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Discussion

Optometry or NP?

Has anyone here been in my shoes before or known someone who has?

I'm an internationally trained optometrist who came to Canada 7 years ago. I had challenges obtaining a license to practice, so I decided to pivot. I did a 2.5-year accelerated BScN with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner later on. After graduating from nursing school, I got a job working in diabetes eye care in the community, which is somewhat similar to what I did as an optometrist but with half the pay. This role has made me realize how much I miss being an optometrist.

I'm now eligible to apply to NP school and have started the application process. However, it's been weighing heavily on my mind to consider re-licensing for optometry. On one hand, I like the more comprehensive/versatile nature of the NP role, but on the other hand, I like the independence and the level of autonomy optometry offers. Also, optometrists do seem to have lower liability issues and higher pay compared to NPs, but the relicensing process is so daunting, and you never know if you will ever be successful. I hate uncertainties, and I don't want to waste time chasing shadows. I know NP school is tedious and insane, but I generally tend to do well under structured learning and know I will be successful and start practicing in 3 years. The cost for both the NP Program and relicensing for optometry are almost the same.

Not sure what I need on here; I guess I'm just looking to see if there is anyone in my shoes before and how they navigated this. Is there anything I might not be considering that should sway me either way? Thoughts? Prayers? LOL

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    Honestly - you know what you know.  You sound like you genuinely miss optometry and at the end of the day, you really don't know what being an NP is like.  It would suck to get into that debt and time commitment only to realize you still miss optometry.

    Make sure you research the program you're applying to - the level of "structure" in NP programs is all over the place in America, can't speak for Canada though..

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    FiremedicMike said:

    Honestly - you know what you know.  You sound like you genuinely miss optometry and at the end of the day, you really don't know what being an NP is like.  It would suck to get into that debt and time commitment only to realize you still miss optometry.

    Make sure you research the program you're applying to - the level of "structure" in NP programs is all over the place in America, can't speak for Canada though..

    Very true. I've taken my time to research NP schools that meet my needs, so hopefully, I should be fine. I guess both professions do have their pros and cons. I plan to shadow the NP at my organization to get a better sense of their day-to-day. Will make a decision afterwards. 

    Thanks for your response!

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