Has anyone done or considered PA school?

[Quienes]

Hello,

I'm starting school next week, and still having reservation about going "back" to get my RN at a community college. Because I have a family I decided not to persue the accelerated BSN route and get a 2nd bachelors or attempt a direct entry MSN program. I assumed the RN at the local community college would be the least intrusive program on my family. After I went to the RN orientation, I am not so sure. The students were really tried to impress how difficult, challenging and all encompassing the next two years will be. If that is the case then maybe I should persue a masters degree, or pony up the money for the 12 month BSN. I have the pre-reqs for PA school and the USC program is only 33 months. Has anyone gone on to become a physicians assiant? Will I regret not getting a BSN?

[newohiorn, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

The MSN program I was accepted to (at Ohio State University) was based on the fact that I had an ADN and a bachelor's in business. I only completed one quarter--one class actually before realizing that I wasn't up for that much more schooling right now. I really can't tell you tons about the workload since I was only in it for such a short time. The class I did take was more challenging and required writing a research paper, which I realize isn't unusual but I think I only wrote one short paper in my ADN program. It stands to reason that graduate level work is going to be more difficult than bachelor's or associate degree work. However, any way you get to an MSN you are going to have to complete more or less the same basic nursing course work which should presumably be more or less the same level of difficulty. As you go up the chain from associate's to bachelor's to MSN I would assume you are going to have more papers to write, more research to do and probably more presentations to complete. Associate degree nursing is pretty much just nursing without a lot of papers and research type stuff in my experience.

There are direct-entry MSN programs for people with no nursing degree of any kind but who already have a non-nursing bachelor's (OSU offers this option as well). It's my understanding that it is a very intense 3-year program where students earn their RN in the first part of the program and they graduate with an MSN. I know a few people who went through the program and I understand that it is very difficult to work during the program even for very strong students. I have also been told that a significant number of graduates come out and work as RNs rather than NPs--at least for a while. I would think it would be difficult to be hired as an NP with no nursing experience.

If you are trying to maintain some family life and need to work I think the ADN route is the way to go. While it is difficult to work during any nursing school it can be done. I, and many others, worked full time during my ADN program but I will say that many folks with children found it more difficult to work and go to school (I have no kids). I think the direct-entry MSN would be more intense than an ADN program because I believe they cram all the course work for your RN into the first year while an ADN program is usually about 2 years.

Another thing to consider is that if you go the ADN route you can be out and working in a couple of years making a decent living with (probably) a reasonably flexible schedule. You can then go back to school if you like and (at least where I live) most of the hospitals will help with tuition or even completely pay tuition.

:-)

[tiny3]

To all. Do whatever you think is best for your situation. Doing it the traditionally or online. Money is always a factor in going to college. I have to work, so once I pass my RN I plan to do an all online program. I have to get accepted. The prorgam is offered by Dreyel and I like what they have to offer. To apply all information must be submitted by June. They will notify all canidates. The program starts in October. With this program you must find 2 prceptors that will work with you. I work in a hospital and I found 2 doctors that will let me volunteer with them in there clinic. Best Wishes to all who plan to do a PA program. Also, you must have Bachelor in any degree with a 3.5 average. I have a BAS minor in Psychology with a 3.5. God is good. Tiny3:nurse: