Licensed Practical Nurse vs. Physician Assistant

While Licensed Practical Nurses and Physician Assistants both care for patients directly, their scope of practice, autonomy, and clinical authority differ significantly.

• LPNs operate within a nursing team framework, carrying out essential bedside duties under RN or physician supervision.
• PAs, on the other hand, function as medical providers who diagnose and manage treatment in collaboration with physicians, often exercising substantial independence depending on the state and healthcare setting.

​​Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

LPNs provide hands-on care that supports patient comfort, safety, and recovery. They work under the direction of registered nurses and physicians, focusing on the ongoing monitoring and implementation of care plans.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Administering medications and injections (within scope)
• Dressing wounds and assisting with hygiene or mobility
• Observing and documenting patient progress
•  Reporting changes in condition to supervising RNs or physicians
• Providing patient education and emotional support

LPNs play a critical role in maintaining the flow of patient care — bridging communication between patients, families, and the broader care team.

Physician Assistant (PA)

Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals trained in the medical model, working alongside physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. They have the clinical authority to prescribe medications, order tests, and perform procedures, with their autonomy determined by state law and physician collaboration agreements.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Conducting patient histories and physical examinations
• Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
•  Diagnosing illnesses and developing treatment plans
• Prescribing medications (in most states)
•  Performing medical procedures such as suturing or assisting in surgery
• Educating patients about prevention and health management

PAs often serve as primary care providers or specialists’ extensions in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, balancing medical responsibility with collaborative care.

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The training required to become an LPN or PA differs in length, intensity, and educational level.

LPNs have one of the fastest entry points into healthcare. Most complete a state-approved LPN Program in about 12–18 months, followed by the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. This quick route lets them start working sooner and gain practical experience while pursuing further nursing education.

PAs, on the other hand, follow a longer, more advanced route. They typically earn a bachelor’s degree, complete prerequisite coursework, gain hands-on clinical experience, and then enroll in a 2–3 year master’s-level PA program. Graduates must pass the PANCE exam before practicing.

While both careers involve patient care, they lead down separate professional tracks. PAs are part of the medical provider pathway, not a step-up within nursing.

Both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are in steady demand across the healthcare industry, but for different reasons. LPNs are essential to daily patient care and continue to see strong employment needs in, long-term care, and rehabilitation facilities. PAs, meanwhile, are increasingly sought after to help address physician shortages and expand access to medical services.

Work environments differ as well:

• LPNs often work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home health settings, where they provide ongoing bedside care under RN or physician supervision.
• PAs typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and specialty practices, often managing patients more independently or alongside physicians.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024 data)

Compensation also varies based on location, employer type, and shift schedules. PAs generally earn higher salaries due to their advanced education and diagnostic authority, while LPNs benefit from flexible scheduling and consistent demand across nearly all healthcare settings.

Deciding between becoming an LPN or a PA depends on how quickly you want to begin your career and the level of responsibility you want to hold in patient care. Licensed Practical Nurses can enter the workforce in as little as 12 to 18 months, focusing on bedside care and patient support within a nursing team. Physician Assistants, on the other hand, pursue an advanced academic route to diagnose, treat, and prescribe under physician collaboration.

Both careers offer rewarding ways to make an impact on patient health. LPNs are essential in maintaining comfort, safety, and continuity of care, while PAs provide diagnostic and treatment expertise that expands access to medical services. The right path depends on whether you prefer a quicker entry into healthcare or a longer educational journey that leads to greater clinical autonomy.

Consider your interests, goals, and preferred work-life balance when making your choice. Whether you value the personal connection of bedside nursing or the analytical challenge of diagnosing and managing care, both paths contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system.

Ask yourself three simple yes/no questions:

1.       Do I want to start my healthcare career within the next year or two?

2.       Do I see myself diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications?

3.       Am I ready to take on the time and cost of a master’s-level program?

If you answered “yes” to the first but “no” to the others, the LPN route may be the right fit.
If you answered “yes” to all three, the PA track could align better with your long-term goals.

Ready to start your LPN journey? Contact your local Jersey College campus or learn more about how to become an LPN by taking a look at our admission requirements. 

Reach out to begin your journey toward becoming a licensed nurse.

• https://www.jerseycollege.edu/nursing-school-guide/closer-look-lpn-rn-bridge-program
• https://www.jerseycollege.edu/nursing-school-guide/how-to-become-lpn
• https://www.jerseycollege.edu/nursing-school-guide/what-is-an-lvn