| Aspect | Duke Physician Assistant | Duke Nurse Practitioner |
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| Required Credentials | Master's degree, NCCPA certification, physician assistant license | Master's or Doctorate in Nursing, national certification (ANCC or AANP), state licensure |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, outpatient settings, often in team-based care | Hospitals, clinics, primary care, specialty practices, often in autonomous roles |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Healthcare facilities, hospitals, clinics, often in collaboration with physicians | Hospitals, clinics, community health centers, often in primary or specialty care |
Both Duke Physician Assistants and Duke Nurse Practitioners are vital healthcare providers with advanced training. PAs typically work under physician supervision, focusing on diagnosis and treatment, while NPs often have more autonomous roles, especially in primary care. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job opportunity within Duke's healthcare system.