Compare and Contrast Primary Care Providers
There are many similarities between medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician
assistants. All three career paths are vital to the healthcare system and patient care. But there are
also some differences that are unique to their individual career field that may allow them to
practice on a broader level or it may restrict them to certain health care services. All three of
these career fields require different education levels, certifications, and licensures that can offer
an array of specialty fields and opportunities. Although the work environments are similar, the
salaries may vary slightly between the physician assistant and the nurse practitioner and
drastically on the medical level.
Physician assistants are formally trained to provide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and
preventive healthcare services under the direction and supervision of a physician. They take
medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and X-rays, and make
preliminary diagnoses. A physician assistant always works under the supervision of a physician.
The extent of supervision, however, depends on the work setting. Physician assistants may
prescribe medications within 46 states and the District of Columbia. Most physician assistants
employed are in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices. The leading medical specialties using
PAs are family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics,
orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, and geriatrics. (Introduction to the Health Professions,
pg.113). Physician assistants generally work in a comfortable work environment. Some of the
most common schedules for physician assistants are the 24-hour shifts twice weekly, and others
work three 12-hour shifts each week. The work week of PAs who work in physicians’ offices
may include weekends, night hours, or early-morning hospital rounds to visit patients. PAs in
clinics usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. (Introduction to the Health Professions, pg.113).
References
Stanfield’s Introduction to Health Profession Seventh Edition Nanna Cross, Danna C. McWay
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. The Differences Between a Nurse Practitioner
and Doctor. (July, 2020) https://www.usa.edu/blog/nurse-practitioner-vs-doctor/
UPMC Wester Maryland. What is the difference between a Doctor and a Physician Assistant?
(April 25, 2019) https://www.wmhs.com/difference-between-doctor-and-physician-assistant/
Regis College. What’s the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor?
https://www.regiscollege.edu/blog/nursing/nurse-practitioner-vs-doctor
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