Accelerated Nursing Program

I don't think you're going to get the responses you want by saying becoming an NP is a backup plan...

If you want to be a PA then focus on making your applications as competitive as possible. If you don't get in the first pass then continue working on your application and apply again.

Nursing is not a consolation prize.

Okay, what you all need to understand is that I am not trying to belittle nursing. Unexpected events happen and I'm trying to be prepared for that. Try seeing things from my point of view before getting defensive over a career path.

Slow down. Nursing school is competitive also and very expensive at a University. Do you think a PA program is going to look positively upon someone that just committed to another program is now trying to jump ship and make them the same agreement you are breaking? Jobs and schools like to see a consistent path and goal. Plus you may not even like being a PA. You can easily get hours as an emt or cna and spend a bit of time volunteering with and talking to PAs while researching. It is a big time and money commitment going to any grad program. Take your time and be sure.

Thank you, I appreciate your input. It has been the most helpful.

I think maybe it would actually be worthwhile for you to do some more clinical hours. PA & NP are actually quite different, and you might benefit from seeing the different roles PAs, RNs, NPs, and many others play in the clinical field. I actually graduated from college with the same mindset - I was planning on going to PA school, but I needed more clinical hours. I started working at a doctor's office to get a year of experience, and actually found that I really liked nursing a lot more than PA. Now, I'm getting ready to start an entry-level MSN or ABSN program (still trying to decide!), but I feel a lot more comfortable with my decision to go into nursing, knowing that I've looked into all of the options.

That being said, if you already have many of your pre-requisites done, are a good student, and have a strong health sciences background, I don't see any problem with doing an accelerated program. I would just make sure to look into both entry-level MSN and ABSN programs. The MSN programs usually aren't direct to NP, so just make sure you're really looking at what you're coming out with. Most are MSN programs that you would have to go on to take more classes to be able to sit for NP. A couple of them are CNL programs, and I've heard from some people around where I live that there aren't many CNL positions in hospitals, so they mostly do RN work anyways. If you choose to go the ABSN route, you would come out with a second bachelors, but they tend to be shorter and cheaper, and you have the option to work in the field before continuing school to get your MSN. Many schools also have a BSN to DNP program, so you can kind of skip the MSN altogether if you decide that you still want to become an NP.

I hope this isn't coming off as rude in any way - I just see a lot of my younger self in your post, and I'm really trying to come from a good place. I wish you luck in whatever you decide!

I really appreciate your advice. The fact that you were able to relate to me was really helpful! I will definitely consider what you said. Many thanks!