Published Apr 14, 2015
CalderonLuis
18 Posts
Hi , I am a current LVN student..it's been 7 months into the program and I recently realize that I want to Persue PA.
The thing is I want to finish my nursing program because the PA in my city requires at least a year of direct clinical experience. After finish the LVN would you guys recommend taking just the pre-reqs for PA school or finish my BSN in nursing and then PA? And yes I have considered NP but I relized I like the medical mode better. I'm going to finish LVN to get experience..
Any opinions would be appreciated it
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
I think it may be far more efficient - and a lot less confusing - to simply dive right in to your PA education. I realize that PA programs are at the graduate level, and you'll need to obtain a Bachelor's degree somewhere along the way but taking a side trip into a BSN would not be beneficial because the curriculum will focus on the 'nursing model' of care. This may lead to confusion down the road.
I'm not that familiar with PA programs, but I believe that you can probably find an 'accelerated' program if you have an Associate's degree. These programs compress the academic requirements by (in many cases) substituting grad-level courses for under-grad ones. You technically meet BS requirements during the program but it is just a blip on the way to your Master's degree rather than a full stop. Accelerated programs are much more intensive but can save a lot of time and money.
So in Your opinion after finishing my LVN program just take the pre-reqs for the PA program?