PA and NP Roles Offer Career Pathways in Primary Care
Medical school is lengthy and expensive, but if you want to provide basic primary care to patients, there are other paths you can take. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can evaluate patients, make diagnoses, prescribe medication, and offer other primary care services. They are important for educating patients, managing chronic conditions, and detecting and treating disease. These providers may also screen patients for mental health and behavioral concerns. In this blog, we’ll explore a few benefits of becoming a nurse practitioner or physician assistant and how these roles help communities.Why Become a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner?
A Faster, More Affordable Path than Medical School
Both NP and PA careers require graduate programs that typically take around two or three years. Medical school, on the other hand, requires a four-year graduate program followed by three to seven years of medical residency. The lower time in school alone can make becoming an NP or PA a more affordable option for many. In fact, the Education Data Initiative reports that the average indebted med school graduate has a med school debt balance of $216,659. They also owe over twice as much in federal loans as the average postgraduate borrower.
The High Need for Primary Care Providers
America’s aging population means that primary care providers are in high demand in many areas. Primary care providers are also vital for the many US adults living with one or more chronic conditions. In fact, studies have shown that better access to primary care providers leads to improved health outcomes for the population. Unfortunately, the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (NCHWA) estimates that the US currently has a shortage of over 15,0000 physicians in primary care. By 2038, they predict we’ll be short by over 70,000. Still, many new doctors pursue other higher-paying specialties over working in primary care.NPs and PAs can help fill these gaps in primary care for many patients. They are especially critical in rural areas where access to doctors is limited. Additionally, the National Rural Health Association reported that 66% of Medicare recipients in rural areas saw an NP or PA for primary care in 2024. A 2023 poll also found that 90% of surveyed Americans believe PAs improve access to care and make getting appointments easier.
For both NP and PA careers, the BLS shows average salaries are significantly above the average for all occupations. The median annual salary for nurse practitioners in 2024 was $129,210. (For comparison, RNs made a median annual salary in 2024 of $93,600.) For PAs, the median annual salary was $133,260. At the same time, NPs and PAs can be a more cost-effective hire for healthcare employers than doctors.
The Growth of NPs and PA Careers
Interestingly, both the PA and NP roles were established in the 1960s, when the first PA and NP programs were created to help address physician shortages and expand access to care. Since then, both professions have grown dramatically in size and scope.Originally developed with a focus on pediatric primary care, the NP role now serves a wide range of populations and specialties. Over the past six decades, NPs have taken on increasing responsibilities as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). According to various studies, the quality of their primary care services is similar to that of generalist care from physicians. While NPs still often collaborate with physicians, approximately 30 states also allow NPs to practice without physician supervision. Per the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, there are now more than 461,000 licensed NPs in the US - and this growth is still going. The BLS projects a 40% growth of nurse practitioner employment from 2024 to 2034.
Similarly, PAs practice in every medical and surgical specialty, working collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals in all 50 states. They evaluate patients, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and assist in surgery, among many other responsibilities. In 10 states, PAs can also practice independently. According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, more than 201,000 certified PAs are practicing in the US. As for their continued growth, the BLS expects a 20% increase in PA employment between 2024 and 2034.
Thinking about Your Future in Primary Care?
Whether you lean towards a career as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner, either way, you could join a growing profession providing essential primary care services in your community. If you’re ready to get started, South University can help. Explore our program pages or contact our admissions team to discuss your educational journey and career goals today!--
Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
