Colorado Technical University

Is Physician Assisting switching to a doctoral program like Nursing and Physical Therapy?

If not, when or will they? whats the status so far

Public Comments

1. I assume you are referring to Nurse Practitioner Programs, which are moving to require a Nurse Practitioner has a PhD instead of just a Specialized Masters. I have NOT heard of any planned changes for PA's (Physician Assistance) that require a Masters or Physical Therapist (which is actually only a Bachelor's). There are Basic Nursing programs also to become a Registered Nurse that are at a Bachelors Level, besides ones that only require an Associate Degree. The difference for the PA and NP is that they function in a role much like an MD (Medical Doctor) and have the ability to write for medications, orders for a patients care to be followed by other health care providers, as well as diagnostic procedure's. There has long been a push for more education for all levels to enter the field or to advance, and with time it will occur because the continuing advancements in medical care have made it necessary for the safety of all!
2. The vast majority of PA programs have transitioned (or are transitioning) to a masters; and 3 states require a masters to get state licensure. There are currently 3 PA doctoral programs & the first classes have already graduated. However, the doctoral degree is not required to practice and in fact, the doctoral for both PAs and NPs continues to be hotly contested in the literature by the rank & file with the question: what exactly is this going to do for me? Obviously increase time & costs to achieve, but not increase salaries. (after a certain point, an employer will simply hire a doc). So while the NPs are a done deal, the PAs are still on the fence, so to speak. (and it is NOT a PhD, it is a DNP=doctorate of nursing practice).