Med school vs NP? Your plans and opinions?

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jun 15, 2015

So you are doing what is "easier" or what you want to do? You haven't even started nursing school and you are considering MD?

Step one. Complete your first semester of nursing school. This is not a walk in the park and your GRADES matter. Take it week by week and complete nursing school with the grades you will need (You better grad with a MIN of 3.7 if you have grand plans). I am a big believer in NOT putting the cart before the horse. You complete nursing school with a 3.7 or higher GPA then you start the next move. It is a step by step process and you still need to take first step. NP is different than MD....However you want the "easier" route so only you can determine which is "easier". The NPs I know basically went into a cave while in school and came out when done. It isn't "easy". Good luck with your first semester of nursing school.

StayOrthostatic · Jun 15, 2015

1. No need to be snippy, I'm just speculating here. My head isn't in the clouds, I'm very aware of the world around me. People who haven't even begun med school are considering med school - what's your point?

2. I did not say "easier." I said easier transition. Continuing in the actual nursing field seems to be an easier transition as opposed to beginning a program with a different purpose.

3. Both general nursing and advanced care are things I'm interested in. I also realize that I'll disappear into a cave with that great of a study load - something I've already been preparing for.

Thanks for being frank, I suppose? Not helpful. Your response was more of a whine.

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jun 15, 2015

As a nurse, the transition to NP is definitely easier in that you don't have to take organic chem, physics, additional biology and chemistry classes, nor take the mcat. The time in school and debt will be less but then again your after graduation options are fewer and earning potential is also less.

From where you are, just starting nursing, it would be faster and cheaper to just quit nursing school and get your prereqs done for med school than to do nursing only to start all over afterward in pursuing an md or do.

Nursing is flexible and won't consume your life, unlike being a doctor. Talk to doctors and nps, then decide.

HelloWish, ADN, BSN · Jun 16, 2015

To me it makes more sense to go to NP school after completing nursing school. Plus there is much less debt involved and the ability to work while in NP school.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 16, 2015

Taking a broader, longer-term perspective . . . .

Medical practice has been in a state of dramatic change over the last couple of decades. The traditional US model means that physicians were basically small business owners. Many were in very successful solo practices. They used to 'rule the roost' at the top of the health care food chain. Then came DRGs in 1983.... and a continuing cascade of ever-increasing constraints and rules governing physician practice. The changes are continuing - physicians can either comply or lose payment for their services. The Federal budget continues to be "balanced" by cutting health care reimbursement to subsidize other expenditures such as our eternal military struggles. It seems as though each congressional session ends with more decreases to health care payments.

Independent private practice has become obsolete because it's no longer financially feasible. Many physicians are choosing to become employees of hospitals & health care organizations. Standardized protocols are the norm. This evolution may be a good thing for the general population, but not so much for physicians.... and it's not over yet. At some point, just like in many other nations, MD will no longer be equivalent to "wealthy" in the US. . . . a complete 180 from where it used to be.

OTOH, nursing practice seems to be moving into a much brighter, shinier future... there are more opportunities than ever before, especially for those of use with advanced education. Sure, we're having some hiccups along the way but the general trajectory is upwards, unlike our physician colleagues.

Jenngirl34RN · Jun 16, 2015

One thing to consider is the NP scope of practice where you live. In some states NPs are far more restricted than in others. Before making your decision you should figure out which area you want to work in and what the NP role for that position is in your state.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 16, 2015

You need to look at the nursing model of care vs. the medical model of care. They are different. Both are parts of a large health care team. The medical model of care diagnoses the disease and then treats the disease. The nursing model treats how that person responds to the disease. Two very different things. Do you want to battle the disease itself or take care of the persons needs at that time?

Now, NPs can diagnose and prescribe. But I often feel a different approach is taken there. I don't think a NP approaches something the same as a doctor. I have a great NP that treats me at this pain clinic I go to for fibro. I initially saw the doctor but the past 3 times I saw the NP. The physician is very kind and I like him. I tell him my symptoms and he writes me my scripts and I am on my way. The NP though, spends time with me. How does this affect me? What can we do to make this condition better? Do you kind of see how that is different? I like both and don't really care who I see, but I do get excited when I know I am going to see the NP. She just has been awesome.

Now, you also have to look at what is needed and how much money you can command. Physicians go to school much longer, they are very much in demand, and can make tons of money. They pretty much set their pay. A NP works under a physician and don't get paid as much. Schooling is shorter and their scope of practice is not that of a doctor. There are plenty of NPs out there. With the change of ACA, many insurance companies will not only let patients see NPs because they are cheaper. Especially those on medicaid. In my town, anyone on medicaid cannot go to an urgent care clinic when they are sick. They must go to the ER and see either a NP or PA. NPs do not get reimbursed as much as a physician. The face of medicine has changed greatly.

I would do some good personal research and see what you really want to do. I do want to hopefully be advanced practice some day. I don't want to be a NP necessarily, I just want to train and become specialized in one area. So good luck!!