Can you tell me what the difference is between nurse practicioners and
physician assistants.  They both seem to be able to write narcotic
prescriptions and treat patients at an E.R.  What is
the difference in schooling and why aren't nurse practicioners just
called physician assistants?  Is there any difference between the two
at all?  I know P.A.'s work under Doctors with little supervision at
hospitals but so do nurse practicioners.  I'm confused, why not just
become a doctor?

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Clarification of Question by chadbuckelr-ga on 12 Aug 2005 14:45 PDT

No response yet, I see.

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 12 Aug 2005 14:49 PDT

Hi Chadbuckelr!

Please let me know if the information in the following article
sufficiently  answers your question?

PA or NP - What's the Difference? 
http://www.colostate.edu/programs/lifesciences/prehealth/pa_np.html

Thanks, Bobbie7

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Clarification of Question by chadbuckelr-ga on 12 Aug 2005 15:03 PDT

That was pretty informative, thanks !!!!

Dear Chadbuckelr!

I'm pleased that I was able to provide an informative answer to your question.


PA or NP - What's the Difference? 
http://www.colostate.edu/programs/lifesciences/prehealth/pa_np.html


Another good article from nursingfaqs.com:

What is the difference between a physician's assisant and a certified
nurse practitioner?
http://www.nursingfaqs.com/index.asp?mode=QA&QuestionID=244&CatID=18


From GEM-Nursing:
How does a Nurse Practitioner compare to a Physicians Assistant?
http://www.gem-nursing.org/Viewanswer.php?id=74&type=archive&digest_id=74



Search criteria:
"Physicians assistant" "Nurse practitioner" difference

I hope this helps!


Best regards, 
Bobbie7