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Authored by:
- AdventHealth University
Updated August 05, 2025
The American health care industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increasing population and longer life expectancies. This has led to a substantial demand for health care professionals, including nurses, doctors and advanced practice providers.
Given the greater demand for health care providers, there is urgent need for skilled professionals with advanced education, such as family nurse practitioners (FNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). These are health care providers who have earned a master’s or post-master’s degree and are legally certified to assess, diagnose and treat patients, just as a doctor would. FNPs and PAs are an essential part of modern health care, and they are likely to become even more important in the years to come. However, understanding the differences between the nurse practitioner and physician assistant roles is essential for those considering these career paths.
Family Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant
While both FNPs and PAs conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and counsel patients on treatment and preventative care, key differences exist, especially in their educational backgrounds and career focuses.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Many people who become family nurse practitioners start their careers as registered nurses (RNs) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, becoming an FNP requires a more advanced level of education.
Education and Certifications
Aspiring nurse practitioners must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited university with a focus on family practice. As one of our Nursing tracks offered, AdventHealth University has a Family Nurse Practitioner track as part of the MSN program. Upon graduation, graduates must pass a national certification exam administered by a recognized nurse practitioner certification board, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Roles and Responsibilities
FNPs provide health care to patients across the lifespan. Their responsibilities include:
- Conducting physical assessments: This includes routine checkups, well-child exams, and focused assessments for specific health concerns.
- Diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illnesses: This can range from common illnesses like colds and flu to chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
- Developing and implementing treatment plans: This involves creating individualized plans of care that may include medication management, lifestyle modifications, and referrals to specialists.
- Prescribing medications: FNPs have the authority to prescribe medications in all 50 states, though regulations may vary regarding controlled substances.
- Providing patient education and counseling on health promotion and disease prevention: This includes educating patients on topics like nutrition, exercise, immunizations, and disease management strategies.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests: This may involve ordering and analyzing lab work, X-rays, and other imaging studies.
Work Environments
Family nurse practitioners work in a variety of settings, including:
- Community health centers
- Home health care agencies
- Hospitals
- Independent practices (in some states)
- Private physician offices
- Schools and universities
Family Nurse Practitioner Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a family nurse practitioner in the U.S. is approximately $126,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer.
Physician Assistant
The path to becoming a physician assistant also involves significant education and training. Many aspiring PAs hold a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and accumulate direct patient care experience before pursuing a rigorous master-level program.
Education and Certifications
Most people pursuing a career as a physician assistant begin by earning a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field. They then need to gain Health Care Experience (HCE) or Patient Care Experience (PCE) through direct patient care roles. Following this, they must complete a Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. Upon graduation, aspiring PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become licensed.
Roles and Responsibilities
Physician assistants practice medicine under the supervision of a physician (though the level of supervision varies by state). Their responsibilities include:
- Taking patient histories and performing physical examinations: This involves gathering detailed information about a patient's medical history and conducting thorough physical assessments to identify health issues.
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries: PAs can diagnose a wide range of acute and chronic conditions and develop appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with a supervising physician.
- Developing and implementing treatment plans: This may include prescribing medications, ordering therapies, and providing patient education.
- Prescribing medications: Similar to nurse practitioners, physician assistants have prescription privileges in most states.
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests: This includes ordering and analyzing laboratory tests, imaging studies (like X-rays and CT scans) and other diagnostic procedures.
- Assisting in surgery: PAs can assist surgeons in the operating room, performing tasks such as suturing, closing incisions and managing patients during and after surgery.
- Providing patient education and counseling: This involves explaining medical conditions, treatment options and preventative measures to patients and their families.
- Performing procedures: Depending on their specialty and the supervising physician's delegation, PAs may perform various medical procedures, such as administering injections, drawing blood and suturing wounds.
Work Environments
Physician assistants work in a wide range of medical settings, such as:
- Emergency rooms
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Surgical centers
- Urgent care clinics
Physician Assistant Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average physician assistant salary is about $130,000 in the United States. Similar to nurse practitioners, salaries can fluctuate based on experience, location and specialization.
Key Differences: FNP vs. PA
| Feature | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) | Physician Assistant (PA) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Required | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with FNP specialization | Master of Physician Assistant Studies |
| Certification | National certification through nursing boards (AANPCB, ANCC) | Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) |
| Practice Focus | Often focused on primary care and family health across the lifespan; may emphasize wellness and prevention. | Can specialize in various medical fields (e.g., surgery, cardiology, dermatology); scope of practice often determined by supervising physician. |
| Supervision | May have more autonomy in some states; collaborative agreements with physicians may be required. | Practice under the supervision of a physician; the level of supervision can vary by state and practice setting. |
| Median Salary (BLS) | $126,000 | $130,000 |
Why Choose FNP vs. PA?
The decision between becoming a family nurse practitioner or a physician assistant often comes down to personal preferences and career goals. Those drawn to a nursing philosophy emphasizing patient-centered care, health promotion and a holistic approach might prefer the FNP path.
Those interested in a broader scope of medical practice, potentially including surgical settings, and who are comfortable practicing under physician supervision might find the PA profession more appealing. An education in nursing is a wonderful foundation to pursue a PA degree. The reason most nurses decide on the NP route is because the PA degree has more rigorous requirements in general science courses like organic chemistry, microbiology, genetics and more.
Pursuing Advanced Nursing Education
Whether you are interested in a career as a family nurse practitioner or a physician assistant, AdventHealth University offers programs designed to help you achieve your goals. Our Online Master of Science in Nursing program provides in-depth knowledge in areas like advanced health assessment and women's and pediatric care, offering a flexible schedule for working professionals. For those interested in becoming a PA, AdventHealth University also has an on-campus Master of Physician Assistant Studies program.
Take the first step in your health care career. Explore our programs at AdventHealth University and contact us. A member of our team will reach out to you to provide information on how you can get started.
