When considering a career in health care, knowing the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor can help you choose the right path based on your interest, desired level of education, and the type of patient care you want to provide. 

While they are different jobs, they overlap in many ways—especially from a patient's perspective.

When I first needed orthopedic care, one person came into the room and took my vitals, and then the next person came in to talk about my health concerns. We came up with a temporary plan. 

As I grabbed my coat, she said, "The doctor will be in shortly," and closed the door. "Wait, that wasn't the doctor?" I wondered. It almost felt like kismet when I was assigned this article since I had just experienced the NP vs. doctor confusion. 

What Is a Nurse Practitioner?

Simply put, a nurse practitioner (NP) is a highly trained health care provider. They can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care. That last one helps us understand the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor a little more. Nurse practitioners focus on patients.

Let's look at the qualifications for a nurse practitioner. 

  • Must hold an active RN license, typically obtained after earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Completion of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an accredited program.
  • Passing a certification exam in a chosen specialty, such as family practice (FNP), adult-gerontology (AGNP), pediatrics (PNP), or psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP).
  • Depending on the state, obtaining certification to prescribe medications, including controlled substances.
  • Ability to provide patient-centered care, educate patients, and collaborate with health care teams effectively.

Keep in mind that requirements can vary from state to state. Check your state through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners' website.

It typically takes six to eight years of schooling to become a nurse practitioner—four in a bachelor's program and up to three in a master's program. The final degree option is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which technically makes them a doctor but not a medical doctor (MD). 

What Is a Doctor?

A doctor (MD) is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose illnesses, treat health conditions, and perform medical procedures. They have the highest level of medical authority and can practice independently in all states.

This field requires extensive training, including a bachelor's degree, medical school, internship, and residency, before getting board-certified. 

Additional fellowships are another option for doctors looking to work in specialty fields, such as:

  • Cardiology – Specializing in heart and cardiovascular system conditions.
  • Dermatology – Focusing on skin, hair, and nail disorders.
  • Neurology – Treating conditions related to the brain and nervous system.
  • Pediatrics – Providing medical care for infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Orthopedics – Specializing in the musculoskeletal system, including bones and joints.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) – Focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health.
  • Psychiatry – Treating mental health disorders and emotional well-being.

At a minimum, it takes 11 years to become a doctor who can legally practice. While the title of doctor is earned upon leaving medical school, until they pass licensing exams, they are typically referred to as a resident doctor or physician-in-training and work under supervision.

Key Differences Between Nurse Practitioners and Doctors

Nurse practitioners and doctors have distinct differences in education, responsibilities, and patient care approaches. Those weighing options of each field of study should focus on whether they want to be more involved with patient care or treating diseases while dealing with more complicated health matters.

At the same time, the working relationship between the two is often collaborative, with NPs focusing on holistic, patient-centered care and doctors providing more specialized, disease-focused treatment.

In terms of scope, NPs focus on primary and preventive care, often specializing in areas like family or pediatric health, whereas doctors handle more complex conditions and procedures. 

Autonomy varies by state—NPs can practice independently in some places but may require physician oversight in others, while doctors have full autonomy nationwide.

Salaries reflect these differences, with doctors generally earning more due to their extensive training and specialization, but both careers offer diverse opportunities.

NP vs. Doctor Job Outlook and Salary

We turn to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for facts about the difference between a nurse practitioner and a doctor in terms of salary and job outlook. 

Nurse practitioners are looking at a 40% growth in the job outlook through 2033—the third highest of all trades and the top job in health care. 

Compare that to physicians and surgeons on the BLS job outlook chart, which is just 4%. That job field doesn't even make the top 20 in-demand jobs over the next decade. 

The median pay in 2023 for NPs was $129,480, while MDs were north of $239,200 annually. Keep in mind that education costs can be exponentially higher for MDs. Plus, doctors get paid around $50,000 to $60,000 during the internship and residency years. 

The Value of Both Roles in Health Care

Nurse practitioners and doctors each bring unique strengths to health care, working together to provide well-rounded patient care.

NPs help bridge gaps in health care by increasing access to care, especially in underserved areas where doctors may be scarce. Their ability to diagnose and treat common conditions allows more patients to be seen, reducing wait times and easing the workload on doctors.

This teamwork also enhances patient satisfaction—while doctors focus on complex cases, NPs provide follow-up care and preventive services.

As an example, if you go to the doctor with cold or flu symptoms, a nurse practitioner is well-educated to handle the basic symptoms. If health problems go beyond a fever or sore throat, like a deep, painful cough or dizzy spells, the doctor will likely see you since the health issue is more complicated and warrants a deeper dive. 

So, is a nurse practitioner a doctor? No. However, they both can treat basic ailments and injuries, making health care more accessible and affordable for all. 

Start Your Medical Career Path Today

Now that we've explained the difference between an NP and a doctor, see what health care career path is right for you by taking this helpful quiz.