NP to MD

Published

Does anyone know if there is an NP to MD bridge program? I think this may be an option for me if so... I have heard of this internationally, but never anything in the US. Any insight???

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, not in the US.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

NPs are welcome to apply to med school, the same as anyone else, and, if accepted, complete the usual med school program. Being an NP doesn't get you any shortcuts or special consideration. Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, but that may change in the future...the far future. As I understand it, the state of TN is pushing for Physician Assistants to be able to bridge to a Doctor of Medical Science after gaining experience. If that passes, more states will follow, then NP programs will want to get in on it.

Reference:

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB0850.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No, but that may change in the future...the far future. As I understand it, the state of TN is pushing for Physician Assistants to be able to bridge to a Doctor of Medical Science after gaining experience. If that passes, more states will follow, then NP programs will want to get in on it.

Reference:

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB0850.pdf

Interesting. But the "Doctor of Medical Science" degree talked about in the bill is not an MD degree, and the doctor of medical science program is not medical school. Sounds like they are talking about giving PAs independent practice in primary care, with the addition of further education, similar to the states that allow independent practice for NPs. Since NPs don't have independent practice in TN, it will be interesting to see if PAs get it first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Interesting. But the "Doctor of Medical Science" degree talked about in the bill is not an MD degree, and the doctor of medical science program is not medical school. Sounds like they are talking about giving PAs independent practice in primary care, with the addition of further education, similar to the states that allow independent practice for NPs. Since NPs don't have independent practice in TN, it will be interesting to see if PAs get it first.

Yeah I read this the same way. In my state (AZ) NPs are fully independant and several of my friends own and operate private clinics. The doctor of medical science mentioned here seems strikingly similar to the DNP for NPs. Not an MD/DO, but gives the profession more credibility depending on who you ask and makes legislators more apt to allow independent practice for both NPs and PAs

Up Vote Up Vote ×
No, but that may change in the future...the far future. As I understand it, the state of TN is pushing for Physician Assistants to be able to bridge to a Doctor of Medical Science after gaining experience. If that passes, more states will follow, then NP programs will want to get in on it.

Reference:

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/SB0850.pdf

That's very interesting. It does seem to be on par with the DNP.

Makes me wonder if PAs get a doctorate, will they be able to be called "Dr" in the clinical setting, whereas DNP NPs can't (as far as I understand it).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion