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The question I get asked most often as a Physician Assistant (PA) is how am I different from a Nurse Practitioner (NP)? While both PAs and NPs are vital to patient care and often perform similar functions, there are distinct differences between these two professions.

Education and Training

PAs typically complete a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, which requires a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite, often in a health-related field. PA programs generally last 2 to 3 years and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various medical specialties. PAs are trained in a medical model, similar to that of physicians, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Nurse Practitioners, on the other hand, are advanced practice registered nurses who hold a master’s degree or a doctorate in nursing. Most NPs begin their careers as registered nurses and complete additional education and clinical training in their chosen specialty. NP programs also encompass both coursework and supervised clinical practice, typically requiring two to four years for completion.