While NPs and MDs have many similarities, there are also some very significant differences. Keep reading to find out more about the differences between nurse practitioners vs doctors.
The biggest difference is that a medical doctor attends medical school while a nurse practitioner does not. Other differences include their clinical training and the level of autonomy they have at work.
The biggest similarity between NPs and MDs is job responsibilities. Both are certified and specially trained healthcare professionals that care for patients. Nurse practitioners and medical doctors prescribe medications, diagnose patients, run diagnostic tests, and oversee the care of their patients.
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Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Medical Doctor (MD)
Salary
Job Outlook
Training & Education
Job Duties
Scope of Practice
Depends on state of practice
Limited by specialty and training
Years to Become
Cost of Schooling
Job Satisfaction
Both NPs and MDs have the potential to earn substantial salaries.
According to the BLS, nurse practitioners as of May 2023 earn an average annual salary of $126,260.
On the other hand, MDs earn an average annual salary of $239,200.
While NPs earn a fairly consistent salary that doesn’t vary too much depending on subspecialty, doctors can earn exponentially more depending on the field of practice. According to the BLS, specialty doctors earned the following average annual salaries:
| Pediatric Surgeons | $449,320 |
| Cardiologists | 423,250 |
| Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | 378,250 |
| Radiologists | 353,960 |
| Surgeons, All Other | 343,990 |
| Dermatologists | 342,860 |
| Anesthesiologists | 339,470 |
| Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | 312,120 |
| Emergency Medicine Physicians | 306,640 |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists | 278,660 |
| Neurologists | 271,470 |
| Physicians, pathologists | 270,560 |
| Psychiatrists | 256,930 |
| Physicians, all other | 248,640 |
| General internal medicine physicians | 245,450 |
| Family medicine physicians | 240,790 |
| Pediatricians, general | 205,860 |
The job outlook is exceptionally high for NPs but rather low for MDs.
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment for nurse practitioners is projected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
While the job outlook is on the lower end for doctors, which is surprising - there is still a need for physicians and surgeons around the country.
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While NPs and MDs both have substantial advanced training and education, the pathway to becoming each is very different. This is one of the biggest considerations when determining which path is right for you. While becoming an NP is time-consuming and difficult, the path to becoming a doctor can be grueling.
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP MSN - Family NP MSN - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN - Pediatric NP - Primary Care
Learn More
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
MSN - Family NP MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP DNP - Educational Leadership See more GCU nursing programs
Learn More
At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP
Learn More
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide
BSN-to-MSN - Family NP BSN-to-MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Learn More
Specific medical doctor and nurse practitioner job duties are generally very similar. However, this will depend on the specialty and state of practice.
Basic job responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
For example, an anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient during surgical procedures. On the other hand, an orthopedist is responsible for treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system including muscles, bones, tendons, joints and ligaments.
NPs have the ability to specialize, similar to MDs, and their specific job duties will be dependent on that. A pediatric NP will specialize and focus on training and education related to pediatric patients. It would be outside the scope of their practice to treat an adult patient unless there is specific additional training.
Scopes of practice are determined by state boards of nursing, licensing, and accreditation bodies. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) details the practice authority for NPs throughout the country. There are three classifications for NPs,
The American Medical Association (AMA) is a great resource for medical doctors in finding additional information about the scope of practice in each state. The scope of practice for physicians is mostly determined by their specialty and advanced training.
Becoming an NP or MD takes substantial time, energy, and money. It is not for the faint of heart!
The road to a nurse practitioner is slightly less than a medical doctor but it still can take years. The main thing to consider is what type of NP or MD you want to be.
Becoming an NP takes roughly 6 to 7 years but again this can depend on the type of NP you are interested in becoming.
The cost of schooling depends on several factors including,
Generally speaking, becoming an NP costs much less than a doctor. Medical school is entirely in-person while there are online programs for NPs. All of the classwork is completed online while clinicals are in person with a preceptor.
Regardless of becoming an NP or MD, the cost of education continues to rise.
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
Accreditation Prerequisite RN RequiredEnrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP MSN - Family NP MSN - Pediatric NP - Primary Care MSN - Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN - Adult/Gerontology Primary Care NP
Learn More
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
