Which statement best describes the collaboration between PAs and NPs?

• A. They are competitors.
• B. They are both Advanced Practice Providers who help extend access to care.
• C. They do not work together.
• D. Only one can practice in a facility.

Answer: (B)

PAs and NPs are both Advanced Practice Providers, and their collaboration is key to expanding access to care. Each brings a distinct but complementary approach to patient care, yet both are trained to assess patients, diagnose, develop treatment plans, order and interpret tests, and prescribe within their scope. In real-world settings, they often work together as part of interprofessional teams with physicians and other clinicians, sharing patient care, co-managing cases, and ensuring timely access, especially in primary care and underserved areas. This teamwork helps reduce gaps in care and improves outcomes for patients.

While competition for jobs can occur in some markets, the stronger and more accurate idea is that they collaborate to extend care. They do work together rather than in isolation, and facilities can employ both types of providers. The notion that only one can practice in a facility isn’t accurate in most contexts, as scope of practice and supervisory requirements vary by state and by setting.