Not sure which flair to use but I was wondering what the difference between the two is. I understand the academic background is different but if both can diagnose, prescribe, and treat patients, what’s the difference in terms of scope of practice?
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A doctor goes to Medical school, does an internship, does a residency, and then is full-fledged in their specialty. Their scope of practice is wide and far. A nurse practitioner is a nurse that has gone on to specialized schooling and her scope of practice is honestly based on the state she’s in and who she works for. Or him. Yes, both can prescribe and treat patients. However, a doctor’s schooling is much more broad and intensive than a nurse practitioner’s schooling and thus his/her scope of practice is much more broad and intensive.
That being said we’re going to see a lot more nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants in the future. The healthcare crisis is critical right now and the only way to fill in the need for Physicians is to have more nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants. I honestly expect to see in the future schooling paid for some of these specialties because that’s how dire things are going to get.
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