Male Chiropractor considering nursing...advice please :)

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Hello All,

I am a 31 year old Chiropractor looking into nursing as a possibility. I'm researching going to an accelerated 1 year BSN program for 2nd degree non-nursing majors. I have all pre-reqs from prior education. I'm also looking at PA programs that are at a minimum 2 years, some 2.5 to 3. I would also have to move for the PA programs, since only ones in my area are 3-4 years. My ultimate goal would be to get NP while working as an RN. Maybe CRNA, if I go the nursing route.

I guess my question relates to the better option for a male with a Chiropractor degree. I hear NP would give me more independence, but PA would give me more ability to switch specialties. And some tell me, that their really isn't much a difference at all.

Certainly, money is some what of an issue, since I already have a ton of loans with Chiro degree. I've also looking into going back for DO, but honestly don't really want to put the time and money into that. I really just like helping people and not in it for titles and money....although I do have lot of loans to pay back. Anyways, I would really love to hear from some nurses out there, especially men out there(not many I know). Anyone know any Chiro's that have gone this route? Any thoughts is much appreciated. Thanks so much.

D

I am a chiropractor but currently working fulltime as clinic administrator for a 5 physician medical group. I am starting an accelerated BSN program in September. I hate to leave the job but since 2006 I have been exploring options to continue working in healthcare and maintain a decent income. Medical school was an option but the time and money was a little much for me now. I like being a chiropractor, but I did not like worrying every month if I would be able to cover home expenses and my clinic overhead with my payments from attorneys, ins. co, patients trickling in sporadically.

I decided to do the BSN and eventual NP for job/income security. In my opinion, a DC degree combined with BSN degree opens up new opportunities to take leadership roles in medical group practices, hospitals, non-profit health organizations as an excutive director or administrator to plan health programs, services and new initiatives. Or combine chiropractic care with primary health care when needed and patients will welcome the choice and options offered (holistic, comprehensive care).

By the way I know several female and male DC colleagues who are doing an accelerated BSN program or medical school program. The main theme from everyone when we talk frequently is that they want options and security for the future and were (are) struggling as CHIROs.

Good luck in whatever decision you take.

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Bajantex,

Good to hear! Everything you said is pretty accurate. Its very nice to have options. I wish you the best of luck during your accelerated and beyond. Keep me posted how its going. I'm hoping to start mine in May, we have a one year in my city, which is very convenient.

Chat soon,

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NP/PA

What state/city are you in? I find it pretty ironic how many chiros are leaving the profession. I am in the same boat, yet I thought I was in the small minority. It just seems to me, that many of us are flocking to nursing for similar reasons (although I new I was making a big mistake after my first year). I was just either too stupid or had some false hopes that something in the profession would turn around. Anyway, I am beginning my accelerated program in May 2011. I was hoping to start this September. I was accepted to various ABSN programs, but due to personal circumstances (wife and two little children) I have decided to begin in May. Other issues for many chiros include; juggling school full time, family life, finances and the daunting task of studying intensely again.

I am still in amazement of how many chiros are excited about nursing etcc. I know that when I started chiro school I wouldn't even contemplate dealing with "sick" patients. I was all about promoting health etcc. blah blah blah.

I just hope all the clowns in chiro school and now chiropractors fixing the fictitious subluxation stay where they are. Chiros have an uncanny ability to tarnish and destroy things. I am concerned that nursing schools care more about profitabilty these days, than quality of students. Prior to applying to schools I had read that it would next to impossible to gain acceptance into ABSN programs as a chiro. I was able to be accepted to these programs based upon my academic career, which include more than nonsense chiro school. I am thankful now that I did well so I was able to be accepted into these accelerated programs.

NP/PA good luck with your journey into legitmate healthcare. It will be a rough road for all of us, but hopefully a worthwhile trip.

I hope everyone that reads this doesn't get offended by me saying that chiropractic sickens me!!!

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Hello,

I am a chiro also and considering getting a NP degree. Merckman, you have any advise on the best route? I am researching it now, but am not sure yet what is the best way. Do I get the 2 RN degree from the local community college? Can I go right into a BA nursing program? Or is it possible to do a MS then NP? Seems very confusing what is the best way to go. Merckman, you have any advice?

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joevdenne,

I think you should look into a BSN program; if you want to do the NP, you will need to have it first. Going for the ASN first probably won't save you any time, if that is a factor for you. Hope this helps.

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Hello, I am a Chiropractor as well and looking into getting a BSN. I don't have the option to quite my job and enroll in an accelerated full time program. Does anyone know of any online schools that give credit for unrelated bachelor of science degrees? The have found only one, Waylan Baptist in Texas. Also, do employers care if you earned your BSN onine or in classroom? I would appreciate any help. Thanks

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Specializes in CRNA, Finally retired.

You cannnot get a BSN online if you are not already an RN. You must do the clinicals.

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IMHO, the only reason to go the PA route is if you were going to go into ortho or cardio-thoracic surgery. The later being the good route. Other than getting your hands "in there", I would not be able to wrap my brain around the profession. What would there be to do with a PA other than surgery, seriously? I could not just do what amounts to MA work or admin work for an MD which, unfortunately ends up being what a lot of PAs are used for. This after shelling out more $$. Also in some specialties, especially ER, MDs and PAs butt heads.

NP? I agree, sort of a spastic jump. The DO route, have you looked into that one?

Maybe I'm mis-reading your post, hopefully I am, but here in Kentucky, PAs are far more important than an MA. Physician Assistants prescribe medications, order tests, work in ER, do rounds at hospitals, etc. Basically, everything that a MD or DO can do, the only purpose for being "under" a doctor is for insurance. (My original plan was to be a PA, after taking the CNA class I've decided on NP or CNS.)

A Physician Assistant is a highly trained individual that generally has a BS in either Biology or Chemistry and is trained in a Masters program for 2-3 years, depending on the university. PAs are trained under the MD model, and in my personal opinion are better informed than some DOs out there, hence the reason my personal family "doctor" is actually a PA!

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You cannnot get a BSN online if you are not already an RN. You must do the clinicals.

Wayland Baptists program is the only online second degree bsn program in the nation, but you still have to go down there once a month for a 3-4day clinical rotation. You don't need the RN first, but there is some definate pros/cons with doing it that way. It is cheaper to do it at home at a community college if you can.

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Just curious, have you started your nursing school yet? My fiancee and I are both chiros and she just started up nursing school in January. Gotta love in-state tuition!

I love helping people through chiro care, however i do agree it is tough to build a successful practice (especially if you don't put patients on ridiculous long term treatment plans!).

She is looking at the CRNA or NP route... leaning towards CRNA right now just due to the quality of life. She is working on getting in to shadow one to see if she will enjoy the profession.

For all those out there that don't understand why all these chiros are moving to nursing, i heard a stat at the last Cont. ed seminar i was at that was quite alarming:

Tuition at Chiro School:

1980: $250 a quarter

2010: $8,000 a quarter (well all is said it costs $160K+)

Now, here's the kicker... average salary for a chiropractor today is EXACTLY the same as a chiro in 1980. And that's NOT even after adjusting for inflation!

It can be a great profession... however, we need to get plugged into the medical mainstream as a major referral option for MD's when they have patients with mechanical back/neck pain.

Right now, the nursing route seems to be a great place to be so good luck with that... a LOT more options than chiropractic (where you only have 1 - open up a practice).

Good Luck!!!

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a 160K for a chiro degree is ridiculous. I love helping people, but it isn't worth that much. I have a big practice and i consulted for a practice management company for years, but i got i arguments all the time about the state of our profession. IT isn't the dawning of a new day in wellness care. It is the end of the line. The schools are robbing us blind and leaving us with a degree that is insanley tough to market. I truely think that in ten years chiropractic will be a branch of physical therapy. PT's will start adjusting, then they will already have thebuilt in network of referrals and off they go...

I love the nursing program, and I would love to have a CRNA program close enough, but I love the Np's i have shadowwed and it is a little more rewarding.

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Hi all.

I know this is an old post..just wondering what your outcome was. I was a chiro for 8 years and completed my BSN in 2010. I do not regret it one bit...now looking into the ARNP or DNP program. Hope all is well!

Liz

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