A career in medicine can be rewarding, challenging and high-paying. With these qualities, it’s no wonder enrollment for those interested in becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine has recently been at an all-time high. According to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), there was a 27 percent growth in applicants to AACOM colleges over the course of four years. In 2011, there were 14,087 prospective students, and the number jumped to 17,944 in 2014. However, a recent survey from Massachusetts General Hospital found that many primary care physicians would recommend that qualified students pursue a career as a nurse practitioner – a profession that doesn’t require a doctoral degree.
Professional differences
So, what exactly are the differences between a nurse practitioner and a physician? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), both medical professionals can diagnose and treat patients. The exact duties vary from one state to another, but the educational requirements for each are quite different.
The BLS explains that nurse practitioners must be licensed registered nurses who go on to earn an advanced degree in a specialty role. They need both classroom and clinical experience, and must pass a national certification exam. On the other hand, physicians are required to complete medical school, as well as an additional number of years in a residency program. Students should consider these factors when deciding on the type of medical professional they aspire to be.
5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45233
Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic academic community grounded in the spiritual values and vi....
10601 Calle Lee, Los Alamitos, CA, 90720
Touro University Worldwide is a nonprofit institution of higher learning established by philanthropi....
One South Avenue, Garden City, NY, 11530
TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION AND A STREAMLINED PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS Adelphi University, New York, i....
126 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 11549
At Hofstra University, students take advantage of dynamic courses, flexible schedules, exceptional f....
65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY, 11367
Over Eighty Years of Building Futures Since 1937, Queens College has remained true to its historical....
1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, 23464
Regent University is a Christian learning community comprised of seven graduate schools (Business &a....
Box 90330, Durham, NC, 27708
Duke Environment provides a unique opportunity for aspiring environmental leaders to pursue their pa....
401 N Fairview St, Lock Haven, PA, 17745
Founded in 1870, Lock Haven University sits on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and looks ov....