Overview of Physician Extenders:
You may not hear the term "physician extenders" often. It's a catch-all term, mostly used by medical professionals, for two types of providers who may help you with your healthcare. You'll likely recognize them by their individual titles:Nurse Practitioners (NPs):
Nurse practitioners have completed a registered nursing degree as a part of a bachelors degree, plus an additional degree (usually a masters). An NP may be certified in a specialty area, such as family health, oncology, or pediatrics. He or she can serve as a patient’s regular healthcare provider, and may diagnose, order tests, develop treatment plans and write prescriptions.
Most NPs work in collaboration with a physician. They are accredited through several organizations, including the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
NPs are known for their expertise in wellness, prevention and patient education.
Physician Assistants (PAs):
PAs are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of private practice physicians or hospitals. They may diagnose and treat patients and prescribe medicine, and some may be surgical assistants.
Physicians assistants are relatively new to the American healthcare landscape, with roots in the post-Vietnam era when there was a physician shortage in the United States. Their education requires a bachelor's degree, plus two to three years of additional training that results in a relevant master's degree.
PAs are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
