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According to (reference), there is a difference regarding the educational paths to becoming a physician versus a nurse practitioner. Most nurse practitioners are required to earn a master’s degree in nursing. However, other nurse practitioners pursue a doctor in nursing practice (DNP) graduate degree. On the other hand, physicians are required to a bachelor’s degree in a relevant pre-med discipline then accomplish a medical school and residency. The time is taken to become a physician or a nurse practitioner also differs (reference). Generally, it takes more time (about 11 years of post-secondary education) to become a physician. On the other hand, it takes about six to eight years to become a nurse practitioner.
Differences in Growth Outlook
Nurse practitioners have an impressive growth outlook. The nurse practitioners’ position is projected to have an impressive 45% growth outlook by 2029, which is several times higher than other trends, according to the BLS (reference). However, physician roles are projected to increase only by 4% by 2029. So, the field of the nurse practitioner is growing more rapidly than the field of the physician.
Differences in Roles and Responsibilities
Nurse practitioners are typically charged with two major duties, such as coordinating patient care and providing healthcare on a primary care and specialty level. The spectrum of the latter duties may vary from one state to another. However, nurse practitioners are allowed to prescribe medications and order tests (reference). In some states, nurses are allowed to provide specialized care with specific patient demographics such as patients with mental disorders, children, pregnant women, and others. Although nurse practitioners often work under the supervision of a physician, there are cases when they can operate independently (reference). Since nurse practitioners can perform duties similar to those of a physician, they are normally referred to as mid-level providers.
On the other hand, physicians provide an in-depth scope of diagnosis and treatment of a patient’s injuries or illnesses. Physicians execute their duties through patient examinations and diagnostics, the study of medical history, medication prescriptions, and counseling on long-term health-related elements such as diet and preventative healthcare (reference). Physicians often work in one or more specialties and treat a broad spectrum of conditions encountered in everyday life