Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are advanced healthcare practitioners with similar responsibilities, such as diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medications. However, their training and paths toward certification differ in significant ways. This blog post unpacks the key differences between NPs and PAs to help you determine which career path best aligns with your goals. What Is a Nurse Practitioner? A nurse practitioner (NP) is a licensed clinician who provides comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages. An NP can work in virtually any healthcare setting, diagnosing patient conditions and prescribing medications. As of October 2022, nurse practitioners have full practice authority in 27 states, meaning that they can practice Read more
BACKGROUND
Dr. Heather Disney is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Physical Therapist specializing in rehabilitation of both orthopaedic injuries and pelvic floor dysfunctions. She has experience working with both an adult and pediatric population. Dr. Disney received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, and an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University. She is also a Certified Manual Therapist, which encompasses various treatment strategies including myofascial release and joint mobilizations. Dr. Disney has been a part of the faculty at the University of St. Augustine since 2013. She is an active member in the American Physical Therapy Association and is also a representative of her local San Diego Chapter.
