Physician Assistant vs Registered Nurse (RN)

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Pay

Physician Assistant

$140,700 typical, a year

Most Physician Assistants earn $124,800 to $159,100 a year.

From 656 postings that list pay

2,380 open jobs now

Physician Assistant salaries Physician Assistant jobs

Registered Nurse

$89,400 typical, a year

Most RNs earn $80,100 to $103,000 a year.

From 17,819 postings that list pay

107,484 open jobs now

Registered Nurse salaries Registered Nurse jobs

Physician Assistants typically earn about $51,200 more a year than RNs.

What each one does

Physician Assistant

  • Assess patients and obtain medical histories during physical examinations.
  • Diagnose and treat patients according to medical protocols and standards.
  • Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in consultation with physicians.
  • Prescribe medications and therapies as appropriate for patient needs.
  • Provide patient education regarding diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up care.
  • Perform diagnostic tests and interpret results to inform care decisions.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Registered Nurse

  • Administer medications and treatments to patients as ordered by a physician.
  • Monitor patient health and record vital signs or changes in condition.
  • Create and update patient medical records and care plans.
  • Communicate with patients, families, and medical staff about care.
  • Coordinate care with other healthcare team members.
  • Supervise nursing assistants or other staff members.

Summed up from 30 job postings

Skills employers ask for

Physician Assistant

More common in Physician Assistant postings

  • Physical Examination 3 in 10 postings
  • Physician Assistant Studies 2 in 10 postings
  • Primary Care 2 in 10 postings
  • Injections 1 in 10 postings
  • Suturing 1 in 10 postings
  • Occupational Health 1 in 10 postings
  • Wound Care 1 in 10 postings
  • Nurse Practitioner 1 in 10 postings

Registered Nurse

More common in RN postings

  • Direct Patient Care 1 in 10 postings
  • BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) 1 in 10 postings
  • Patient Education 1 in 10 postings
  • Nursing 1 in 10 postings

Out of each role's current postings.

Licenses and certifications

Physician Assistant

  • Physician Assistant Licensure (NCCPA) 3 in 10 postings
  • Basic Life Support 2 in 10 postings

Registered Nurse

  • RN License 5 in 10 postings
  • Registered Nurse 5 in 10 postings
  • Basic Life Support 3 in 10 postings
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 2 in 10 postings
  • CPR Certification 1 in 10 postings

Open jobs

Physician Assistant

Registered Nurse

  • Pay not stated Canton, OH, US
    Microsoft OutlookMicrosoft ExcelEpicCustomer ServiceMicrosoft Office +7
    Entry level · 1+ yrs exp 13 hours ago
    Apply
  • School Staff Nurse

    Akronchildrens
    Pay not stated Akron, OH, US
    Microsoft OutlookMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OfficeRN LicenseBasic Life Support +1
    Entry level · 1+ yrs exp 13 hours ago
    Apply
  • Pay not stated Phoenix, Arizona
    RN LicenseEvidence-based PracticeAmerican Heart AssociationBasic Life SupportPEARS Certification +1
    13 hours ago
    Apply

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