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Discussion

BSN to PA.

Pardon the spelling and grammar it isnt my strong point.

hopfully in Janurary I will start my general courses for Ivy tech's LPN or RN program. I applying to both and then going from there. after I get my two year RN I want to take the NCLEX pass that and go get a job as an RN and then go to IPFW for my BSN so that I can get a job in a hospital. But just today I was looking at SF's Physicians assistant program. I honestly dont see the point in getting my MSN because I dont want to teach or be a practicioner.

I know I want to be a nurse 1000% I loved the challange of being a CNA and I loved the atmosphere in the LTCF I worked in as well as when I visited the hospital (for my moms or mines medical reasons even though its totally different being a patient and seeing nurses work.) I feel that being a nurse is what feels right for me I have pictured myself doing different careers then I always come back to nursing. I dont know why. I love the people that I cared for and for some reason I love the culture that is within nursing.

But Im thinking about a few years after my BSN maybe getting to become a PA. But thats the thing if I didnt like doing that can I go back to practicing nursing in Indiana if I keep my RN current? Can I even get a PA with a BSN? and whats the job market like right now for PAs? again Im only 19 so my plans are always changing I just know that what isnt changeing is my passion to go in to nursing and being a nurse I will become a nurse if it kills me.

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    You state that being a MSN/NP holds no interest because you don't want to teach or be a practitioner -- but a PA IS a practitioner, a medical practitioner. PAs and NPs compete for many of the same jobs, although they each approach health care from difference perspectives. Why would you even be considering PA? If you truly love nursing, and if you eventually obtain your BSN, moving to PA instead of NP would make little sense.

    But yes, a BSN degree will usually qualify as an acceptable undergraduate degree for PA school as long as you meet the other prerequisites for a particular PA program. And I personally know several RNs who made the move to PA instead of NP, but they did so because they found that medicine was a better "fit" for their personalities than advanced nursing. And yes, you could return to nursing if you decided PA was not for you. But that's a lot of money, education, and time out the window!

    So there are many factors to consider, ones that you have plenty of time to research given your young age. Congratulations on being so forward-thinking!

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    I would also try and network and find opportunities to shadow both an NP and a PA to see the differences. Sometimes things look appealing on paper and then you realize that an advanced nursing degree would be more up your alley. :) you are definitely being proactive though. Good luck!

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    Focus on one step at a time.

    Remember that to get into a BSN program you will need a 2.5 or better GPA. For a PA or NP program, you will need a 3.5 or better. Focus on your studies.

    You have a lot of growing to do and things to experience in front of you. Don't miss them trying to look too far ahead.

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