Answered by Krista S
I'm in the same boat on trying to decide what route to go. From my research I've realized that PAs basically have all the responsibilities of a primary care MD but the doc needs to sign off on the PT's charts if they say need surgery, an increase in pain meds, etc. PAs have a 2 or 3 yr masters of schooling after a BS degree, and also need hands on PT care which you would already have by being a para-medic. PAs can still specialize and be certified with additional schooling, and they also have to re-take their board exams every 6 years (may differ from state to state). PAs cannot however, ever have their own practice because they need to be in continual contact and under the supervision of an MD. The NP route you would first have to get your RN, which some schools offer a 1 year program to be able to sit for the RN licensure exam, and then proceed to a Masters in nursing to be an NP. NPs seem to still specialize but may not have the ability to "float" between specialties as a PA would. NPs can however deal with anesthesia, of which PAs cannot. NPs also do not need MD consent for a lot of what they do and therefore are able to have their own practices. Overall, the job requirements and duties are very similar being a mid-level provider, but the philosophy and methodology getting there is a little different. You have to decide what path would work best for you. Good Luck!