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
Wood has twenty-five years of experience in higher education and almost forty years of healthcare management experience including positions in for-profit and non-profit healthcare organizations (hospitals; physician practices; long-term care facilities; free and charitable clinic in a non-profit ministry); and a global information technology organization. She has worked with diverse populations of healthcare employees in various delivery systems. In addition to holding a PhD in Organization and Management with a concentration in IT and Healthcare Administration, she completed seminary studies and is an ordained pastor. Her passion is wholistic health, including the spirituality aspect of patient care and healing. She understands and encourages self-care in students, faculty, and staff. Inclusiveness is vital to helping people succeed. Meeting people where they are allows her to develop the trust and relationships needed to mentor them through their educational adventures and life’s journey. She has worked as a PRN Chaplain and has seen first-hand the importance of compassionate care particularly when patients and families are faced with a chronic illness or at end-of-life. Volunteerism is one of Dr. Wood’s passions. She advocates for assisted living residents through the Council on Aging Long Term Care Advisory Group, marginalized populations, serves on several boards, and is active in professional organizations. Fun Facts: She has raised four children and is a Certified Pickleball Coach.
