Nurse or Physician's Assitant

[MurseTinz]

I realize that this article might be a traitorous to the purpose of this website, but I'm at a bit of a cross-roads.

I'm currently completing my prereqs for a concurrent enrollment program for the ADN/BSN. I'm 2 classes away from finishing that up. My goal there would be to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner.

However, my wife asked if I had considered a PA program, as I'm pretty close to the prereqs for that as well. I hadn't, until recently.

I'm aware of the levels of autonomy, the restrictions in my state, the prospective salaries in my state.

My biggest turn-on for the PA program is that it's 2 years and I'm at the level I want to.

My biggest turn-on for RN-to-NP is that I can work throughout the program and not have a 2 year gap in my earning.

Neither program is going to provide me with a boost in earnings, it's just something I want for my life.

[kellygirl101]

Like anything we do, there's advantages and disadvantages. I personally know a few PAs who had no prior medical experience. For instance one was an engineer prior and is now an excellent PA. At the same time I know another PA whose prior experience was an engineer and he sucks as a PA. I also know another PA whose only medical background was as a nurse Tech... And she is awesome! Some employers May appreciate the prior nursing experience that is required in order to become a nurse practitioner. However to others it may not be as important. Weigh your options and do what's best for you and your family... Good luck!

[UORapplicant]

There is a bridge program for PA to DO if you later on decide to become a medical doctor, and instead of 4 years it's 3 years. This is something you may wanna consider. Other than that, I would definitely say go for NP route. There are over 20 States which allow NPs to open their own practice. I don't think people actually understand the kind of advantage this is. This is something you may wanna consider if you would like to make big money as an NP. I personally know a family member who is an NP, and has his own practice. He own a medical spa. Let's just say he is doing very well financially. What I like about nursing is the opportunities you have to advance your education and salary. You can go to CRNA school, become an NP or get a phD later on. On the other hand, as a PA you will only have the option of being a PA and get orders from residents at the hospital even when you are 60 years old. Moreover, every job I have looked at they don't care if you are an NP or a PA. And last but not least, most PAs get a specialty which will make the program 3 years. You can also become an NP in 2-3 years :)