Is BSN required for FNP

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Hello there..I am an RN and I want to get into FNP program at UC davis. But they told me to get into FNP program I should have my BSN degree. But for PA I don't need anything and I can proceed with my studies however PA/FNP program is same for all classes and lectures & both are 2 years program. I did little research and found out that PA's are even getting paid more than FNPs so why to do FNP program and spend two more years on BSN..why don't I just do PA. I am so confused...Any help or feed back on this issue will be really really appreciated.

Thanks,

Sohni RN

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I thought for an FNP you'd have to have at least a Bachelor's. The only reason why I say this is because I thought that all NP's had to have a Master's.

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I have never heard of a PA program letting in students without a Bachelor's degree. I would be cautious of this type of program. Personally I feel the maturity gained by having a BSN is not replaceable - even with experience. With the nurses I have worked with their critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills with other employees are USUALLY better.

I am a FNP student at the present time. Any FNP program is going to focus more on the nursing aspect of care and any PA program should be focusing on the medical aspects of care. One advantage to the FNP is the potential for independent practice (no overseeing by a physician). This matter is being considered in legislature in some states. Personally I admire the physician I plan to be working with so it's not an issue but it's a matter to think about.

My opinion is obviously BSN and FNP.

Goodluck!

Brenda

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I have never heard of a PA program letting in students without a Bachelor's degree. I would be cautious of this type of program. Personally I feel the maturity gained by having a BSN is not replaceable - even with experience. With the nurses I have worked with their critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills with other employees are USUALLY better.

I am a FNP student at the present time. Any FNP program is going to focus more on the nursing aspect of care and any PA program should be focusing on the medical aspects of care. One advantage to the FNP is the potential for independent practice (no overseeing by a physician). This matter is being considered in legislature in some states. Personally I admire the physician I plan to be working with so it's not an issue but it's a matter to think about.

My opinion is obviously BSN and FNP.

Goodluck!

Brenda

It depends on the program and the requirements for a PA. In numerous states, there are AD, BS and MS programs, for PAs. There are also some AD to MSN programs available but they require a minimum of three years of study.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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I had a friend who attended either the University of North Dakota or South Dakota (can't remember) and completed a PA program with no bachelor's degree. I believe she graduated from the program and still did not have a bachelor's degree (I could be wrong about that part). It was a program where she would spend a few weeks at a time on campus and then fly back to her home where she both studied and completed required clinical hours.

I just looked up the program at South Dakota and they now require a Bachelor's Degree. Must have changed in the last 10 years or so.

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Specializes in Psych/SNF/LTC.

Hey everyone! I had done some research in the past, and found out that some PA programs (and some med school programs) require that you complete at least 90 credit hours of course work (with no degree). This means that you can get into a PA school (or medical school for that matter) without a Bachelor's degree providing you meet the school's specific requirements, and you are a competetive applicant.

There are some physicians out there walking around with no type of Bachelors degree at all. I'm sure all of these school's prefer you to have a four-year-degree, but some don't make it a necessity.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

This is the way it is at the University of North Texas Health and Science center, 90 hours or a Bachelors in something..

Hey everyone! I had done some research in the past, and found out that some PA programs (and some med school programs) require that you complete at least 90 credit hours of course work (with no degree). This means that you can get into a PA school (or medical school for that matter) without a Bachelor's degree providing you meet the school's specific requirements, and you are a competetive applicant.

There are some physicians out there walking around with no type of Bachelors degree at all. I'm sure all of these school's prefer you to have a four-year-degree, but some don't make it a necessity.

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