College seniors increasingly rely on online
resources to compare healthcare paths, focusing on
cost, time-to-licensure, and scope of practice.
When evaluating whether a profession provides a
full license after education, the four common
tracks are physician assistant (PA), nurse
practitioner (NP), medical doctor (MD) and doctor
of osteopathy (DO). NPs and PAs practice
autonomously in many states and under supervision
in other states.
Cost considerations are critical. MD/DO programs
typically require the longest training (pre-med,
four years of medical school, residency), with
high tuition, but potential lifetime earnings can
be substantial. PA and NP programs are shorter and
less expensive upfront, often resulting in lower
debt and earlier entry into the workforce but have
the plenary license.
Podiatric education comes close but not close
enough to wave the parity flag. A cited example
would be a podiatric physician treating a diabetic
sub- second metatarsal ulceration. The treatment
stops at the debridement and wound care, yet the
PA or NP can do the same but also adjust the
patient's diabetic medication and blood pressure
medication, all with less education then a
podiatric physician has.
If one was to address the "enrollment crisis" for
podiatry colleges, then establishing a curriculum
with appropriate clinical rotations compatible to
MD/DO/PA/NP programs would make the most sense.
Online comparisons should prioritize: curriculum
length, tuition, average indebtedness, state
licensure rules, scope of practice, and average
starting salaries. For truly full licensure, MD/DO
training remains the most straightforward path,
but the combined online information landscape
helps students weigh debt, time, and long-term
career flexibility.
The current college generation is seeking the
shortest path for a healthcare career with the
lowest accumulated debt and a paycheck at the end
of the work week.
Sev Hrywnak, DPM, MD, Chicago, IL
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