for the candidate to have an equivalent qualification in nursing, emergency medical services or paramedics. On completion of the BS degree, one can apply for masters. After obtaining an MS, one needs to apply for a license to become an authorized physician assistant. This involves completing an accredited degree program and successfully completing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).	Graduation degree followed by a degree in nursing from a recognized nursing school is required to become a nurse practitioner. The next step is to get a master's degree, as in some states a master's degree in nursing is also required. Further, to become a licensed nurse, it is necessary to pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) examination. The last step is to apply and get a certification in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Job Description	Physician assistants have to perform duties such as assisting physicians in practicing medical consultation, preparing and preserving medical history of patients, examining patients and prescribing proper medicines to them, and treating minor injuries and disorders.	The job description of a nurse practitioner includes, providing medical care, treatment, and also preserving medical records for the main physician's reference if required, documenting the medical history and case studies of patients for future reference. Carrying out and evaluating diagnostic tests and recording them properly, providing help to the physicians and other doctors in developing patient health care plans, also form a part of a nurse practitioner's job description.
Annual Salary Range	$80,000 - $90,000	$90,000 - $100,000

Consider your interests, educational background, financial condition, etc., before opting for any of these career options, and make a wise decision. As we have seen, both jobs require the same level of hard work and are equally rewarding. All the best!