we all know about doctors, md types. they've gone to medical school and done internships, etc.
but the world is changing. not talking about barefoot doctors in china.
here in America there's nurses, RN's, etc.
what about physicians assistants?
what about nurse practitioners?
what are the dividing lines?
what about salaries?
required trng?
In general:
An new RN now generally has a BSN (bach of sci nrsg), maybe a Masters, can even have a PhD. There are well-paying jobs.
Guessing here $40-80k+/yr depending. Acts on phys orders unless in capacity of admin.
A nurse practitioner is an RN who goes on advanced training in “general practice” might have a Master degree. Could have a PhD. They are often called ARNP and are in many specialties. Many have at least an MS and more and more, a PhD or other terminal degree. Some of these like nurse anesthesia are at about the top of the anticipated income pyramid; ie, $150k -300/annum depending. Many states give them prescriptive authority and they can practice autonomously. Can also work under a physic.
A Phys Assist does roughly the same, or can, as the above but is more limited in the spheres they can work (ie, cannot do anesthesia for one thing); becomes a PA-C — physician assistant - certified. Surgeons, particularly orthopods, use these in the OR and in the clinic. Can work under a physic or autonomously with physic as back-up.
MD’s and DO’s are physicians and depending upon specialty and post-grad training earn varying incomes from $150k to much higher.
Health care is becoming more and more dependent on “extenders” or nurse practitioners or phys assist’s as a matter of logistics and economy.
