Is it realistic for me to want to be a Nurse Practioner?

I don't know what an MPA is - is it your master's in physician assistanting? If it is a PA program than you're wondering what is better - PA or NP? i think that's what you mean. Well - if you've been accepted in a PA program - it will take you 2 or 3 years? If you want to go the NP route - you'll need to become an RN 1st - then get into a masters program - or of course a BSN/MSN program (I know columbia University in NY has one). Do you know exactly what you want to do? I would go for exactly what you want to do - regardless of what it takes - you're young & do whichever you truly really in your hreat want to do regardless of any other factor. PA's can work in surgery or like a general practitioner - an NP can teach, manage, be in midwifery, psychiatry & much more - BUT you have to get that specific degree - like an MSN in psychiatric nurse practitioner - the np degree's are more specific - maybe at 23 you might not be completely sure exactly what you want to do - pray about it. & basically go with your gut/hearts desire. Both are good careers (you may want to consider which would cost less - student loans are a *#%$&).

I don't see any reason why you couldn't become an NP. You are just going to have to do what eveybody else has to do ... invest the time and money and get the work done!

Yes, there is a risk involved that you will hate nursing once you try it ... or flunk out of school ... or find some other field that appeals to you more ... or ... or ... or ... a lot of things. It's no different for you than it is anybody else. There are no guarantees that life will turn out the way you plan. All you can do is choose a direction and put one foot in front of the other. Try to enjoy the journey.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide.

Personally, I would say go for the MPA since you are already on that track. It's never going to hurt to have more education and especially with the current state of healthcare and healthcare reform efforts, an MPA might actually be a huge asset even if you work solely as a clinician. Getting your MPA will also give you some more time to better define your career goals. Before pursing an MSN it would be wise to have a strong idea of exactly what you want to do in healthcare (what specific function/role do you want to fill, what type of patient population would you want to work with, is direct clinical care really where you fit into the healthcare arena). Our current Secretary of Health and Human Services has her MPA and has spent much of her political career advocating for health-related issues. While it might not always seem like it, at 23 you do have a bit of time to pursue your career. Just my but having both an MPA and MSN as a nurse practitioner would give your many vary strong career options and you could easily be done before you're 30.

You aren't getting any younger, but you are still quite young. You have plenty of time to work out the right path for you. Don't cut corners because you think you're too old--you're not. I agree with sticking with the MPA if it's something you're interested in before heading for nursing. However, if it's NOT something you're interested in, then start the nursing path. Take the time you need to get into the right program for you.

Good luck!

I'd like to bodyslam you with my 58 yr old body, lol...

My question to you is..... do you want want to care for patients in a direct role, or would you rather work behind the scenes to enact change in policy that can affect patient care? I think that's the question that needs to be answered before you embark on either the MSN or MPA path. I also think you have plenty of time to make that decision.....I didn't go back for my MSN until I was 45. I'd help Zenman bodyslam you, but my 48 year old body would be sore for days......LOL!!! Seriously, you have the luxury of time to make your career decision, so take the opportunity to think things out. See if you can spend some time shadowing an NP to see what it's like. That may help you make your decision. Do you have the option of deferring the MPA program for a semester or a year if you're not sure?

Just a little thought from a mom of 2 young kids - there's a factor I NEVER thought of (& society/my family didn't tell me) that someday you may be a Mom & may want a job you can work part-time in. Maybe the NP could work part-time - but not the other job? It's not something you think of at 23 & many people say that's old fashioned - but i'm so glad i'm a nurse for that very reason - flexibility. Just a comment (something important to myself & other mom's at the moment)