The thoughts I have regarding seeing a nurse practitioner versus a physician depends on the type of care I need. First, it would be best to compare the education of a nurse practitioner (NP) verse a doctor. An NP would spend six to eight years in education and a medical physician is eight to eighteen; which is 4 pre-med, 4 med-school, 3 to 9 residency and 2 to 3 fellowships (Profy, June 2, 2016). Second, it is important to understand the duties each can perform. NPs are allowed to practice independently in 18 states (Lowes, May 1, 2014). An NPs are capable to conduct physical exams, diagnose, treat illness, order and interpret tests and counsel a patient just like a medical physician and perform surgery with assistance. There is some variation
