Educational Differences NP vs MD

[HurricaneKatt]

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Can someone help explain to me the key differences in curriculum for an NP vs MD? I'm really leaning towards family medicine right now. I definitely want to go the MD route, but I feel like the more I learn about the NP option the more appealing it is as at the very least, a backup option. I'm on my second application cycle and hopefully I will get an acceptance this year so hopefully it will be a moot point. *knock on wood* BUT if I don't get in this year I will have to take the MCAT again, and I may have to postpone another year before applying again for financial reasons. I've already blown all of my savings and then some on this application cycle and I haven't even had an interview yet! I am most definitely NOT giving up yet, but I am trying to be realistic and consider other possibilities and backup options as well.

I live in Alaska, and this is where I plan to plant my roots. In AK NPs have full practice rights. I work with NPs and think I'll sit down with one who is also a close friend and get his input (he actually regrets going the NP route vs MD, though he still enjoys what he does). I'm hoping he can explain some of the differences in limitations for what NPs in Alaska can do vs MDs. In the meanwhile though I thought I'd get some input from SDN. 😀

So what are the key curriculum and educational differences between MD and NP?

What are some pros and cons of MD vs NP?

What would your reasons be for preferring the MD route over NP? (I have my own reasons, just curious to hear other people's opinions)

 

[def1]

Just my opinion, but I don't think NP's have anywhere near the knowledge base that a MD would have and as a result you would either be sending out all the important cases to actual MD's or you would end up missing important diagnosis.

But what do I know, Im not even in med school yet lol

 

[Barcu]

There is a raging debate over in the allo forum. Lots of pages to sift through and find answers.

 

[RomanTaylor]

Can someone put up the "beating a dead horse" emoticon? Because I am posting from my phone.

 

[Life Sucks]

I was a pre-nurse/NP student before I switch and basically you'd take only biology, microbiology, and statistics,plus psychology. Other than that you won't share the same courses as pre-meds. Then you take some nursing classes if you're in a bridge program( similar to my school's 3 yrs.BA-MD program) or do nursing as a major. Then you do the masters in nursing, and specialize with clinicals. Now I think they're are transitioning to a DNP(DOCTORATE). I decided to be an M.D or D.O, instead of an NP since I'm not looking at doing primary care. Thought they have NP's on anything, I love the doctor's power and job responcibilities over a nurse practioner's. But now, even the other specialties, includedunng my Emergency Doctor's position could be changed a little bit. But I think it's mixed between people on the roles of NP'S and PA's. They technically do alot more than they use to , but I want to have M.D beside my name....it feels like more of of an accomplishment since it's way harder and longer.Also forgot to mention...I have an example of their curriculum right here...