Nurse Practitioner (NP) |
Physician Assistant (PA) |
Gastroenterologist |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Education |
Master’s or Doctorate in Nursing (MSN, DNP) | Master’s or Doctorate in Physician Assistant Studies | Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) |
Scope of Practice |
Primary and specialty care | Primary and specialty care | Specialized care in gastrointestinal disorders |
Diagnosis & Treatment |
 |
|
|
Prescriptions |
|
|
|
Patient Education |
|
|
|
Health Management |
|
|
|
Preventative Care |
|
|
|
Follow-Up Care |
|
|
|
Emergency Care |
|
|
|
Endoscopic Procedures |
 |
|
|
Key Responsibilities
Nurse Practitioner (NP) / Physician Assistant (PA)
- Conduct physical exams and health assessments.
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, including disorders of the Gl tract.
- Provide patient education and counseling.
- Manage chronic diseases.
- Prescribe medications and dietary modifications.
- Provide specialized care for diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver diseases.
Gastroenterologist
- Perform endoscopic procedures (e.g., colonoscopies, endoscopies).
- Conduct physical exams and health assessments.
- Diagnose and treat common illnesses and injuries, including disorders of the Gl tract.
- Provide patient education and counseling.
- Manage chronic diseases.
- Prescribe medications and dietary modifications.
- Provide specialized care for diseases such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver diseases.
Accreditation
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Certified by national boards such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Physician Assistant (PA)
Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Gastroenterologist
Board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) with a subspecialty in Gastroenterology.