{"id":4934,"date":"2022-02-23T22:24:09","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T22:24:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=4896"},"modified":"2024-05-09T01:07:57","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T01:07:57","slug":"choose-rn-or-pa-profession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/career-resources\/choose-rn-or-pa-profession\/","title":{"rendered":"RN or PA: How to Choose the Right Profession for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding the right healthcare career often hinges on factors like educational requirements, job duties and salary. Two popular options are registered nurses<\/a> (RN) and physician assistants<\/a> (PA). The RN vs PA question often arises because both choices provide the opportunity to make a difference through direct patient care. However, PAs are technically more like physicians than nurses, so there are distinct differences in education and job functions. The role an RN or PA plays is vital to patient outcomes, so compare the requirements of both options to help you make the right career decision for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Differences in RN or PA Education<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A primary distinction between RNs and PAs is their educational backgrounds. PAs need a much higher level of education to start their careers, while RNs can enter the field with much less education but enhance their careers by pursuing advanced education.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starting a career as an RN can take as little as two years by earning an Associate Degree in Nursing<\/a>. However, you can opt to complete a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing<\/a> degree to enhance your career options from the outset. Whichever educational path you follow, all nursing school graduates must pass the <\/span>NCLEX-RN<\/span><\/a> licensure exam to become registered nurses and officially enter the field of nursing. The exam is the same for both the Associate\u2019s and Bachelor\u2019s Degrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternately, it takes much longer to become a PA due to more extensive education requirements. You\u2019ll begin by earning your bachelor\u2019s degree, which typically takes four years but could take longer if you don\u2019t complete all your PA prerequisites. To enter a PA program, you must first complete 1,000 healthcare experience (HCE) or patient care experience (PCE) hours as part of your training. Meaningful HCE can include:<\/span><\/p>\n