Difference in training and education
Physicians have more education and training than nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Even a medical student will have more clinical hours of experience by the time they graduate, however, they are not legally permitted to practice medicine without supervision in ANY state without going on to attend a residency program.
The graphs below show the difference in hours between the professions.
DID YOU KNOW...? In 2021, researchers estimated that 59% of all family nurse practitioner (FNP) students attend mostly or completely online training, and 22% attend direct-entry programs that allow students without a nursing degree to attend NP school and start practice without one day of experience as a bedside nurse. (1)
(1) Types, Frequency, and Depth of Direct Patient Care Experiences of Family Nurse Practitioner Students in the United States. April 2021. Journal of Nursing Regulation 12 (1): 19-27.