[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While both NPs and PAs provide direct patient care, their education and licensing requirements differ.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs have an MSN or DNP and can practice independently in most states; PAs have a PA master’s degree and must practice under physician supervision.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs earn a median annual salary of $129K and have a 46% projected job growth rate; PAs earn a median annual salary of $133K and have a 28% projected growth job growth rate.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners (NP)[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/physician-assistant/how-to-become/”]physician assistants (PA[/hen-ui-link]) perform critical functions in the U.S. healthcare system. In a world of persistent healthcare provider shortages, both professions are in high demand and can earn strong salaries for their expertise.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While these two healthcare roles are similar, NPs and PAs differ in education and certification requirements, professional independence, and specialization pathways.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before you choose between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant role, find out how these careers differ and which path matches your goals.[/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 Nursing 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″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: Key Similarities and Differences[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs and PAs provide licensed direct patient care, but their education and scope of practice set them apart. While NPs follow a more patient-centered or holistic model of care, PA training focuses more on medicine and medical treatment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Still, these two roles overlap in their duties, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conducting health examinations and assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Giving treatments and medicines[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ordering diagnostic tests[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing medical conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing medications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Providing primary and preventative care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, both professions require each candidate to complete an accredited program, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]pass a board exam[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]apply for state licensure[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regardless, these two healthcare roles have some key differences.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP must earn an accredited [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/ask-a-nurse/msn-np-programs-to-dnp-by-2025/”]graduate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link], while a PA completes an accredited physician assistant program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs only need [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]physician supervision[/hen-ui-link] in 11 states, while PAs must work under supervision in 47 states.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs often choose specialties during their training, while PAs develop specializations during their practice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a Nurse Practitioner?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP is a type of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurse (APRN)[/hen-ui-link] who provides primary and specialty care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP duties often include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interpreting medical test results[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing conditions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creating treatment plans[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisting in surgical procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), approximately 47% of NPs work in physician offices, 23% find employment in general medical and surgical hospitals, and 10% work in outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a Physician Assistant?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A physician assistant provides primary and specialty care under the direct supervision of a medical doctor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PA duties can include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conducting health assessments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diagnosing illnesses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Creating treatment plans[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prescribing medication[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating and counseling patients[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, 54% of PAs work in physician offices, 25% work in hospitals, and 9% work in outpatient care centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both careers report higher average salaries than the national figures for all occupations. These roles also received higher job growth projections for 2023-2033 than estimates for all job growth in the nation.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: Salary and Career Comparison[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Comparison Point[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician Assistant[/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/License Required[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]RN license, master of science in nursing (MSN), or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Master of science in physician assistant studies[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Certification Options[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]Family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, and more[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Physician assistant-certified (PA-C)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Time to Become[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]6+ years[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]6+ years[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Scope of Practice[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]NPs may work independently, in collaboration with physicians, or under physician supervision, depending on their state’s practice authority.[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]Most PAs work under physician supervision, though some work in collaboration with physicians.[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2024-2034)[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”]40%[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]20%[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (May 2024)[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Comparison Point”][hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]$129,210[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”][hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]$133,260[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner: Duties and Responsibilities[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners and physician assistants take different pathways into their profession, but their roles and responsibilities often look similar. NPs and PAs work closely with patients, diagnosing and treating their illnesses, ordering and analyzing tests, and assisting in surgical procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They differ, however, in where they work and their ability to practice independently. For example, according to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/state-of-the-primary-care-workforce-report-2024.pdf” target=”_blank”]Health Resources and Services Administration[/hen-ui-link] (HRSA), more than 90% of NPs work in primary care as of 2023. In comparison, only about 22% of PAs work in primary care, according to a 2023 report from the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2023-Statistical-Profile-of-Board-Certified-PAs-by-Specialty-Annual-Report.pdf” target=”_blank”]National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants[/hen-ui-link] (NCCPA).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Nurse Practitioner’s Scope of Practice?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An NP’s scope of practice refers to the responsibilities and services they can legally provide, which varies by state. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), NPs can practice independently in 28 states but require collaboration with physicians in 12 states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the remaining 11 states — California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia — NPs require supervision from a medical doctor.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some states also limit an NP’s prescriptive authority, such as Oklahoma and Missouri, which restrict their ability to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is a Physician Assistant’s Scope of Practice?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similar to an NP, a PA’s scope of practice depends on the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the American Medical Association, most PAs work under medical doctor supervision. A few states allow PAs to treat patients without a medical doctor on-site if they have an established collaborative relationship with a physician.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Depending on state laws, experienced PAs can expand their scope of practice after meeting clinical hour requirements. For example, Arizona allows PAs with more than 8,000 clinical hours to move from a physician supervision requirement to collaboration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]State laws also determine prescriptive authority for PAs. For example, PAs cannot prescribe Schedule II medication in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, and West Virginia.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: Education and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs and PAs must earn master’s degrees in their respective disciplines for certification. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]NP programs[/hen-ui-link] typically explore advanced nursing courses in a chosen specialty, such as family care or pediatrics. PA programs are modeled after a medical school curriculum, focusing more on general medicine and offering clinical training in various settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, NP and PA programs feature similar courses like advanced pharmacology, anatomy and pathophysiology, and microbiology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become a Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs must first become [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]licensed RNs[/hen-ui-link] before moving to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice roles[/hen-ui-link]. There are several pathways to becoming a nurse, such as starting with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/lpn-lvn/”]licensed practical nurse (LPN)[/hen-ui-link] credential and then taking an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs//”]LPN-to-RN bridge program[/hen-ui-link] while working as an LPN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Another way to become a registered nurse is to complete an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/best-adn-programs/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link], which can take about two years. Completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) also works — typically a four-year commitment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN and BSN-prepared nurses must then pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) to qualify for RN licensure in their state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once licensed, an RN must [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]earn an MSN[/hen-ui-link] to become an NP. Other common pathways to this degree include [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link]. Some NPs even earn [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”]DNP degrees[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most NP programs include core coursework in:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advanced health assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pathophysiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]They also include courses in specialty areas, such as family care, acute care, pediatrics, and psychiatry.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP programs incorporate supervised clinical practicums for students to gain experience with treating patients. Board certification for NPs requires at least 500 clinical hours, and some NP programs add additional clinical hours. Certification is a requirement for NP employment. Earning an MSN generally takes 2-3 years, while a DNP takes 3-5 years.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With an MSN or DNP, NPs must then complete a national board certification exam in their specialty area with an organization like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/” target=”_blank”]American Academy of Nurse Practitioners[/hen-ui-link] (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). After passing an approved certification exam, newly eligible NPs can apply for APRN licensure through their state’s board of nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed NPs must renew their certifications every five years by completing 1,000 practice hours and 75 hours of continuing education. Each state has its own licensure renewal requirements as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How to Become a Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a science-based field, is a typical first step in preparing for a master’s program and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/healthcare/physician-assistant/how-to-become/”]becoming a PA[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While prospective PA students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines, they need to complete prerequisites like anatomy, physiology, biology, and biochemistry. Applicants also need healthcare experience from volunteering or hands-on patient experience as a medical assistant, paramedic, or registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the bachelor’s degree and prerequisites completed, aspiring PAs can pursue master’s programs in physician assistant studies. To ensure the program leads to PA licensure, students should only attend master’s programs accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.arc-pa.org/about/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-link] (ARC-PA).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PA master’s degrees take about three years to complete and feature broad coursework and clinical work in different specialties. Potential clinical rotations include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Family medicine[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [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″]General surgery[/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″]Emergency medicine[/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][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a program accredited by ARC-PA, graduates qualify for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccpa.net/become-certified/” target=”_blank”]Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam[/hen-ui-link] (PANCE) from the NCCPA. A passing PANCE score qualifies them for the PA-C credential, which is required by state licensing boards.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To maintain PA-C credentials, licensed PAs must complete at least 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccpa.net/maintain-certification/” target=”_blank”]Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam[/hen-ui-link] every ten years. Each state also has specific PA licensure renewal requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner: Specializations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each NP [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/popular-msn-degree-specializations/”]chooses a specialization[/hen-ui-link] before applying to a graduate nursing program. They also sit for a board certification exam in that specialty. After choosing an initial specialization, NPs can [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/specializations/”]switch specialties[/hen-ui-link] or obtain [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/certifications-guide/”]subspecialty certifications[/hen-ui-link] to advance their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most NPs become family nurse practitioners to care for patients across the lifespan with various healthcare needs. Other NPs pursue specialties in acute care and mental health or work with specific patient populations, such as pediatrics or adults.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rather than focusing on one specialty area, PAs receive training as medical generalists, gaining skills in all areas of medicine. They complete clinical rotations in multiple specialties so they can adapt to different care areas and change specialties without additional training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to AAPA, more than 50% of PAs practice in an outpatient office or clinic, 37% work in hospitals, and 5% work in urgent care centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]NP vs. PA: Professional Distribution[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”font-normal font-body”]Percent of NPs Working in This Setting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Family Care:[/hen-ui-text] 69%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Adult and Geriatrics:[/hen-ui-text] 15%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pediatrics:[/hen-ui-text] 3%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Women’s Health:[/hen-ui-text] 2%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”font-normal font-body”]Percent of PAs Working in This Setting[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Surgical Subspecialties:[/hen-ui-text] 28%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other:[/hen-ui-text] 26%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Primary Care:[/hen-ui-text] 20%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Internal Medicine Subspecialties:[/hen-ui-text] 13%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Emergency Medicine:[/hen-ui-text] 7%[/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″ class=”text-xs”]Source: AANP , AAPA[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: Salary and Career Outlooks[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs and PAs earn above-average salaries and receive strong employment growth projections. Learn more about the salary and career outlook for nurse practitioners vs. physician assistants below.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]NP vs. PA: Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Specialty[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Physician Assistant[/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”]All Specialties[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Specialty”]$128,490 (average)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]$130,490 (average)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Primary Care[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Specialty”]$100,820 (average)[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Nurse Practitioner”]$115,000 (median)[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average nurse practitioner salary was $129,210 as of May 2024, according to BLS data. Business support services, mental health and substance abuse facilities, and home healthcare services pay some of the highest NP wages. Salary data by state indicates California, Nevada, Washington, and New Jersey pay the highest salaries in the profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS also projects 40% job growth for nurse practitioners from 2024-2034, over 11 times faster than the projected 3% growth for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Physician Assistant Salary and Career Outlook[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to BLS data, the average PA salary was $133,260 as of May 2024. Employment services, outpatient care centers, and ambulatory healthcare services reported the highest salaries in the field. Nevada, California, Washington, and Connecticut are the top-paying states for physician assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician assistants also benefit from much faster-than-average job growth projections, with the BLS reporting a 20% employment increase from 2024-2034.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: Which Career is Right For Me?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are important and in high demand in the healthcare system. Both careers receive strong projected growth rates and earn six-figure median salaries. They also share similar work settings and education requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing between these similar professions, consider your interests and situation. Which profession is in greater demand in your area? Which discipline has the best master’s program near you?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While both career paths can take the same amount of time, NPs need RN licensure and nursing experience, which takes additional effort but can open the door to nursing jobs while in school. You’ll have more independence as an NP, but you also need to choose a specialization earlier in your nursing journey.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you prefer an NP’s patient-centered care education or the disease-centered training of PAs, the best option for you depends on your unique interests and goals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant: Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between nurse practitioner and physician assistant?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs and PAs differ in several ways, including their educational pathways. NPs need an MSN with a specialization, while PAs need a master’s degree that explores medicine more broadly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Which is harder: nurse practitioner or physician assistant?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the certification pass rates, PAs have an easier pathway ahead of them than NPs. In 2023, 73% of test-takers passed [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aanpcert.org/resource/documents/annual/2023%20Certification%20Statistics.pdf” target=”_blank”]AANP’s family NP certification[/hen-ui-link], while 89% [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccpa.net/wp-content/uploads/PANCEPassRates.pdf” target=”_blank”]passed PANCE[/hen-ui-link] in 2024.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does a nurse practitioner rank higher than a physician assistant?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both NPs and PAs are licensed healthcare providers, and neither position ranks higher than the other. NPs have more autonomy than PAs in most states, but that doesn’t affect their rank.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can a physician assistant do that a nurse practitioner cannot?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most duties for PAs and NPs overlap, and generally, there is no task that a PA can perform that an NP cannot. Their scope of practice and authority to prescribe vary by state but not by job title.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”For PA vs. NP, which career gets paid more?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, PAs earn slightly higher average annual salaries than NPs — a difference of about $4,000 per year. Both professions double the average annual wage for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]