What is the difference between an NP and a PA?
While NPs and PAs often perform similar functions, there are important distinctions between these health care professionals: • NPs may work independently or in collaboration with a physician and must have an RN license before being accepted into an NP program. Almost all NPs are educationally prepared at the master’s level. NPs are authorized to practice as advanced practice nurses by individual state regulating boards. NPs assess patients, make diagnoses, determine treatment plans, and furnish medications. • PAs are licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained in intensive accredited education programs that use the medical model. Upon graduation, PAs take a national certification examination; graduation from an accredited PA program and passage of the national certifying exam are required for state licensure. PAs are authorized to practice by individual state medical boards.
