Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor: What’s the Difference?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and medical doctors (MDs) share several similarities, but even more differences. No matter where you are on your nursing or healthcare journey, entering one of these fields may be your ultimate goal. But how do you decide which to pursue?

This guide compares NPs and MDs, from program length and costs to career outlook and salary expectations, to help you discover which career suits your goals and needs. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between nurse practitioners and doctors.

What's the Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner vs a Medical Doctor?

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 who care for patients. Nurse practitioners and medical doctors prescribe medications, diagnose patients, run diagnostic tests, and oversee the care of their patients.

Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor

NP vs MD Salary

Both NPs and MDs have the potential to earn substantial salaries. 

Nurse Practitioner Salary

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the average salary for nurse practitioners is $129,210 per year in May 2024.

>> Related: Nurse Practitioner Salary

Medical Doctor Salary

Medical doctors earn an average annual salary of $239,200 or $115.00 per hour.

Doctor Salaries by Specialty

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: 

>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

NP vs MD Job Outlook

The BLS predicts that the demand for physicians and surgeons will grow by 4% over the next decade, which is about the same as all other occupations. On the other hand, NPs are expected to see a growth of 40% (Much faster than average) in that same time period.

When examined side by side, it's clear that the nurse practitioner job outlook far exceeds that of medical doctors. With the ongoing physician shortage and an increasing number of states adopting full practice authority for nurse practitioners, this disparity may be due to expectations that NPs will fill many of the healthcare gaps created by the shortage.

NP vs MD Training & Education

While NPs and MDs both have substantial advanced training and education, the pathway to becoming one 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. 

Nurse Practitioner

• Become a Registered Nurse and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Obtain a minimum of 1 year of nursing experience in a relevant specialty
• Enroll in an accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Practitioner program
• Take the appropriate APRN certification examination
• Apply for a state APRN license

Medical Doctor

• Attend a four-year college and obtain a Bachelor’s degree
• Take the required pre-med classes
• Take the MCAT exam
• Apply to medical school
• Complete medical school and a residency program
• Complete fellowship (if appropriate)

Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor Job Duties and Scope of Practice

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, 

• Prescribe medication
• Examine patients
• Order diagnostic tests
• Diagnose illnesses
• Provide treatment

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,

• Full Practice
• Reduced Practice 
• Restricted Practice

Image: NP Practice Authority

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. 

NP vs MD: Length of Time to Become

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. 

• For example, if you are interested in becoming a pediatrician, this will take fewer years of training than becoming a neurosurgeon or cardiovascular surgeon. 

• Before becoming an attending neurosurgeon, it can take 14 to 16 years of schooling and training. Becoming a practicing pediatrician takes roughly 9 years. 

Becoming an NP takes roughly 6 to 7 years, but again, this can depend on the type of NP you are interested in becoming. 

>> Show Me Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

NP vs MD Cost of Schooling

The cost of schooling depends on several factors, including:

• Private vs. public
• Location
• Online vs. in-class vs. hybrid
• Relocation fees
• Cost of living

Generally speaking, becoming an NP costs much less than becoming a doctor. Medical school is entirely in-person, while there are online programs for NPs. All of the classwork is completed online, but clinicals are in person with a preceptor.  

Regardless of becoming an NP or MD, the cost of education continues to rise. 

How To Choose Which Is Right For You

Knowing whether to become an NP or MD can be a long and difficult decision for some. 

If you are struggling to determine which path you are interested in taking, make a list of pros and cons. Consider all the factors involved, including your family, financial situation, and desires for the future. 

For example, becoming a doctor most likely will require relocation. After attending medical school, you will be required to attend a residency program. Now, there may be hospitals local to you, but you might not match with those, or they may not have the specific training. You will then be required to move. NPs, because of the popularity of online programs, many NPs do not have to relocate.

>> Related: How to Go From RN to MD