PA to NP

[PAGuest]

Hi,

I completed a search and found tons on PA vs NP but none on PA to NP. I love being a PA and feel I received excellent training. However, I'm interested in the possibility of gaining more freedom by becoming a PA/NP. I have NO nursing background though. Can anyone lend any guidance? Thank you in advance.

On more thing, right now I make ~$130k per annum and it would not be financially feasible for me to stop working to pursue this idea...

[treejay]

I don't really see the need to get your NP if you are a PA. My hubby is a PA, I'm a NP, so I understand the differences in the roles pretty well. I mean, it sounds like you're making good money in your current job, so I don't understand why you'd put yourself through 4 - 6 years of school (remember, you have to be a RN in order to get your NP) in order to come out with a degree that's (bottom line) going to not really change your job or level. You're a provider on the same level with each degree.

Hi Christen -- I attempted to send you a private message but apparently I don't have enough posts on allnurses to do so.

I'm hoping you (or anybody else) can help me. I have been admitted to both a PA school and a direct entry BS/MS-Family Nurse Practitioner program. Both programs are at well respected institutions and both are about 2.5 years. Now I have to choose between the two. My interests lie in emergency medicine but also family practice.

You mention you understand the differences in the roles pretty well. I'm hoping you can shed some light on these differences to help me with my ultimate decisions. Of course I've done research myself surrounding this, but I haven't come to a clear conclusion. I'm trying to arm myself with more information and perspectives and it sounds like you'd have a good understanding.

I have worked in mental health/chemical dependency and as an ER Tech in the local ED.

The NP school is significantly more expensive than the PA school.

Thanks!