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.
I almost went to chiropractic school (Palmer -- paid my $200 deposit and everything but withdrew my acceptance 2 months before the program started, something just didn't seem right, lost the $200). But it was a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to reflect and find my passion in nursing instead. I am glad that happened. Ironically, the chiropractor who inspired me to pursue that career ended up taking early retirement due to a downturn in business.
WGU sets up your clinicals for you. My commute is 3.5-4 hours. I am happy to do it most times. It did get annoying when they would schedule them every other day instead of consecutive days, but I signed up for it.(I did complain though). Glad I didn't go to Texas! I had Applied there. The first clinicals are in hospitals so they are usually 12 hours which makes it easier to get hours done in shortest days.
I love chiropractic and Am glad I am a DC. I have an amazing practice. Never would trade nursing for Chiropractic. I would not be happy being a Nurse. Just not my thing.
Well I took a couple hours to read through all the comments, which I enjoyed and helped me a lot. Let me summarize some good options and then please let me know if I missed anything or am wrong about anything.
WGU (Western Governors University) - Chiro to RN - Online classes but will need to do clinicals in California, Florida, Indiana, Texas, or Utah. Someone said it's fairly cheap and I'm still not sure on the length.
Herzing University - I'm not sure on specifics, but someone mentioned there were many chiros in their classes.
Samford University - I'm not sure of the specifics either, but have heard chiros going to nurse there as well.
wayland baptist university - might not be continuing their program due to pass rates, but might start up again in 2016?
Institute of Health Professions - Located in Florida. 12 month course chiro to RN.
I'm still not sure the best way to go, but thought I'd some up some of the areas, anyone have any updated information on a good direction to do from DC?
I would think an Accelerated BSN program anywhere would be just as beneficial. I dont really see the advantage of attending a program that is specifically geared towards chiros transitioning to nursing. After all, you will still have to take the same nursing courses to get the degree, and I dont think anything in the chiro curriculum would equate for transfer credit (except for qualifying as a prereq).
I'm looking for the best option for me to get this done the fastest and most inexpensive way I can. I can move to wherever to do it, but can't find anything that is clear on some of my options. With WGU can I get a BSN fairly quick and inexpensive?
Researched ABSN programs, and found a lot of them. Now trying to find the cheaper options as most of these programs are pricey. Now someone please let me know of possible options when I get my BSN. I have a DC as well, so where would be a nice area to go? Would it be to get nurse practitioner? How long would it take for that? Would I start working while I do that, or can I go straight into that program?
Thought I would chime in here. I seem a little late to the party, but I don't think things are getting any better for Chiropractors. I have a family and more time than money, so I am pursuing an ASN at my local community college. They have an agreement with a highly rated health sciences university in my state that will allow graduates to slide right in to their BSN online program. I am not interested in the practice management side of being a DC, but will continue to build on my sports medicine skills and use my nursing income to pay for that hobby unless or until I can make money treating elite athletes.
Otherwise, I will determine if I want to go after a PA or NP license when the time is right. My wife is a RN-BSN of 25 years and is very grateful for her career.
I am a practicing chiropractor and have been in the profession for 10 years. I just happened to find this thread as I have been looking at options. I was recently accepted to an Accelerated BSN program at a major research university in Florida and will begin the transition at the end of August. The program is a 4 semester (1 1/4 year) accelerated BSN and very competitive to get into. There are approximately 800 applicants and they only accept 30 students to the accelerated sequence.
The University also has MSN programs in Adult-Gero, FNP, Acute-Gero, CRNA, and Occupational Health. They have DNP & PhD options as well. It looks like a seamless transition to the MSN once the BSN is completed. Additionally, because it is a state university, the tuition is very reasonable at 17-20K for the BSN and approximately 25K for the MSN. The school is CCNE accredited as well which is very important when looking for post graduate positions and/or Master's programs.
Personally, I feel very lucky to be in position to enter this program as most of the options out there for chiropractors are limited to private schools like WBU at $70K, or going the ADN route. Many of the private ADN programs in Florida are not even accredited.
Like most, I am fed up with the fact that the chiropractic profession is not able to advance. I feel that the profession is stuck in the mud and continues to lose scope as evidenced by the most recent happenings in NY (DC's lost DOT Physical Exam eligibility, practically overnight). Meanwhile, NP's in Florida have advanced and gained full prescription rights. The nursing profession has a very strong and well led legislative association in Florida.
I am looking to connect with some other DC's that have successfully made the transition to nursing or are in the process of doing so. The program begins in August and I am a little concerned about how to keep my practice open while completing the program. I will always be a chiropractor, but I plan to transition to the NP degree to be able to offer more services to my patients and expand my scope of practice.
Good luck with your transition to nursing! I moved to Florida about 5 years ago with intentions to enroll at Palmer Chiropractic in Port Orange. Changed my mind after realizing that nursing was a better calling for me. No regrets!
Hi all, I found this post while searching options into the rn-bsn route. I am currently a chiro practicing in Saint Louis, MO and looking at cost effective ways into nursing. I am wondering if anyone knows of any online programs that have clinicals within a couple hours of the city? I would ideally like to work while doing the schooling. Thanks!
chiros2005
35 Posts
How did you find a place to do clinicals? Does it have to be in a hospital?
The program in Texas is on probation for insufficient NCLEX pass rates. So I'm glad I didn't go that route.
My commute would be about 4 hours too as I am in the North Shore.