Are you a doctor?

Are you a doctor?

No. I am not a doctor. I am a Nurse Practitioner who holds a master’s degree in nursing. That means I attended 2 years of college to obtain pre-requisites for nursing school, 3 years of college to obtain my Bachelor’s degree in nursing, then 3 more years to earn my Master’s degree in nursing. I could go on to earn my Doctorate or PhD in nursing, then I could technically call myself “Dr. Knight.” But honestly, even if I earned that title, I find that unnecessarily confusing. I am very proud of my nursing background because I believe it adds to my knowledge and patient care in a unique way.

You’re a Physician’s Assistant (PA) then?

No. I am not a physician’s assistant. A PA will obtain an associates degree, after which they must complete 4,000 hours in a medical setting, and complete the pre-requisites for the PA program they are applying to. A physician’s assistant might have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. After graduation their scope of practice is very similar to that of a nurse practitioner, but must be provided under the “supervision” of a physician. 

So you’re better than a PA? 

No. I am neither “better” than a PA, nor “worse” than a physician. In the same way that any career or profession is marked by education AND experience, medicine is no exception.

So what do I call you?

Call me Kari. Let me know if I can help.