Why Should You Consider a Job as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant

You want a job in healthcare. However, many healthcare jobs are available, and choosing the right one can be difficult. At this point, you may want to consider two of the most popular healthcare jobs: working as a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.

There are many reasons why people pursue jobs as a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. To understand why, let’s answer some of the biggest questions surrounding both of these roles.

What Does a Nurse Practitioner Do Exactly?

A nurse practitioner treats patients’ injuries and illnesses. They also provide injury and disease prevention support and guidance.

Nurse practitioners can administer acute and primary care services. In addition, they can specialize in pediatrics, oncology and other areas.

How Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner?

To become a nurse practitioner, you need to complete a bachelor’s of science in a nursing program. Also, you’ll need to earn a master’s of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice degree.

Furthermore, nurse practitioners need licensing from the state where they work. State requirements for nurse practitioners vary. In some states, nurse practitioners must renew their license or complete a certain number of continuing education hours every year.

Are Nurse Practitioners in Demand?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the number of nurse practitioner jobs to increase 45% between 2020 and 2030.

What Does a Physician’s Assistant Do Exactly?

A physician’s assistant delivers diagnostic and therapeutic patient care. The assistant’s duties include prescribing medications to patients and developing patient treatment plans. Meanwhile, physicians assistants can work in nearly any medical setting.

How Can You Become a Physician’s Assistant?

Becoming a physician’s assistant requires you to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science or healthcare field. From here, you can work or volunteer in a healthcare setting. You can then attend an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). This program must be completed, regardless of where you plan to work as a physician’s assistant.

Next, you can join a PA education program, which usually takes about three years to complete. At this point, you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and earn National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification. Finally, you can earn a license in the state where you intend to work.

Are Physician’s Assistants in Demand?

BLS expects the number of physician assistant jobs to increase 31% between 2020 and 2030.

Which Is Better: Becoming a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant?

There is a lot to like about becoming a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. Learn as much as possible about both roles and the responsibilities associated with them. This allows you to weigh the pros and cons of each job. You can then gain the education, skills and experience necessary to start your career as a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.

Marquee Staffing is a leading healthcare staffing agency. We can put you in touch with professional recruiters who can help you pursue a wide range of healthcare jobs. To get started, check out our job board today!

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