Male Chiropractor considering nursing...advice please :)

[NP/PA?]

Hello All,

I am a 31 year old Chiropractor looking into nursing as a possibility. I'm researching going to an accelerated 1 year BSN program for 2nd degree non-nursing majors. I have all pre-reqs from prior education. I'm also looking at PA programs that are at a minimum 2 years, some 2.5 to 3. I would also have to move for the PA programs, since only ones in my area are 3-4 years. My ultimate goal would be to get NP while working as an RN. Maybe CRNA, if I go the nursing route.

I guess my question relates to the better option for a male with a Chiropractor degree. I hear NP would give me more independence, but PA would give me more ability to switch specialties. And some tell me, that their really isn't much a difference at all.

Certainly, money is some what of an issue, since I already have a ton of loans with Chiro degree. I've also looking into going back for DO, but honestly don't really want to put the time and money into that. I really just like helping people and not in it for titles and money....although I do have lot of loans to pay back. Anyways, I would really love to hear from some nurses out there, especially men out there(not many I know). Anyone know any Chiro's that have gone this route? Any thoughts is much appreciated. Thanks so much.

D

[backtalkdoc]

I love Nursing. I graduated in october and took the NCLEX. I am currently enrolled in an FNP program and I am working on night a week in the ED. I still practice as a chiropractor and make good money, but the better thing is since i have started working in the ED, I am getting referrals from them for back pain and headaches. Plus one of the Docs now knows I am a pretty competent guy and sent me two PI cases this week with the films in hand from the hospital. It is going well and I have only been there since the beginng of december

[DrWG]

Here is the truth. It is not about philosophy, it is about the financials. (Unless of course you run a free clinic.) I love chiropractic and I believe in holistic care but, that does not translate to equal reimbursement in healthcare. In addition, nursing is based on holistic care so it is not that far from chiropractic as many think. If you truly want to help your patients isnt it a huge benefit to them, if you at least understand the medical model? Plus, you can actually get reimbursed for the care you give. Talk about ROI for continuing education. When the ACA joined in the fight to limit chiros scope of practice in Arizona. It should have been a clue to all of us, if you are not growing your dying.

[DocMag]

I'm a Chiro and have been looking into BSN to CRNA but am having trouble finding any information online concerning accelerated programs for the RN or BSN degrees in California. Does anybody have any information they could share? Perhaps those who have gone through the accelerated program themselves?

[Ashke]

I'm a Chiro and have been looking into BSN to CRNA but am having trouble finding any information online concerning accelerated programs for the RN or BSN degrees in California. Does anybody have any information they could share? Perhaps those who have gone through the accelerated program themselves?

There is a sub-forum specifically for nursing programs in California; have you searched it? Below is a map to reach it:

Nursing in the United States --> California Nursing --> California State Nursing Programs

I did a search on "accelerated BSN California" on Allnurses.com and got a few relevant hits. Just sift through the threads.

I'm in Canada, otherwise I would try to help you further.

Good luck!

[RoyalPrince]

Can one of the chiro's on here clarify salary figures?

Why choose to go for RN after chiro if the median salary is basically 150k+ a year, granted it may take substantial investment to start up a practice and than referral network, but year after year avg is 150k why go for RN to make 60-100k theoretically, NJ as my base state for above figures.

[Ashke]

Can one of the chiro's on here clarify salary figures?

Why choose to go for RN after chiro if the median salary is basically 150k+ a year, granted it may take substantial investment to start up a practice and than referral network, but year after year avg is 150k why go for RN to make 60-100k theoretically, NJ as my base state for above figures.

Hi!

The only job opportunities available to chiropractors at this time is private practice, which requires one to build his/her business. This is becoming increasingly harder to do, due to stagnant utilization rates of chiropractic care while the number of chiropractors continue to grow exponentially. Increasing cuts to the reimbursement of chiropractic services by health insurance companies limit people's accessibility to chiropractic care and further exacerbate the situation. Finally, the scope of practice can be quite limiting, considering what we are taught.

Nursing offers the opportunity to branch off into a seemingly infinite number of possibilities in healthcare with a much smaller investment of time and money into schooling than required for chiropractic. A consistent paycheck is also a nice plus.

Where I am, the average salary for a chiropractor is about $53K; about $10K less than a nurse's average salary and about $3K below the average of all occupations combined.

[chirodoc]

Chiro associate position will pay anywhere in the range of 75K-90K, at least in NYC. Private practice will bring in about 150K and up, but takes time, upfront money and lots of patience. Many chiros simply don't know how to start or run a practice and end up getting fed up with the profession and look elsewhere. All those "fastest growing profession" claims we were all fed in chiro school are BS, plain and simple. The AMA is as strong as ever, PT's are manipulating more and more and insurances are constantly hitting below the belt with new limitations on treatment and reduced reimbursements.

The reason to go to med school or the BSN/NP or PA route is to give yourself some stability. BSN coupled with a DC opens up so many doors in the administrative field. NP with a DC makes you invaluable as a PCP or as an ortho/neuro specialist. The possibilities are endless. DC's going for other degrees shouldn't look at it as if they're abandoning their profession, but as if they're enhancing their earning potential and possible career advancement.

BTW, I can still have a practice and make my 80-90K after I pay an associate, and add my RN salary or my NP/MSN salary.

[Ashke]

Chiro associate position will pay anywhere in the range of 75K-90K, at least in NYC. Private practice will bring in about 150K and up, but takes time, upfront money and lots of patience. Many chiros simply don't know how to start or run a practice and end up getting fed up with the profession and look elsewhere. All those "fastest growing profession" claims we were all fed in chiro school are BS, plain and simple

Well it is probably the 'fastest growing profession' but what they fail to tell you is that it is growing in terms of the number of professionals being pumped out by the schools; in terms of the number of opportunities for said professionals, it is stagnant at best -- shrinking is more closer to the truth.

I second the comment that an RN designation compliments the chiropractic background and need not be seen as a replacement.

Is that $75-$90K range based on a percentage split or as a base salary?

[Cajun79]

I have been practicing Chiropractic in South Florida for the past 25 years as an associate doctor. My annual salary has ranged from 40-60K Last year I made 56K. I was recently laid off and am considering going into nursing for several reasons which have all been covered in previous posts here. I'm 51 years old and the physical nature of Chiropractic is having a toll on my elbows, wrists and shoulders. I think nursing provides many more employment opportunities and ability to expand and advance. I'm looking into the nursing programs here in Miami and will need to take a few classes in anatomy before being eligible for the nursing program. They won't accept some of my credits because they are more than 10 years old. The ASN program will take 16 months full time. There is an accellerated program which can be completed in one year, but the location of that program is not convenient. I am also looking into BSN programs. The problem is how to swing paying for school and "life" with no income while going to school full time. I just have a gut feeling that this would be a good move and investment in my future. I will always be a Chiropractor and believe strongly in the philosophy, but I guess i'm a bit burned out after all these years and really feeling like I need a change.

[chirodoc]

Base salary. At least that's what a normal practice pays an associate. There are ofcourse slave drivers that work a doc into the ground for 50K and expect them to be grateful. Its sad that 8 years of education earns less than some high school graduates.

[Kenthomas]

Hi yall, I practiced chiro for five years before going back to nursing school. Im in a direct entry MSN program...the first phase gets you the RN and then you complete the MSN online. The main advice I would give chiros interested in this path is this: do not focus on the end goal of having an np...integrating practice etc at first. Nursing requires a very different thought process (some might say its truely more holistic in thought than chiropractic...) that will be a major shift for you. Embrace it...and look towards gaining experience in nursing at the RN level. Let those experiences direct your career path and your next steps. Although Im a bit stressy as I watch my savings go down while im in school:), I think this has been one of the best decisions of my life. Mostly because nursing is universal and you truely feel like your options are limitless with enough work experience and direction.

[Menew]

I would like to hear either from Dcs that have gone into nursing or nurses that have gone into chiropractic. I am a chiro considering the RN route. However, what I have read in this thread or Dcs that went into nursing has been all positive. Is there anyone that nada different experience or can share the con of becoming a nurse? Also, if the chiros out there could share the steps they took to get into nursing school and then secure a job position would be much appreciated. I have heard that jobs are becoming hard to come by for new grads.