Chiropractor to FNP

Nursing Students NP Students

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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.

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Troy

bumpy

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Hi all,

For all of you guys that changed careers from DC to RN or MSN, how are things going so far? I would love to read some updates.

Thanks,

Arnetra

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I am a DC working my way through school to ultimately become an FNP. I was in the first cohort (class) for MidAmerica, which has been discussed here quite a bit. We completed our BSN coursework in June (35 graduated with their BSN) and I am happy to report passing the NCLEX in August. I'm still in full-time chiro practice, so my schedule really doesn't fit with many nursing gigs out there. But, I have looked!

The MidAm program was good, for the most part. I anticipated, and experienced, growing pains as we forged a new path. Fortunately, I survived intact. We are now beginning two "head-start" classes that will roll into the MSN program that officially starts in January.

I was surprised to hear that there are other DCs out there who have already moved to nursing, and especially pleased to hear that it was a good move for you! I have spoken with a PM&R doc about my plans to be an FNP and she was blown away with excitement! She actually told me that she would hire me as soon as I finish....and that was when I was only 3 semesters into the BSN! Time will tell, but she actually said, "A chiropractor and an NP in one! What could be better?"

For the time being, I would love to work in nursing, but just can't figure it out with my practice. We do have new-grad opportunities here, but they require full-time work. Oh, well. I'll just keep moving to the MSN and will have to decide if I'll hire an associate to run the office or just sell the practice. Although it's complicated, the future is bright!

That's my scattered update on the DC-FNP!

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Specializes in ER.

Chiros 2005, I applied to a second degree BSN program at TWU. I will know if I am accepted in a couple of months. I looked into the Mid America program, but I could not afford the tuition. I am planning to keep my practice open part time and go to school. Hopefully I will start in January.

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Thanks for the feedback. I am applying to nursing schools now, so I am just getting started. I ultimately wish that I could marry the two careers of FNP and chiropractor into one if the opportunity presents itself, but we shall see.

One step at a time!

Thanks again,

Arnetra

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I am another chiro going into a direct entry fnp program next fall. Looks like alot of us are on the same page:yeah:

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Hi Dr Fitness,

What's your story? Are you entering the program in Tx?

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Advice please: Those who are in or have completed the Hardin-Simmons University BSN/RN program for chiropractors, could you discuss your evaluation of the program. Were there additional costs other than the 45K tuition and expensive of flying to Texas for clinicals, if did not live there? How did you find the instructors? Was there instruction methods clear and understandable? Did you have any problem receiving all the books and materials to study online? Have you completed the program and passed the NCLEX/RN licensure?

I also understand Mid-America Learning is representing another college (Wayland Baptist University) with a similiar program. Does anyone have any feedback on their program?

Thank-you for your time and feedback.

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Specializes in ER.

B Hart, you can find some post from chiros on this thread who have entered the program at Hardin-Simmons University and they gave their opinion about the program. The students I have talked with did not give glowing reports concerning the program, but in the end they get their RN and NP degrees.

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Does anyone have any feedback on the Wayland Baptist University BSN/RN program for chiropractors, not the Hardin-Simmons program?

Thanks

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In making the switch from chiropractic to nursing, is there an age which one would be to old to make the change and get passed over when trying to find employment? If age of entry isn't a problem then longevity maybe an issue. Do NP's or RN's practice to any age like MD's and DC's as long as they are capable?

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I know 60 Year old DCs that have made the switch from DC to nursing. I don't think there is an age where you are too old. As long as you are able to perform the clinicals you should be okay.

What are you considering? The traditional route or Midamerica Learning.

Arnetra

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