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
Dr. Marti Kessack started in the healthcare field in 1986 as an emergency department charge nurse and has been an educator since 2003. She has taught an exhaustive list of courses and capstone classes. In addition, Dr. Kessack has leadership experience academically for universities as well as a CEO for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) clinics.
In 2014, Dr. Kessack earned her PhD in Nursing Education and Post-Graduate Certificates in Health Care Management and Public Policy and Administration. She has helped start nursing programs at all levels on-ground as well as online venues. She has presented at national conferences and The Teachers College Columbia University. Her recent article publication, “A Second Look at Chelation Therapy During COVID-19 as a Viable Treatment Option for Cardiac Endothelial Dysfunction” was published in the Online Journal of Cardiology Review and Research.
Dr. Kessack lives in St. Augustine, FL and loves to walk the beach, sail and play tennis. She is currently serving a dual role as MSN Counselor and Chapter Vice President for Sigma Theta Tau Lambda Upsilon International Nursing Honor Society. She joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences as an Associate Professor in August 2021.
