Nurse Practioner vs. Physician's Assistant.

Okay, what is the difference and can they really diagnose someone and give them prescriptions?

Any advice would be great. I may take DD to docs. tom. and they said that the Nurse practioner will be there not the doctor.

Re: Nurse Practioner vs. Physician's Assistant.

Yes, they can really diagnose someone and both can write prescriptions. An NP is a nurse who goes for a masters & trains in a specialized area. He or she can have their own practice if they want. A PA goes to school usually for a 5 year masters program and is trained in a variety of areas, they work in conjunction with an MD (meaning the MD signs off on their notes etc). I see both the PA & NP at my peds office when she is unavailable and have had great experiences with both.

Re: Nurse Practioner vs. Physician's Assistant.

They go to school for about 6 years or so, they legally have the authority to write prescriptions and treat common issues pertaining to their speciality.
A PA is not a nurse, they didnt go to nursing school..totally different and usually studied science. Both can write scripts..You are fine with the NP, my DD is 4.5 months and we have seen a NP and a PA..no biggie..now if there was a major medical issue, that would be different.