How to become a Nurse

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2013

Have you thought about transferring schools? You could always do an accelerated bachelor's program after you graduate (get your BSN in 2 years) or a direct entry master's after graduation, but the cheapest option would be to transfer schools

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 19, 2013

Not a well thought out plan, kemosabe.

Option #1 stay where you are: Major in biology or chemistry (4 years), then obtain a paramedic certificate (2 years), work as a medic for about 2 years to qualify for PA school and then apply to PA school (2 years). Hope like hell you get in the first try.

Option #2 Transfer to a school with a nursing program and get a BSN, work as a nurse for 2 years and then go to NP school.

That about sums up your options at this point.

Option #1 is going to be far more expensive, time consuming and less predictable.

anichka · Nov 19, 2013

Sorry to disagree, BlueDevil, but I think the PA route is very doable even w/a non-science related degree. A fair number of people do it. Becoming a paramedic is not required.

There is a really good PA forum that I am sure you can find if you Google it.

If you want to go PA, try to check out the schools you think you will want to apply to. Pre-reqs vary by school, but you'll want to make sure you have your sciences regardless of what you major in (I know one PA who was an English major, and another who was an IT-type).

What you could start doing now is accumulating HCE. This is often a bigger barrier to applying to programs, and varies widely. Some places have little/no requirement, others (like the one in my state, WA) require 4000 hours! In any case, you are young and know you want to head down into this type of field, so you can start getting some experience now. You may want to look into CNA or EMT-B, both things you can easily get done over a summer break from school, and start working during the school year.

If you know you want to be an NP though, the best plan is to go somewhere that offers a nursing degree.

BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN · Nov 20, 2013

No, of course it isn't required, I was just laying out the most logical plan under the circumstances that would provide the best likelihood of admittance into a program. PA entry is even more competitive than NP school and if the OP has no medical background of any kind s/he doesn't stand a chance. Their best bet for entry into a PA program is as a medic. It goes without saying they better have a 4.0 and stellar GRE scores. Of course, they could also apply to PA school as a nurse, but that doesn't say the trouble of having to go to nursing school. Last stats I heard, PA school admission rates were hovering around 15%. NP school is better, depending upon the program of course.

OP is in the wrong school now, no matter which way you slice it. Transfer is the only thing that makes sense given the stated goals.

Well, good luck whatever you decide OP.

loriangel14, RN · Nov 20, 2013

I just began my freshman year at Wesleyan University. We do not have a nursing major. I am positive that I want to be in medicine. Does anyone know how I would go about pursuing a career as a PA, NP or obtain a DNP from a non-nursing college? I know I'm taking an abnormal sequence, but I'm hoping to stay at Wesleyan to pursue other interests while I have the time and the means.
What is the sequence of education I need to become an PA, NP or obtain my DNP from a non-nursing university?

You couldn't get an NP or DNP from a non nursing school.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Nov 20, 2013

Your first decision is between 'medical' and 'nursing'. They are two separate, distinct disciplines which work together to achieve patient outcomes.

My advice would be to really research the roles and education required for each as a first, vitally important step.

Scooby-Dooby-Doo · Nov 20, 2013

UC Davis allows RNs to be an MS NP and PA-C at the same time but the reverse isn't true.

Coming from a non-nursing school limits your choice to pretty much medical-related tracks such as medical school, pharm school, dentistry, or any other health science-related field, all of which are great. Choose a major that is science-oriented such as bilogy, biochem, chem, etc.... Either way, PA school DOES require you to have experience albeit requirements vary from school to school, so do your research. You could also try community colleges and technical schools which are great in getting your feet wet in the field! EMTs, Paramedics, techs, LVN, RN, CNA, etc... all of which would be great experience to apply for PA school. Good luck in your endeavors!