Hey everyone, I need some advice concerning a new online BSN and FNP program. This program is allowing RN's and chiropractors direct entry into their BSN program. After one year the student will sit for their boards and if they pass, they continue with the NP Program for one year. The program is through Mid America and Hardin-Simmons University in Texas.
I have been a chiropractor for 11 years and I am looking to leave the profession. I am planning to go back to school to become a NP or PA. I am a little concerned about the online BSN and NP Program. Is a student adequately trained by an online course compared to learning in a classroom? You have some hands on training and you have to go through your rotations, but I am not convinced the student is ready to care for patients without more on the job training.
My goal as an NP or PA is to work in orthopedics or emergency medicine. How many NP's work as first assistants in the OR or the the ER? While I am taking some prerequisites classes, I am planning to get my paramedic certification and get some experience outside of the chiropractic field.
How is the program coming along? What semester are you in? It must be very frustrating be in such a disorganized program after you flew in and there was no clinical location setup.
Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.
In the 7 states that I'm license in, you do not need additional certification to assist in the OR.
Any new practitioner, whether PA or NP will need additional training to work ortho or ER. There is no way you can "jump right into the ER or ortho" as a new PA or NP.
Depending on your NP focus will dictate how much additional training you may need.
Personally, I like doing independent solo ER.
Do you need to get additional training to work in the ER or Orthopedics as a FNP... I am still confused if PA dont need additional training or schooling and can jump right into the ER or Ortho. I might get accepted into PA this coming year and was wondering if I should not do the NP program and just the PA route?? I would love any info on this.
i am a chiro that graduated from national in 1999. i have a cosmetic practice and a md and rns working for me. i live in in which is real restrictive in practice guidelines. i practiced holistically and enjoyed it in illinois. i now basicly oversee everything in the practice and do not "see" patients, only manage and own. this does not make me happy in practice. i enjoy helping people, not managing people or business. don't get me wrong, i love chiropractic but the limiting ability to practice has me looking to becoming a np. my business is doing great and my staff are helping tons of people. i want to add to that directly and secure my future.
my questions:
it has been so long since i graduated, will any program take my degrees into an accelerated program or will i have to retake all?
i would like a distance learning program so i can maintain my practice. does anyone know all those options?
how ling are the waits to get in the distance learning program?
another option is getting an lpn online the doing the rest online. does anyone know of a online lpn program?
There are a number of ways to begin your road to NP. Are you in Indiana? If so, I would call the local community colleges (CC) and 4 year universities to get the requirements for RN or Associates Nursing degree.
In the chicago metro area, most colleges require that all science courses be taken within 5 years of applying for nursing school/nursing degree.
I have a friend in Ohio who was able to begin nursing school without having to retake science classes.
There is also a program for chiropractors to become nurse practitioners through MidAmerica Learning.
Read through this thread, I know the information for MidAmerica Learning is posted.
Call around and post what you find. I hope this helps.
It seems that WBU is the best option for me. I will have to take around 19 credits prior to nursing program(2 history and 2 Lit class and political science). It still would be faster than enrolling in an ADN program locally and will come out with a BSN. I would like to continue to NP program so this route seems to make the most sense.
Can anyone tell me that has gone through the WBU program how much time
I will need to dedicate to study? I have a 3 year old and would like to have another child (God willing) sometime soon.
Have you started the WBU program? I plan to apply for the March start. After contacting Midamerica Learning, they put me in contact with other chirps in my area that graduated from the program. The information they gave was very helpful. They stated that it was a LOT of studying, but well worth it. Some advice given was to work with other chiros in the program in studying and preparing for exams and clinicals. It was also suggested that you study from NCLEX prep book while in program.
If you accept my contact/friend request on here, will it let me send you a private message with my contact info, so we can get in touch? I'd rather not post all my info on this forum.
For you chiros interested in NP programs...can you share your views on holistically treating patients? I am completing my RN-BSN online and have considered NP school following that. However, I am more interested in holistic nursing than the western medicine approach to patient care. Please share your thoughts on this. Funny, I always envied those who went to chiropractic school. Ever considered expanding your practice into complementary areas such as acupuncture or TCM? Would love to hear more!
@mtstellhorse - I do chiropractic and acupuncture and wouldn't trade either of them. I researched it a lot before getting those educations, but an FNP could still add to them in terms of scope of practice, credibility, job stability, less stress if you don't want to be self employed. Basically if you get a degree in any alternative medicine field you are going to be self employed and fighting for your practice at all times (there are a FEW exceptions, but this is 99% of us). I am only considering FNP to expand my scope and for insurance reimb. I will not change my philosophy or my approach much. I chose chiropractic because it focused on natural alternatives, not because i thought it would be easy. You have the other side of the story too, where some chiros are just burnt out on treating neck/back pain all day and want a change or are sick of preaching subluxation theory, but I say they should have figured that part out before going to chiro school (if the "philosophy" resonated with them), then chosen a chiro school accordingly.
bluedoc, I love your idea of expanding as an FNP...I think that will definitely add some financial security to your position. What a great concept to combine these modalities. I wish you immense success! Where did you obtain your training in chiro and acupuncture? I'm just starting some acupuncture txs myself along with TCM herbs. I find it increasingly difficult to dole out pills, but it's a big part of my job. I would love to expand into other areas as a nurse but opportunities are very limited in this area.
DrWG
8 Posts
tahoebonedoc
How is the program coming along? What semester are you in? It must be very frustrating be in such a disorganized program after you flew in and there was no clinical location setup.