Chiropractor Looking to Start Nursing School

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Hi all,

This is a great forum that has been very informative. I am a chiropractor who has been in private practice for a little over 3 years. I am 30 years old and I'm contemplating enrolling in an accelerated BSN program with hopes of obtaining a MSN or DNP to become a FNP. I currently practice in a rural area. I really enjoy serving this population however, chiropractic limits my scope of practice and I find it difficult to get reimbursed for the services that I perform in my office. I also feel that in order to be financially successful in chiropractic, you have to treat mostly patients that have been in auto accidents. Undoubtedly, these patients need treatment, but many of them come because they think they need to see you in order to get a huge payout from a settlement. Chiropractic has become very overwhelming for me and it takes so much time away from my family life. I have a few questions for any who has thought about taking this path or for any chiropractors that are currently on this path.

1) What type of nursing program are you in enrolled in? I believe the accelerated BSN program is the quicker route to FNP, but I'm not sure if it's best if I plan to keep my practice going while in school.

2) Did you continue practicing while in nursing school?

3) Did you have any financial difficulties with trying to pay for nursing school and take care of home expenses? My current student loan debt is very high so, I don't think I will be able to receive any aid to pursue nursing?

4) Do you know or have you received loan forgiveness for your nursing student loans?

Thank you for any advice or contributions that you have. This is an important decision in my life and I feel that it's now or never. I can't imagine trying to support my family on running a chiropractic business. I know that I'm making a difference in the area that I serve, but I feel it's at the expense of my family. Thanks everyone!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Ordinarily, I try to actively dissuade potential nurses from seeking "the fastest possible" route. However, in your case, I believe that you already have an excellent background so if you can find affordable options - definitely go for them!

Unfortunately, when it comes to any educational program, especially one like nursing that is already resource-intensive, accelerated is going to mean much more expensive than traditional programs. There are (still) masses of people trying to become nurses; scholarship or 'free' money is very scarce. There are 'public service' repayment options - but they only kick in after you've already made 10 years of on-time payments.

Maybe you could get creative. I know of several 'rural scholars' that were provided with scholarships for tuition & books by their community hospital... one for her NP program as well.... in return for coming back and practicing in the community. Since it appears that you are already well-connected in your community, maybe this would work for you.

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Thanks for the reply! These are all some good ideas for funding. You are correct in saying that it is more expensive to attend an accelerated program. I had also considered becoming a PA, but I would have to relocate and I feel that nursing most closely matches my current philosophy of patient-centered care. I really don't know how I will pay for any of it, but I have to start taking some steps towards being able to either leave chiropractic or do it on a part-time basis.

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Also, PA's cannot practice independently, and NPs can (in most states). Consider that-- do you want to be an employee or an autonomous provider?

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I may be incorrect, but according to what I've researched, NPs don't have any autonomy in FL. Do you know if that's the case? With all of the headache that comes with being your own boss, I don't think I would mind being the employee for a change. Since I graduated from chiropractic school, I've only worked for someone for about 2 weeks lol. I know that there are some cons with not having autonomy, but for me, it's a great trade-off to know for sure that I will be getting paid at the end of a hard days work. I also like the idea that I would be able to collaborate with other healthcare providers as an NP or PA. I believe that I will be taking the NP route since I would not have to move to pursue it and I do feel the philosophy is similar to chiropractic.

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Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.
I may be incorrect, but according to what I've researched, NPs don't have any autonomy in FL. Do you know if that's the case? With all of the headache that comes with being your own boss, I don't think I would mind being the employee for a change. Since I graduated from chiropractic school, I've only worked for someone for about 2 weeks lol. I know that there are some cons with not having autonomy, but for me, it's a great trade-off to know for sure that I will be getting paid at the end of a hard days work. I also like the idea that I would be able to collaborate with other healthcare providers as an NP or PA. I believe that I will be taking the NP route since I would not have to move to pursue it and I do feel the philosophy is similar to chiropractic.

You are quite correct. Florida does not allow NP autonomy, nor does it allow NPs to write controlled prescriptions (currently the only state that does not). I do not see this changing anytime soon although there has been major drives in both the Senate and House. Florida's medical docs have a very large and "fruitful" lobby presence.

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I'm currently an adult student in a traditional BSN program. We have kids, dogs, a house, etc. For me, I could not imagine doing everything while worrying about making enough income for the bills to be paid and food on the table. However, that doesn't mean you cannot do it. Where there is a will, there is a way.

You may be able to find a direct entry MSN program. That may or may not cut your schooling down some. I wish you all the luck in the world!

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Thank you for your optimism and support. I really don't know how it's all going to turn out. I know that I must pursue something else in order to truly love what I do. Thanks again!

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@crimsonsky, any updates on your situation? I am in the same boat as you. I have been accepted to a 1 year BSN but it is not cheap. I get worried about the loans but do not want that to steer me away from pursuing the nursing route.

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@MIZ-DC...are you going to have any problems getting loans for the BSN program? I'm a Chiropractor in Missouri as well, and am interested in some of the accelerated programs, but I was not sure if I could get qualified to get more loans if I chose to go?

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@echohills79, I am most likely going to have to do private loans. I know there have been many DC's do this route so I'm sure there is going to be a way to make it happen. Feel free to PM me if you can, I would be more than happy to get in touch with you via email or phone to talk about the options more.

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@MIZ-DC

I appreciate you replying back. You can email me at [email protected] and we can get in touch. Thanks for your time!

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