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

I would like to hear either from Dcs that have gone into nursing or nurses that have gone into chiropractic. I am a chiro considering the RN route. However, what I have read in this thread or Dcs that went into nursing has been all positive. Is there anyone that had a different experience or can share the con of becoming a nurse? Also, if the chiros out there could share the steps they took to get into nursing school and then secure a job position would be much appreciated. I have heard that jobs are becoming hard to come by for new grads.

I am a DCRN and now in my MSN-FNP program. Couldn't be happier. Blending the two is no problem and quite an advantage all around.

I am a DCRN and now in my MSN-FNP program. Couldn't be happier. Blending the two is no problem and quite an advantage all around.

Do anticipate any problem finding a preceptor? Also, will you need to have a relationship with an MD to practice as an NP?

Thanks for your reply!

Finding a preceptor is not an issue. Most NP programs require the student to procure their own preceptor. However, the school I am enrolled in for example, provided me with a detailed list of preceptor/clinical sites that they have already established. Major universities of course allow NP students to preceptor within the university hospital system. Insofar as having to collaborate with a medical professional - that varies between states. However, Arizona, Nevada and other states provide NP's full autonomy. Like I said, getting into nursing was a game changer for me. PM if you want. Good luck!

Have you checked out the school in West Palm Beach Fl? It offers an accelerated direct entry RN program for chiros that is 12 months long. It is open for FEP's (foreign educated physicians); other non nursing degree individuals; paramedics, and chiropractors. I think the school is called the institute of healthcare professions and i know people that are students there. They take all your old credits and you don't need to re-do your prerequisites. good luck

Thanks for the feedback. Have you had any feedback from people that are students at the Institute of Healthcare Professions? Other boards say that the program is not yet nationally accredited, which would be a problem for me practicing in Illinois.

Sorry, its been awhile since I've been on this topic. The program is a state BON approved and licensed school/program. You are eligible to sit for the NCLEX. Therefore, you can practice nursing in Illinois and anywhere else in the US. Similar to other diploma programs, your application for matriculation into a BSN program will be subject to review of you coursework and academic history. As a chiropractor you will have no problem matriculating into a RN to BSN or RN to MSN program. I know of at least 6 DC's who are in the program now. Hope this helps

Specializes in alternative medicine.

Kenthomas

Samford University has accepted and graduated at least 3 DCs that I know of that completed the direct entry program through Hardin Simmons in Texas.

Specializes in alternative medicine.

Thanks for your response. I do not a cost on the website. Do you have any idea of that or the accreditation for all states? I heard rumors of a problem, but I met an DC who is in the Samford program on my BSN clinic rotation. I have hard time believing all claims the schools put on their websites. Fo r instance the Samford FNP student said he had a hard time finding clinical rotations , and their website reads as if they have it set up for you.

Two docs I know had to find their own clinical rotations, but had previous relationships with MDs. I don't know the cost, but to get more information, I reached out to the admissions office and asked if they had any students in the program willing to speak to perspective students who have questions. They had a list of emails of docs in the area that were willing to talk.

To find out about accreditation, I would call the state and and national nursing associations.

Hi dc4now- I am also a chiropractor considering the FNP route. I too looked into for the BSN/RN portion. Reasonable cost and clinicals close to home (I reside in California). Do they still require you to have an LVN prior to starting their program or is this waived since we have DC degree and patient experience?

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