Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) are highly educated medical professionals who provide high-quality primary, acute and specialty health care services similar to those of a physician. APRNs have graduate, advanced education, with master’s degrees or doctorates. ARNPs practice under the rules/regulations of the state they are licensed in and are nationally board certified in their specialty areas. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure/certification.

All APRNs have advanced clinical training beyond their extensive professional registered nurse education. APRNs diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses for all age groups. They order and interpret lab and diagnostic testing, prescribe medication and perform procedures. APRNs place a unique emphasis on both care and cure by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. APRNs may work independently or as part of a health care team.

Physician Assistants (PA) are highly educated medical professionals who provide high quality, primary, acute and specialty health care services similar to those of a physician. PAs have graduate, advanced education with master’s degrees and train under the medical education model. PAs practice under the rules/regulations of the state they are licensed in and are board certified nationally in their specialty areas. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure/ certification.

PAs typically acquire extensive healthcare training and experience before they enter a graduate level program. PAs diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses for all age groups. They order and interpret lab and diagnostic testing, prescribe medication and perform procedures.

PAs provide care in all general practice settings as well as specialty areas of medicine. PAs work as part of a healthcare team.