Career Question about NP or PA?

I am a para-medic and currently just started school for biology at our local state school. I picked bio b/c I was thinking about one day taking the MCAT in hopes of going to medical school. I love helping people and by accident fell into the field of medicine. I realize that trying to become a doctor is a very hard and long road. In fact, just getting into medical school after taking the MCAT seems impossible, so I guess I have some other options if this doesn't work for me. I have been thinking about are getting into a PA masters program or switching entirely to nursing and trying to get a NP after the four year undergrad. I know all about the schooling that you have to do and the differences in programs but I am very unsure what exactly the difference is in jobs. Not very many people have been able to answer this for me so I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the differences are in skills and job duties as a PA or NP. Can anyone give me some insight?
Thanks

I'm in the same boat on trying to decide what route to go. From my research I've realized that PAs basically have all the responsibilities of a primary care MD but the doc needs to sign off on the PT's charts if they say need surgery, an increase in pain meds, etc. PAs have a 2 or 3 yr masters of schooling after a BS degree, and also need hands on PT care which you would already have by being a para-medic. PAs can still specialize and be certified with additional schooling, and they also have to re-take their board exams every 6 years (may differ from state to state). PAs cannot however, ever have their own practice because they need to be in continual contact and under the supervision of an MD.
The NP route you would first have to get your RN, which some schools offer a 1 year program to be able to sit for the RN licensure exam, and then proceed to a Masters in nursing to be an NP. NPs seem to still specialize but may not have the ability to "float" between specialties as a PA would. NPs can however deal with anesthesia, of which PAs cannot. NPs also do not need MD consent for a lot of what they do and therefore are able to have their own practices.
Overall, the job requirements and duties are very similar being a mid-level provider, but the philosophy and methodology getting there is a little different. You have to decide what path would work best for you. Good Luck!