ACNP/FNP or PA for a career in the ED

Published

Specializes in ICU, ED, PACU.

Looking to get some career advice! I want to work as a midlevel practitioner in the ED but don't know which route to go. I am torn between going for PA vs going for a FNP/ACNP. In general is the scope of practice in the ED similar? While I realize that the scope of practice is going to be different in every state I would still love some input! I would like to end up working in Minnesota or some warm weather state :)

As I see it now:

Pro's of ACNP/FNP

Potentially cheaper

Can work while I attend school

More opportunities in PA unfriendly states?

Pre req's already met

Con's of ACNP/FNP

Possibly harder to find work?

Less clinical hours than PA

Little mobility

Potentially more autonomy?

Pro's of PA

More clinical hours

More overall opportunities nation wide

Career mobility

Potentially larger scope of practice? (Procedure wise)

Con's

Cannot work while I attend school

Would have to retake OChem (previous degree in Biology with poor O chem grades)

Some states very PA unfriendly (Ohio ect)

Those are some very basic pro's and con's as I see them. I would absolutely love some input!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion