Published Jun 21, 2014
Sagira
18 Posts
Hello I heard of pa/np dual degree offered at u c davis. I was just wondering if there are np to pa transition programs?
IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
1,344 Posts
Why would you want to go from NP to pa? Honest question.
guest538567
171 Posts
I would think PA/NP would offer the best of both worlds. MSN allows you to advance in the nursing ranks and teach or enter management if necessary. As an NP you can also take advantage of the nursing lobby and practice in states allowing autonomy. PA offers you a great didactic and clinical preparation as a generalist that can work in any specialty. PAs are also more marketable in some specialties like surgery and ER.
Or just pick what you want to do and just go for it....do you want surgery or er?
Neither really. I am already an NP and am quite content. I was just giving examples as to why someone may consider the appeal. I actually prefer the general education of PAs when compared to many NP programs. I considered PA although NP made more practical sense for me as I was already a nurse. I am not sure the benefit of completing PA after an NP program or if such a program even exists.
I was interested in working in surgery but I don't think np program offers training. I thought of applying to PA school but I still need to work and there are no PA programs that offer online classes like np program. PA programs are great but there aren't that many compared to np programs.
There are NPs that work in surgery although much fewer than PAs. I have seen posts on here about NPs that worked in the surgical arena and maybe someone else will chime in. I would think your best bet would be to do an ACNP program and get your RNFA. Are you already an NP?
Thanks for your response. No I have bsn and deciding whether to go to np school or pa. It seems like pa program is much harder to get into.
Dranger
1,871 Posts
I went from BSN to PA, I prefer the education and it seems like you do too.
My eye is on UC Davis because it has a dual NP/PA program. You get the lobbying/independence of NP but the medical schooling of PA. Perfect world.
Yeah the PA program may be more competitive with entrance criteria and be the path that is more difficult to obtain. I went with the NP partially because it was a more practical route as I could work and graduate without debt and be competitive for practice in specialties that interest me. However in your case the PA program may be more closely aligned with your goals. Tough decision...
Simplyroses
95 Posts
Autonomy also will depend upon the state in which you choose to practice. Washington State requires the PA to be supervised by a physician while a Nurse Practitioner is independent.
I think so too, but PA route would be tough one because I won't be able to work.