Reasons to become an NP

KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN · Aug 5, 2015

To begin with, you either have to become an RN with Bachelor's in Nursing or go through RN-MSN direct entry and get the same degree in the process. PA schools accept other Bachelor's.

Otherwise, the whole thing was discussed there just a bit less than ad nauseum:

- for PAs: schooling less time but usually more intence, medical model, somewhat better opportunities in some places about ER, OR, ambulatory surgery, procedures and the like, somewhat better income, no questions about independency as providers any time soon, changing specialty looks easy but may be not so in practical life.

-for NPs: school takes more time, nursing model, somewhat better opportunities in primary care, teaching, academicals and some subspecialties, independent in 20+ states and going on more, changing specialties may require going back to school but otherwise well developed.

Both essentially do the same things, work side by side and can make good money after a few years experience and some good luck. Both can prescribe, diagnose, do procedures. Good schoos' competitiveness is pretty much the same, IMH (umble) Experience. Essentialky, the choice is yours and, again IMHO, should be based on what you like to do.

Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Aug 5, 2015

More autonomy, better pay, better hours, prescriptive authority, more respect. There's lots of reasons to be an NP. MSN or DNP programs continue your nursing education, and although your role changes completely as a provider, your education is angled from a nursing perspective. This may or may not appeal to you.

When it comes to NP vs PA, a PA will have a wider scope of practice out of school and can work/train with any population group. The downside is PA's aren't allowed autonomous practice anywhere, where almost half the states in the US allow NP's to practice without physician supervision.

In your case since you aren't a nurse already but you have a ton of clinical experience, becoming a PA might be a better fit. You will finish in 2-3 years, where getting your RN/NP could take you between 3-6 years (depending on programs chosen). Unless you have strong aspirations of flying solo one day, being a PA will give you all the advantages and reasons to becoming a provider I listed at the top of the page.

Barnstormin' PMHNP · Aug 6, 2015

I once heard/read something on this site or in real life (don't remember which) that stuck with me, and I'll repeat it here but please don't go all flame war on me.

PA's are at the bottom of the 'ladder' in their field, they will always be under a physician although I know many that are pretty much autonomous and awesome at their jobs.

NP's are at the top of their chosen profession and can be completely autonomous.

I know that this thinking is petty and as far as practice goes, NP's and PA's are considered interchangeable by many. I personally would have gone to medical school to become a Dr. if I were much younger, as I prefer autonomy to oversight and enjoy the medical model.

WinterSoldier · Aug 7, 2015

I, too, have a degree in exercise physiology and I am currently finishing a BSN program. I originally applied to direct entry MSN/FNP programs but backed out while I was signing my loan forms 2 weeks before classes were to begin because the cost freaked me out. I am earning my BSN at a state school because I'm trying to keep my loan debt down.

That being said, I believe I would have preferred a PA program. The medical model would have been more my pace--I like science, period. Nursing school involves a lot of theory and paper writing (i.e. busy work) that I don't find useful in the real world. I have been working in a critical access rural hospital for over 3 years and PAs are more respected at this facility (I am in California) however, the FNP pay is a little bit higher. My friend started a PA program when I started the BSN and she is finished, and very pleased with her education--I still have 2 semesters left for a bachelor's and I feel my education has been lacking. PA school generally requires far more clinical hours than FNP programs, which I would take any day over writing papers about warm and fuzzy movies I was forced to watch (I don't really know for sure how FNP programs work since I am not in one, I only know what I have read on allnurses and it seems FNP programs involve a lot of theory, too).

The nursing model is much more warm, fuzzy, and touchy-feely; if you prefer to get down to the nitty gritty I say go the PA route. Yes, physicians will always wield power over them, and yes, FNPs are at the top for nursing. The latter played a big part in my decision to originally pursue the direct entry FNP option, but hindsight makes me wish I would have gone PA.

I intend to pursue an MSN/FNP degree because this is the path I am already on, but truth be told I've seriously considered jumping ship and applying to PA school anyway. At this point that doesn't make sense for me because you cannot work during a PA program due to the intensity; I can work as an RN while I earn a MSN.

I highly recommend taking the time to calculate out the costs of the programs (both FNP and PA) you are considering--make sure to look closely, sometimes the first numbers you see can be deceiving. It's also useful to know if the MSN programs confers a BSN along the way.

Sorry this post is so long, I just have some really strong opinions about nursing school after being in it for 1.5 years. Even as a 2nd degree BS student, my school's nursing program is 2.5 years total.