Nurse Insights: Should I Choose an RN or PA Program?

Are you interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but unsure whether to become a registered nurse (RN) or a physician assistant (PA)? While both professions involve providing care to patients, there are differences in education and training requirements. In this article, we’ll explain the requirements for both RN and PA programs, including education, training, and internship/practicum requirements. We’ll also provide links to further resources for those interested in pursuing these careers.

Nurse Insights

Should I Choose an RN or PA Program?

In our Nurse Insights series, experienced nurses offer an insider’s perspective on the nursing profession by addressing common questions, challenges, and triumphs of their careers.

Understanding the Roles: RN and PA

Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for patient care coordination, education, and documentation. They work in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private homes. On the other hand, physician assistants (PAs) assist in surgeries, diagnose illnesses or injuries, interpret diagnostic tests, and manage prescriptions. They usually work in physician’s offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare services.

Duties of Registered Nurses (RNs)

Registered nurses hold a crucial position in patient care. As an RN, you undertake numerous tasks and responsibilities which include but are not limited to:

• Conducting patient health assessments.
• Administering medications and treatments.
• Coordinating patient care plans along with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Educating patients and their families about the nature and status of their health and how to manage their condition.
• Documenting patients’ medical history and symptoms.

RN’s predominantly work in hospitals, but settings can range from schools to outpatient care centers to private homes, depending on the nature of their specialty and role.

Responsibilities of Physician Assistants (PAs)

If you compare, physician assistants work in similar settings to that of RNs, but assume quite a different set of responsibilities. Their day-to-day tasks generally include:

• Conducting physical examinations of patients.
• Diagnosing and treating common illnesses or injuries.
• Assisting physicians during surgeries.
• Interpreting and explaining diagnostic tests to patients.
• Writing prescriptions and managing follow-up appointments.

Most often, PAs work in physician’s offices and hospitals, but they also work in outpatient clinics and home healthcare services.

To visualize these differences, here’s a simple comparison. However, these are only broad categories. Specific duties may vary depending on the healthcare setting and specialization.

Education and Training Requirements: RN vs. PA

As with many jobs in the medical profession, extensive education and training are required to become a registered nurse or a physician assistant. Depending on the route you choose, you can become a nurse in as little as two to four years, while becoming a physician assistant takes at least six years.

Registered Nurse (RN) Requirements

To become a registered nurse (RN), you’ll need to enroll in a nursing program to receive an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These paths prepare you for entry-level nursing practice and to take the NCLEX-RN exam, the licensing exam for RNs. However, you should keep in mind that most employers will require a BSN prior to employment. Nursing programs consist of didactic classroom time and clinical, hands-on experiences.

After completing your nursing program, you may be required to take part in a nursing internship after being hired by an organization. This can range from a few weeks to a year, providing invaluable, firsthand nursing experience.

There are also continuing education (CE) requirements for nurses. The specifics vary by state, but almost every state requires some form of CE for license renewal. Usually, this consists of classroom or online education aimed at keeping your nursing skills up-to-date.

Physician Assistant (PA) Requirements

As for becoming a physician assistant (PA), the process is a bit different. You would first achieve a bachelor’s degree, usually with a focus on science, taking approximately four years. Then, you’ll need to complete a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies, which typically takes two to three years.

Part of a PA program involves didactic courses aimed at providing you with an in-depth understanding of human anatomy, pharmacology, medical procedures, and more. After completing these classes, you’ll perform a supervised clinical rotation in various medical specialties.

Following graduation, PAs also have to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) before they can practice. Continuous professional development is also essential to maintain licensure, with varied requirements across states.

Differences in Earning Potential

The typical salary ranges and earning potential for RNs and PAs factors in many variables, like geographical location, specialization, and experience level.

Median Salaries for RNs and PAs

As a registered nurse, your earning potential can significantly vary depending on several factors. On average, an RN in the United States earns around $81,220 annually. However, RNs with specializations or advanced responsibilities, such as nurse practitioners, can earn upwards of $124,680 per year.

Physician assistants, on the other hand, have a higher median salary—about $126,010 per year. Let’s delve deeper into how geographical location, specialization, and experience level affect these typical salary ranges.

Impact of Geographical Location

The geographical location is a crucial factor in determining your salary as both an RN and PA. As an example, registered nurses in California tend to earn more (around $133,340 per year) compared to those in South Dakota (about $64,500 per year).

Similarly, PAs in Connecticut have an average salary of $143,280 per year compared to those in Mississippi, earning around $77,290 per year.

Role of Specialization

Specialty can significantly impact earning potential. For instance, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), a specialized RN role, can earn upwards of $205,770 per year. Meanwhile, surgical PAs, a specialized PA role, have higher earnings—about $164,097 per year.

Effect of Experience Level

Your salary can grow as you gain more experience. An entry-level RN earns roughly $81,220 per year, but this figure can increase to over $100,000 per year with experience. In contrast, a starting PA can earn around $126,010 per year, which can eventually grow to about $150,000 per year with experience.

Considerations for Choosing a Program

One of the most significant factors when choosing between an RN and PA program is your personal interest. Both professions fulfill unique roles within the healthcare system, with nurses primarily providing patient care and education, while PAs often work more directly with physicians to diagnose and treat patients. Depending on your interests, you may feel more suited to the one-to-one patient care that nursing offers, or you may be drawn towards the more diagnostic and treatment-focused role of a PA.

Personal Interest

Consider what you truly love about healthcare. If you enjoy being hands-on, providing compassionate care, and helping patients understand their health, a role as a registered nurse may be ideal. On the other hand, if you have a passion for diagnosis and treatment planning and you’re keen to take on more clinical responsibilities often associated with a doctor, becoming a physician assistant could be an excellent choice.

Remember, these roles can overlap, and paths can cross, but it’s crucial to understand what sparks your passion before deciding on a career path.

Long-Term Career Goals

Before deciding between an RN or PA program, think about where you want to be in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. Both RNs and PAs have different opportunities for advancement. As an RN, you could go on to specialize in a specific medical area, become a nurse practitioner, or move into nursing management or education. As a PA, you could specialize in a particular field of medicine, move into healthcare administration, or even education.

Flexibility

The flexibility of a career can be an essential consideration. As an RN, your work could range from hospitals to community health centers, and you may have options for part-time, full-time, and shift work. PAs traditionally maintain a more consistent work schedule, but their scope of practice can vary dramatically depending on their specialty and physician collaboration.

Length of Schooling

Last but not least, consider the length of schooling. Generally, RN programs can take between 2 to 4 years, depending on whether you want an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. PA programs require a master’s degree, which often requires at least 6 years of education— a bachelor’s degree (4 years) followed by a master’s program (2 years).

Licensing and Certification Process

Both registered nurses (RNs) and physician assistants (PAs) must complete a specific educational program and pass an examination to obtain licensure or certification. RNs must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and meet continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and earn a specific number of Category 1 credits, as well as take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) every 10 years.

For Registered Nurses (RNs)

To become a registered nurse, your first step after graduation is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a nationally recognized examination that assesses your skills and knowledge in nursing.

To maintain licensure, you’ll need to meet the continuing education requirements of your state nursing board, which typically includes completing a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs) every 2 to 3 years. In many cases, these CEUs can be earned online or through workshops, seminars, or refresher courses. Additionally, some states require that nurses demonstrate competency in certain areas every few years, such as patient safety or pharmacology.

To prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam or keep up with your CEUs, consider checking out helpful resources such as test review books, study guides, or online courses that cover a wide range of nursing topics.

For Physician Assistants (PAs)

If you are pursuing a career as a physician assistant (PA), you have to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

To maintain certification, PAs are required to earn a specific number of Category 1 CME credits and take the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE) every ten years.

Like RNs, PAs also have a vast array of study guides, online prep courses, and review books available for both the PANCE and PANRE exams.

Career Advancement Opportunities

After you become an RN or PA, there are several ways you can specialize and progress further in your career.

Specializations

In the realm of nursing, you can choose to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, or geriatrics. You can also delve into advanced practice registered nursing (APRN), becoming a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, or a certified nurse-midwife. Each of these specialties brings unique skills and may require additional certifications or qualifications.

As a PA, specializations can also range widely, from general internal medicine to emergency medicine, to orthopedics, and psychiatry. Each specialty offers different patient populations, work environments, and types of procedures.

Leadership Positions

Beyond providing direct patient care as an RN or PA, you could also move into leadership roles. These can include becoming a nurse manager, a charge nurse, or a director of nursing. These roles involve supervising teams of nurses, department management, and strategic planning.

In the PA career pathway, you could move into roles like the director of clinical services, PA program director, or even the Chief PA. These positions involve greater responsibilities, but they also offer the opportunity to shape healthcare delivery at a higher level.

Academia

You could also take the academic route, teaching the next generation of nurses or PAs. For RNs, this could involve teaching at a nursing school or offering continuing education courses. For PAs, it could involve instructing at PA programs or medical schools.

Research

If you have a curiosity to solve healthcare issues through research, there are ample opportunities available for both RNs and PAs. This could involve conducting original research, publishing scholarly articles, and even influencing health policy.

Choosing a pathway for career advancement largely depends on your personal interests and career aspirations. It’s important to keep developing your skills and knowledge, no matter the path you choose. Explore each option, understand the required skills and qualifications, and choose a pathway that aligns with your career goals.