Originally Posted by
ProPA
I am a PA student and while doing some research I came across this and I am ASTOUNDED to read what you have to say about PAs. I would like to point out a few things about my profession that you may not realize-
- PA's and NP's are trained in two different modes- PA's are trained in a MEDICAL model (that is, based on medical school) while NP's are trained in a NURSING model (that is, based on nursing school).
- PA's are trained as generalists (we recieve training in internal medicine, surgery, OB/GYN, peds, psych, etc etc) while NP's are trained to work in ONE special area.
- Most PA's work in SURGERY, while most NP's work in FAMILY PRACTICE.
- NP's do 200 hours of clinical work toward their degree (this info I got from a Columbia University NP student). I did more than 200 hours in my surgery rotation (enough said)
- BOTH NP's and PA's are required to have clinical experience before entering programs (Most PA programs require 2000 hrs)
Of course I am pro-pa, but I definatly think that NPs have a place in medicine as well. As far as choosing one over the other, it really depends on what field you want to work in- I've yet to see an NP in the OR or ER, but that is mostly what I see in Family Practice and geriatrics.
I'm happy to continue the discussion if intelligent comments prevails.