Hollistically Oriented Independent NP Practice?

[thenewguy8]

Hi all,

So I have recently had a dramatic change of interest and careers. I graduated from college 3 years ago with a BA. Since then I found massage therapy - and the first time I sat in on my anatomy and physiology course I was blown away with how interesting it all was - and applying it through manual medicine was fantastic. I like massage therapy a lot, but I know I'll never be satisfied at that level.

My dream recently has been to open a comprehensive care clinic that offers insurance-based western medicine as well as accupuncture, massage, botanical remedies, etc.

For a bit I have been thinking that Naturopathy was the way to go here - I love the hollistic approach and philosophy of naturopathic medicine (to respect and aid the body's innate ability to heal itself). However, the field of Naturopathy is so new and unrecognized and difficult - hard to make any money in it and schooling is similar to med school in time/money commitment.

So I wallowed for a bit about how I'd never be able to find the career that would let me do what I wanted: be a doctor that focused on holistic remedies (lifestyle changes, nutrition, botanical remedies, physical medicine/exercise, etc) while also having the ability to use allopathic medicine when necessary, as well as have financial viability, work independently, and not go through the trauma/time of med school. phew!

Then someone said: what about being an NP? I started looking into it and it seems like this field might be perfect.

I have some questions that I would REALLY appreciate being answered:

1) I can't seem to find a cohesive list of states that let you work independently of MDs - is there one?

2) I read that in 2015 NP's will have to have a PhD? But that if you get your masters and become an NP prior to 2015 you don't? A) is that true, and if I were to begin in January on my coursework (I think I'd have at least 1 semester of pre req and then a direct entry masters program) would I be OK? and B) are there DE doctoral programs? what additional schooling is a doctorate on top of a masters?

3) My main interest is to work as an independent NP. My goal is to create my own comprehensive care clinic that offers all doctor services, but has a hollistic tilt and works alongside accupuncturists, massage therapists, provides botanical supplements, etc. I would like to set this up and be the governing NP of the operation able to cover any and all medical situations that come in (referring, of course, when necessary). Is this possible? To work totally independently and render all services a PCP could and accept insurance for it?

4) I heard NPs are recieving only 60-70% reimbursement from insurance companies? is this true?

5) With someone that has a BA, what is the most direct route to get the NP license? Direct Entry MSN? It seems like that takes 3 years after pre reqs? Are there lists of the best schools? For what I want to do I'm especially interested in making sure my education is top notch. I have a good non Pre req GPA - 3.7, if that matters.

Thanks everyone. So much to learn, but I'm hoping that maybe I've found the path for what I want to do.