Oklahoma NP or PA??

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

Oklahoma NP or PA?

I am an RN and live here in Oklahoma City. Ive been thinking about going back to school for NP or PA. All I see around here working in the clinics is PA-C. I know there are some NPs that Ive run into who work at the health department and my OBGYN office.

I have a few friends who were in NP school here at OU yet ended up moving down to Texas after they graduated, maybe just because the pay is better elsewhere (new grad RN only start about $19/hr). Kinda worried me to see that though.

So what is better here in OK? NP or PA? I do not want to waste my time or money going through a program to not be able to find a job or have no respect from MD/DOs. I'm very confused which path to take.

Thanks for any input.

[in2bate71, BSN, RN]

Oklahoma NP or PA?

I am an RN and live here in Oklahoma City. Ive been thinking about going back to school for NP or PA. All I see around here working in the clinics is PA-C. I know there are some NPs that Ive run into who work at the health department and my OBGYN office.

I have a few friends who were in NP school here at OU yet ended up moving down to Texas after they graduated, maybe just because the pay is better elsewhere (new grad RN only start about $19/hr). Kinda worried me to see that though.

So what is better here in OK? NP or PA? I do not want to waste my time or money going through a program to not be able to find a job or have no respect from MD/DOs. I'm very confused which path to take.

Thanks for any input.

Hey MM,

I was going through the same struggle trying to decide about a year ago ( I live in OKC also, BTW). Really wanted to try for PA school, but I ultimately decided to go with the NP route for a couple of reasons... if you're interested in "why" PM me.

I agree with you about seeing more PA's around than NP's. Some hospitals seem to be more NP friendly than others, but even at those places there are considerable more PA's on staff. Maybe it has something to do with the greater exposure the PA students at OU get with physician preceptors (more time together makes it easier to prove yourself and your profession IMO)...maybe it's the pay issue you mentioned.

If you're tied to staying in OK, I'd look towards PA. That's just a personal observation, don't necessarily throw NP school out. It took me a while to finally decide so keep researching and seek out some NP/PA's to talk to. Good luck in your decision.