[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What’s the difference between a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link] and a physician? Whether you’re weighing career paths or just planning your next checkup, it’s valuable to understand the differences between these two highly trained but distinct healthcare professions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there are many similarities when it comes to NPs vs. doctors, there are also some critical differences in their scope of practice, education, work settings, and salaries. We’ll dive in here to describe, compare, and contrast both fields.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Career Differences Between Nurse Practitioners and Doctors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctors and NPs are both healthcare providers. In many states, NPs are able to serve as independent clinicians. Both are trained to diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and other treatments, and provide primary patient care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What are the key career differences between NPs vs. doctors? Perhaps the main difference is that NPs are not able to practice independently in some states — check the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]NP practice authority laws[/hen-ui-link] to find out what NPs are empowered to do in your state. In all cases, however, properly trained physicians are permitted to perform certain procedures — surgery, for example — that NPs are not.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another important difference is that the career path [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/how-to-become-a-np/”]to becoming an NP[/hen-ui-link] typically takes less time than becoming a physician, while the training for doctors is much longer, intense, and much more expensive. After training, however, physicians command substantially higher salaries than NPs. And while both physicians and nurse practitioners are in strong demand, job growth for NPs will be higher in the next decade.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nurse Practitioner and Physician Overview[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree(s) Required[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Medical doctor, aka doctor of allopathic medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average training duration*[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]2-5 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]6-9 years including residency[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]40% (2024-2034)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]3% (2024-2034)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]$129,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]$253,470[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]NP vs. Doctor: Roles and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While physicians and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/career-options-for-nurses/”]NPs can specialize in different areas[/hen-ui-link], most NPs work in primary care. Due to the ongoing shortage of primary care providers, this keeps demand for NPs high. Physicians in primary care and specialty roles also benefit from strong demand.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose py-6″]What does a Nurse Practitioner do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assessing patients and diagnosing conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing treatments, including medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating patients on their conditions and health[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supervising other healthcare staff, including registered nurses (RNs)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose py-6″]What does a Physician do?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing and treating medical conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluating test results and prescribing medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing specialty treatments, including surgery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Supervising other healthcare staff, such as RNs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physicians: Autonomy and Prescription Authority[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both physicians and NPs provide primary and specialty healthcare. Like physicians, NPs can evaluate and diagnose patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medication; however, some states limit the autonomy of NPs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs in 28 states and Washington, D.C. have full prescriptive authority. The remaining 22 states allow either reduced or restricted authority. In reduced practice states, NPs can diagnose and treat patients, but they need physician oversight to prescribe medications. NPs who work in restricted states cannot prescribe, diagnose, or treat patients without physician oversight.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctors are able to prescribe, diagnose, and treat patients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NP vs. Physician Autonomy and Prescription Authority Overview[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Scope of Practice[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell]Nurse practitioners work independently or in collaboration with a physician, depending on their state’s practice authority[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Physicians and surgeons work independently with complete autonomy[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Prescription Authority[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Full prescriptive authority in 28 states; reduced or restricted authority in 22 states[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Full prescriptive authority in all states[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Common Practice Settings for Doctors and NPs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practice settings for NPs vs. physicians depend on their specialty area. Because many NPs specialize in primary care, they often work in family care settings. Surgeons typically work in hospitals or surgical centers, while many psychiatric mental health NPs and psychiatrists work in psychiatric clinics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners and physicians work in many similar settings, including emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, primary care practices, and urgent care facilities. They also work in public health, government, and academic settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose py-6″]Nurse Practitioner Common Practice Settings[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals and clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private physician and NP practices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Urgent care facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Long-term care facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”not-prose py-6″]Physician Common Practice Settings[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private individual practices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private group practices with equity ownership[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Group clinic, hospital, or healthcare systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Academic institutions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sources: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-residents/transition-resident-attending/solo-group-academia-pros-and-cons-these-practice” target=”_blank”]American Medical Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]NP vs Physician: Licensure and Specialization[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physicians and nurse practitioners must hold a license to practice, and many pursue board certification in specialty areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners hold an RN license and an NP license. That includes passing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link], graduating from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]accredited NP program[/hen-ui-link], and applying to their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-the-role-of-the-state-board-of-nursing/”]state board of nursing[/hen-ui-link] to practice. States may use NP certification exams and/or additional requirements for licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Board certification is available to NPs in many different [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]specialty areas[/hen-ui-link], such as:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/”]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/gerontology/”]Adult-gerontology nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/psychiatric/”]Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/womens-health/”]Women’s health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/neonatal/”]Neonatal nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once a prospective doctor has earned their medical school degree and completed their residency, they are eligible to apply for their medical license. Every state requires physicians to hold a license to practice, and to have successfully completed properly accredited programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For board certification, doctors must show proof of completion of an accredited residency program. They must also demonstrate expertise in their chosen medical specialty. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://careersinmedicine.aamc.org/explore-options/specialty-profiles” target=”_blank”]Association of American Medical Colleges[/hen-ui-link], there are more than 160 specialties and subspecialties in the U.S. Some of the most popular specialties include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Internal medicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pediatrics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Neurology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency medicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Obstetrics and gynecology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cardiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anesthesiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Psychiatry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Radiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physician and Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both physicians and NPs enjoy salaries well above the national average, with physicians at or near the top of the curve for all occupations in the U.S.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The median annual [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/salary-by-state/”]salary for NPs[/hen-ui-link] reached $129,210 as of 2024, with the highest-paid NPs earning $169,950.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to 2024 BLS data, physicians reported an average annual salary of $253,470, with a surgeon’s annual salary averaging nearly $371,280. Certain subspecialists can earn even higher pay. For example, neurosurgeons average about $459,129 in annual salary as of October 2025, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Neurosurgeon/Salary” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link]. However, the most lucrative medical specialties can be extremely competitive.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional factors affecting salary for both professions include geographic location, experience level, work setting, specific work functions, and more.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education Differences Between Doctors and Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both physicians and NPs receive extensive training. Both allopathic and osteopathic physicians hold doctorates in medicine, while NPs earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Education Timeline[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The education timeline for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/choosing-nursing-school-or-medical-school/”]nursing school vs. medical school[/hen-ui-link] differs. After meeting challenging undergraduate prerequisites, prospective doctors spend at least four years in medical school and a minimum of 2-3 years completing their residency. NPs must complete an undergraduate nursing program and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]earn an MSN[/hen-ui-link] or DNP, which includes a minimum of 500 hours of clinical training. After earning a bachelor’s degree, NPs typically spend 2-5 years in graduate-level training.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NP vs. Physician Education Differences Overview[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Undergraduate qualifications[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/four-year-bsn-degree/”]Bachelor’s in nursing[/hen-ui-link]; active RN license[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Entrance exam(s)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell]ACT/SAT/Graduate Record Examination (GRE)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Graduate degree[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathicdicine (DO)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Residency[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]NPs do not need a residency but complete a minimum of 500 clinical hours during grad school[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]3-7 years, depending on the specialty[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Licensure examination[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]Specialty board certification exam[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]United States Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Timeline[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell]2-5 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]7-11 years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Education Costs and Debt[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical school and nursing school represent major investments. Because medical school takes longer and because residency salaries are considerably lower than physician salaries, medical students tend to graduate with far more debt.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates from public universities hold an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/average-medical-school-debt” target=”_blank”]average medical school debt[/hen-ui-link] of $194,280, compared with $218,746 for private universities. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/average-nursing-student-debt” target=”_blank”]average debt for MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] is $49,047. NPs and physicians can both participate in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/student-loan-forgiveness-for-nurses/”]loan forgiveness programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both NPs and physicians can expect above-average salaries and high demand for their skills, so many consider the cost and debt a good investment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Doctor: How to Choose[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re debating between NP vs. doctor, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of both. With its faster timeline and patient-focused approach, becoming an NP can be fulfilling professionally and personally. And while med school requires a major commitment of time and resources, becoming a physician offers many paths for specialization, high earning potential, and a host of professional opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But deciding between becoming an NP or physician is more complicated than job growth projections or specialization opportunities. Consider your motivations and find the path that best fits your unique circumstances, such as your prior education and specific professional desires. For example, if you are already an RN, it’s relatively fast and cost-effective to become an NP. On the physician side, with many medical schools routinely reporting [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/the-short-list-grad-school/articles/medical-schools-with-the-lowest-acceptance-rates” target=”_blank”]single-digit admission rates[/hen-ui-link], you’ll need a stellar academic record to get in.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both career paths offer opportunities to challenge yourself, specialize in diverse areas, and provide exceptional care to patients. By weighing your motivations, timeline, and career goals, you can find the right healthcare career path for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Education Timeline:[/hen-ui-text] Spanning from high school graduation to licensing, it takes about 6-9 years to become an NP and 11-15 years to become a physician.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Debt:[/hen-ui-text] Average medical school debt for physicians is around four times the level of NP debt for those practitioners who joined the profession after obtaining their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Salary:[/hen-ui-text] Average physician salaries are twice the average NP salary. Some medical specialties have an average salary that is more than three times the average NP salary.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioners vs. Doctors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between an NP and a physician?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both NPs and physicians provide primary and more specialized care, including diagnostic and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/can-nurse-practitioners-prescribe-medication/”]prescribing authorities[/hen-ui-link]. However, NPs earn a master’s or doctorate in nursing, while physicians typically have a longer timeline with medical school followed by residency. Among NPs, 70% specialize in primary care, while [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/total-active-physicians/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D” target=”_blank”]slightly less than half of all medical doctors[/hen-ui-link] work in primary care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an NP as good as a doctor?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs can provide similar care to a doctor, including as a primary care provider. They can diagnose medical conditions, interpret test results, and prescribe medication in every state. NPs also train in the nursing model, which emphasizes patient care. While certain specialized medical needs may require a physician, NPs offer exceptional care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can an MD do that an NP cannot?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MDs can practice independently in every state, while some states require NPs to work in collaboration with a physician. In a majority of states, however, NPs have a similar scope of practice and prescribing authority as MDs. While both NPs and physicians can specialize, MDs pursue a wider range of specialty areas of practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can someone with an NP be called a doctor?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, no. This is the subject of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/scope-practice/nurse-practitioners-sue-right-use-doctor-label” target=”_blank”]heated debate[/hen-ui-link] (including [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.clinicaladvisor.com/features/md-supervisor-settles-california-lawsuit-dr-sarah-case/” target=”_blank”]legal action[/hen-ui-link]) on both sides of the issue. While the title “doctor” typically refers to a medical doctor, it can refer to anyone who holds a doctoral degree. Some NPs have advocated for the right to be called “doctor,” but to date this is an usual occurrence and one that will likely continue to meet [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ama-assn.org/topics/nurse-practitioners” target=”_blank”]fierce resistance[/hen-ui-link] from physicians.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]