Any RN who decided to do PA instead of NP???

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I wasn't sure if I have read this before but I was curious to know because I want to go on and do my NP but I have always wanted to go to med school. I was told by a fello friend PA that, PA school is like a mini Medical school and that NP school is still nursing school. I have no problem going to nursing school but I have looked at the classes and OH BOY! they are so different. Any suggestions would be helpful. I don't care about having the autonomy like a doctor all I want is to do similar courses. Thanks

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Check out the sticky threads about NP/PA in the NP forum:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/

You might find answers to your questions/concerns.

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Specializes in Medical Telemetry, LTC,AlF, Skilled care.

Make sure you check with your state to see what the scope of practice is for both roles before you decide. Here in VA for example the scope of prractice for NP's is much wider than the scope for PA's.

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If you want to play doctor, go to medical school. Neither PA school or NP school will make you a doctor. If PA school was mini medical school, PA's would have little minime doctor credentials. Instead, we call them PA's. True, PA's education is more physician based; however, they are still considered a mid-level provider and receive education on how to fill that role.

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If you want to play doctor, go to medical school.Neither PA school or NP school will make you a doctor. If PA school was mini medical school, PA's would have little minime doctor credentials. Instead, we call them PA's. True, PA's education is more physician based; however, they are still considered a mid-level provider and receive education on how to fill that role.

What is your deal? It isn't nice to feel bigger at the expense of others feelings. It was a question. Shame on you for being so rude:nono: I should only hope this is just a bad day for you. If you can not reply nicely why reply at all?

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An honest answer actually. It sounds like the poster may want to go the route of a physician, but is looking at exploring options where they do not have to actually go through medical school. I still say if you want to play doctor, go to medical school. That statement is not meant to belittle anybody. It is simply how I see the situation. If your goal is to obtain the same kind of education of a physician, then why bother with your NP or PA? Get your butt into medical school.

However, if you want to be a mid level provider that has education that is a little more "physician" in nature, then go to PA school.

Try to objectively look at my posts.

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GilaRN, I don't want to go to medical school. I have always wanted to go to MS just for the 4 yrs that you learn there, not to be called Doctor. I went to nursing school for a reason. I love being a nurse. I don't see why as nurses we can't learn in more detail what MD's and PA's learn in med school. Because if you don't know they go to Med school. I am proud to be a nurse. I am not trying to play DOCTOR. I don't need to. You sound very negative and I wouldn't want to be your pt. Good luck with yourself.

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Not negative at all, perhaps I needed the extra clarification in your prior post. Your initial post led me to believe that you were considering medical school, but were also looking at the mid level route. My post was very honest. I would give anybody that advice. If you want to play doctor, go to medical school. No negativity intended.

I am curious as to how you can make conclusions regarding my patient care abilities based on a few posts placed within a public forum; however, I digress.

I think I understand your question. You want to remain a nurse; however, you want to obtain additional knowledge? Is this correct? If this is the case, then the NP route is a good option. PA school is not medical school no matter how you want to spin PA education. This is not a blow to PA's, just a simple fact. If you want to remain a nurse, provide nursing care, and apply the nursing process at an advanced level, then the NP route is your best option. However, if you want an education that is more "physician" in nature and based more on a "medical model" of care, then PA school is your ticket. Please understand that PA school is not medical school.

I understand that many people think my posts are harsh. However, I simply present my thoughts in a direct manner. This is not negative; (sarcastic at times) however, I refuse to be passive aggressive in my conversations and simply state it how I see it.

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I do admit that I took that harsh. I do apologize for labeling as a negative person. You are right I cannot make a conclusion that way. Friends:lol2:

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Hey, no problem. Now, get your butt into NP/PA school. ;)

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i knew a nurse who had a masters degree in nursing when she decided to go to a pa course..she said it was the roughest couse of study she had ever gone through

every thing you learn makes you a better nurse but go because it is truly what yuu wantt to do

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Good advice. Another option to consider would be CRNA school. You go into great depth on a few specialized subjects, and you are still able continue working as an RN.

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