NP vs PA: Understanding the Differences

This degree path best serves professionals who possess an associate of science in nursing and currently work as resident nurses. The RN to MSN bridge is also good for students who completed a licensed practical nursing (LPN) program and then moved on to an LPN to RN bridge program. Take a look at our RN to MSN program page for more information and our survey of online programs.

If you currently work as an RN and want to move toward the highest degree in the field, the BSN to DNP program may be a good fit. These professionals typically obtain careers working in highly specialized nursing subfields or in academia as researchers or teachers. Our BSN to DNP and DNP program pages will direct you to the best online programs for this option.

Professionals who currently practice as physician assistants who want to pursue more research- or education-focused careers in the field should consider a doctoral program. Depending on your interests, the doctoral program may give you a chance to develop specialized knowledge in areas such as human resource management, organizational behavior, neurology, or healthcare policy.

PNPs specialize in providing healthcare for children, from birth up to the age of 21. They provide a variety of health services, including immunizations, developmental screenings, and physical exams. Depending on the state, they may also be able to write medical prescriptions. These professionals typically possess a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing.

These professionals help address the mental health needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities. They typically help create healthcare plans for patients and evaluate patient progress over short- and long-term periods. They may offer outpatient or in-home care, perform physical or mental health tests, and conduct original research. Additionally, depending on the state, these psychiatric nurse practitioners may be able to prescribe medications.

AGNPs treat patients from adolescence through advanced elderly ages. They may come from acute care or primary care training. Acute care practitioners work in hospital settings or inpatient clinics. They can diagnose and treat patients in emergency departments, intensive care units, or specialty clinics. Adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners work toward health promotion and illness prevention. They can work in community clinics, private practices, and other community health efforts. AGNPs also commonly work with underserved populations.

NNPs are advanced practice nurses who specialize in providing care for newborns in the first 30 days of their life. Their training qualifies them to work with specialized equipment and educate families regarding neonatal and postpartum care. NNPs also perform diagnostic tests, intubations, and draw blood. They can also dispense medications under a collaborative agreement with a physician.

PAs in pathology assist with regular examinations and diagnosing patients’ diseases. They may also play a role in determining causes of death for the deceased. Typical job responsibilities for physician assistants in pathology include conducting patient examinations, offering preliminary anatomic diagnosis, preparing specimens or samples, and keeping meticulous records of patient data.

In collaboration with dermatologists, PAs in dermatology assist in offering diagnoses and treatment for conditions of the skin, fingernails, and hair. Their work can be surgical, medical, or cosmetic. These professionals typically find themselves in a collaborative work environment, working with nurse practitioners, attending physicians, and other healthcare professionals as part of a team effort.

These PAs are both surgery assistants and primary care assistants for transplant patients. They receive specialized training to be able to work in operating rooms during transplant surgeries and can educate patients and families about the complexities of transplantation. Their main duties typically include collecting medical histories, performing physical examinations, educating patients on procedures, providing patient discharge summaries, and assisting surgeons with procedures.

PAs in critical care work in intensive care units and typically offer complete, comprehensive patient care. They help create patient care plans with consulting physicians, nurses, and a variety of specialists that may be needed. Critical care PAs’ diverse responsibilities also include completing patient examinations, monitoring emergency support staff, monitoring treatments, and assisting with making diagnoses.