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

Specializes in alternative medicine.

i am in the prelicensure bsn program at . No prior nursing needed. They also accepted most of my early college some 25 years ago, which most didn't consider. Good luck!

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Herzing is where I am now and its full of DC's in the FNP track. No prior clinical experience required, however, your clinical during school often counts anyways.

Hope this helps

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

Thank yo so much for that info on Herzing! I had not heard of it before. Could you tell me why you choose that school? cost? length of program? travel?acceptance in all states etc. Most DC's I've spoken to have gone to Samford, and I would like to finish as soon as possible. Samford has a 18 month program. I own a business now and intend on continuing through the FNP program. How is the work load? Same as full time BSN? thanks for your help!

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

wuzdc, no LVN required. They have "Prelincensure program" for anyone that has a 4 year degree . It is accelerated for a BSN in 2.5 years. I have worked in my business the whole time and have less than a year left. Pretty good program. the only beef I have is my clinical are 3-4 hours away, so hotel and time away from home and work is rough, but it is only for a short time and I knew that going in.

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Thanks dc4now. Is ? Are their classes online?

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

yes and yes chiros2005; Except for labs weekend, and clinical rotations.

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The program is strong and doable. So far, so good. Your best bet is to contact ***** and ******, who is the admission point man for the program. Tell him ****** sent you. He is very nice and will give you all the answers you need. Good luck

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DC4NOW,

Can you share more about your clinicals and labs? I contacted the school and they discouraged applying to the program if you are more than 60 miles away from the clinical sites. Are labs and clinicals scheduled at the same time each week?

The program in Texas requires you to travel to the clinical sites in Texas once a month for 3 days.

Thanks,

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Can you be a licensed DC and go through RN clinicals....legally? Will the schools malpractice for the RN students still cover you if you are licensed as a DC at the time? I am considering this route.

I just question whether my DC license will interfere with the school insuring me for malpractice while Im in clinicals?

Can you have both RN and DC licenses at the same time ?

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

I drive to Indy for clinical s, which is 3.5 4 hours away. I stay in a hotel. You only have clinicals usually about every other month. usually 2;3 days in a row, but not always. I mange it. I am the furthest away by far. I really don;t mind it very much it gives me time to study when I am in the hotel. I work for myself so i can take off when I want. I am so glad I didnt' go to Texas. I feel I got a much better education. I finally talked them into allowing me to do my final clinicals in my town. The final 6 weeks full time clinicals 180 hours (capstone) would have been very expensive and difficult, but I would have found a way to do it. is ALOT CHEAPER! even with hotel! I have only bought 1 book! Everything else is online.

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

Most people that are my coaches know I am a DC. It just comes up because they usually ask what I do and say I am different that most students. I still respect my boundaries and keep my distant and my mouth shut when I want to comment to much. It is sometimes frustrating. I keep telling myself to just keep my eye on the end goal and then I will change the world! I everything is the way you present it. I respect their role and appreciate their allowing my to learn from them. You are a student nurse only and then there is no confusion with liability.

When I graduate I will have to speak to the nursing board and try to figure out how to practice legally.

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Specializes in alternative medicine.

they have a Pre-licensure program which is accelerated and doe not require prior nursing experience.

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