Understanding the Role of Certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants at Southwest General

Visiting a hospital or your doctor’s office can feel a little overwhelming—whether it’s your first appointment or your fiftieth. You might arrive expecting to see a physician, but instead be greeted by a certified nurse practitioner (CNP) or physician assistant (PA-C). These caring, highly trained professionals work hand in hand with our physicians to make sure you receive personalized attention every step of the way. From routine checkups and post-surgical follow ups to managing chronic conditions, CNPs and PA-Cs are here to listen, answer your questions and partner with you in your health journey.

What Is a Certified Nurse Practitioner?

A certified nurse practitioner (CNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed a master’s or doctoral degree program and extensive clinical training. Most begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs), with many having spent years caring for patients before becoming CNPs. After graduate school, they must pass a national certification exam and keep their license current with regular continuing education courses.

In Ohio, CNPs work closely with a doctor as part of a formal agreement called a Standard Care Arrangement. This agreement helps define what they can do and makes sure care is coordinated and appropriate. This allows CNPs to provide a wide range of services, including:

• Diagnose and treat common illnesses
• Prescribe medications
• Order and interpret lab and imaging tests
• Perform physical exams and routine procedures
• Offer patient education and preventive guidance

Many specialize in areas such as family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, geriatrics, oncology, cardiology or mental health and serve as primary care providers for many patients.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

A certified physician assistant (PA-C) is a licensed medical professional who completes a master’s degree from an accredited PA program and trains under the medical model, similar to physicians. After graduation, PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to earn their PA-C credentials. After earning certification, they obtain state licensure and can prescribe medications while working in collaboration with a physician. Like CNPs, PA-Cs are required to maintain certification with continuing medical education.

Physician assistants work under a Supervisory Agreement with a physician. While they are not required to be directly overseen at all times, a physician must be available for consultation.

PA-Cs in Ohio can:

• Conduct exams and diagnose conditions
• Develop and manage treatment plans
• Prescribe medications
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Assist in surgeries and perform minor procedures

PA-Cs are trained to work in virtually any medical setting, including primary care, surgical services and specialty clinics.

What’s the Difference Between a CNP and a PA-C?

While CNPs and PA-Cs share many responsibilities, their paths to practice and care philosophies differ in key ways:

1. Training Pathways

• CNPs start as RNs, then earn an advanced nursing degree and specialize; certification is specialty-focused.
• PA-Cs enter directly into a generalist medical master’s program, training across all specialties; certification is broad and allows flexible practice.

2. Care Philosophy

• CNPs embrace a holistic approach—looking at lifestyle, prevention and wellness alongside treatment.
• PA-Cs follow a disease-focused medical model—identifying, diagnosing and treating specific conditions.

3. Specialty Practice

• CNPs earn board-certification in one nursing specialty and require additional education to switch fields.
• PA-Cs train broadly and can move between specialties with on-the-job orientation, without new certification.

Despite these differences, CNPs and PA-Cs collaborate seamlessly on care teams, boosting access and quality.

Why Hospitals Such As Southwest General Rely on CNPs and PA-Cs

There are several reasons hospitals across Ohio and the country rely on these advanced practice providers:

1. Timely access. As physician shortages continue in many areas, having CNPs and PA-Cs on staff means quicker access to care for patients.

2. Team-based excellence. Our integrated teams of doctors, nurses, therapists, CNPs and PA-Cs collaborate on patient care plans, ensuring no detail is missed.

3. High-quality, cost-effective care. Studies show that care from CNPs and PA-Cs is comparable in quality to physician care, often at a lower cost. This helps hospitals manage resources while maintaining excellent outcomes.

4. Continuity and consistency. These providers excel in education, monitoring and long-term condition management, keeping you on track between visits.

When Should You See a CNP or PA-C?

CNPs and PA-Cs are here to make your care easier, more accessible and more personal. You might see one of these providers during a routine visit or when you need help managing a specific concern. Thanks to their advanced training and experience, they are equipped to handle a wide range of health needs and are often a patient's first point of contact.

You may see a CNP or PA-C for:

• Routine physicals and annual wellness visits
• Ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure
• Illnesses such as colds, flu, rashes or urinary tract infections
• Medication management, including questions about side effects or dosage changes
• Screenings for cancer, cholesterol, blood pressure and more
• Preventive care, including immunizations and guidance on diet, exercise and lifestyle

CNPs and PA-Cs will take the time to explain your diagnosis, talk through treatment options and help you feel confident in your next steps. If something more complex arises, they won’t hesitate to consult a physician or refer you to a specialist to ensure you get the care you need.

Feel Confident in the Care You Receive

CNPs and PA-Cs at Southwest General are:

• Licensed and board-certified in the state of Ohio
• Trained in accredited programs with rigorous clinical hours
• Committed to continuing education to stay current
• Backed by collaborative support systems

Their goal is to make your visit more comfortable, answer your questions clearly and guide you through every step of your care. When one of these professionals greets you, rest assured: you’re in good hands.

The Bottom Line

At Southwest General, CNPs and PA-Cs are integral members of our care teams, delivering safe, compassionate and comprehensive care, so you can feel confident in the expertise guiding you through every visit.