PA to NP

williamd · Feb 5, 2011

I would look at a direct entry program. There are quite a few programs that are available as online or distance learning, which may fit in with your work situation. I would look at a DNP program, it sounds as though you want to go into practice on your own, and being able to say you have a doctoral degree would work well for this. Also, in the future, there may be advantages as far as reimbursement, who knows?

BlueEyedGuy · Feb 6, 2011

The problem with PA to NP is that in most states you need a master's in nursing to be a licensed NP.

The only exception (which doesn't work for you) is UC Davis offers a PA/NP program, but I think you have to get a master's in Nursing through Sacramento State at the same time.

danceluver · Feb 6, 2011

what specialty do you work in earning 130K if you don't mind me asking? That's is quite excellent for a PA! Thanks!

MSW530 · Feb 7, 2011

The problem with PA to NP is that in most states you need a master's in nursing to be a licensed NP.
The only exception (which doesn't work for you) is UC Davis offers a PA/NP program, but I think you have to get a master's in Nursing through Sacramento State at the same time.

You are right regarding UC Davis' program. They train both PA/NP together. However, as a PA graduate, you will only receive a certificate of completion because they only require that you have 60 semester units to apply. If you go the NP route, you must also apply through CSU, Sacramento for their MSN portion and have a BSN. Additionally, you can also obtain the PA certification as well through the NP route, but not vice versa because the requirements are different.

ktliz · Feb 7, 2011

Your biggest issue would be earning your RN while continuing to work as a PA. Even though MSN/NP education is often done part-time, you first need to do some sort of program to become an RN (whether it be BSN, ADN, or diploma). It seems that 95% of nursing schools require you to attend full-time, although I have seen a handful with weekend or evening schedules for working professionals.

Good luck!

Christen, ANP · Feb 7, 2011

I don't really see the need to get your NP if you are a PA. My hubby is a PA, I'm a NP, so I understand the differences in the roles pretty well. I mean, it sounds like you're making good money in your current job, so I don't understand why you'd put yourself through 4 - 6 years of school (remember, you have to be a RN in order to get your NP) in order to come out with a degree that's (bottom line) going to not really change your job or level. You're a provider on the same level with each degree.

:confused:

TakeBack · Feb 7, 2011

Agree with above- you won't earn much more as an NP so the change would have to be for perceived independence. The debt you would incur would take a while to pay down and might not be worth the investment.

The grass isn't greener, it just feeds different cows.

PAGuest · Feb 7, 2011

My desire is not money driven. I make more than enough money now (in emergency medicine). It is due to the whole NP: independent provider, PA: dependent provider issue. My hope would be to gain a little more freedom and flexibility by earning NP on top of my PA. Right now I have my master's degree. I have no desire to gain another degree if its not necessary. Even a certificate program, if one exists, that allows me to sit for the NP boards would be fine. It sounds like my best be would be in a direct entry, online program?

TakeBack · Feb 7, 2011

Curious- is there a particular practice or setting that you are trying to get into the the NP would make easier? Or is it to lose the "dependent" title?

ktliz · Feb 7, 2011

I have no desire to gain another degree if its not necessary. Even a certificate program, if one exists, that allows me to sit for the NP boards would be fine. It sounds like my best be would be in a direct entry, online program?

I don't know enough about NP vs. PA to tell you if it would be worth it, but I do know what your options are to get there! :)

Unfortunately, at this point an MSN is required to become an advanced practice nurse. There are post-masters certificates available but they are geared toward current APRN's who are looking to expand their scope, and thus require an MSN for admission.

Your first step is to become an RN, and I'm not aware of any programs that allow you to do this online (unless you are already an LPN, e.g. Excelsior). Direct entry programs are available, but they are all on-campus for the RN/BSN portion of the program. Once you have your RN, you can continue the MSN portion online.

Christen, ANP · Feb 7, 2011

Ahh, that makes more sense. Keep in mind that the level of independance a NP has varies greatly state to state and most states require some form of formal collaboration between the NP and a physician. Aren't there some states that allow a PA to "hire" a collaborative physician? You could do that here in Ga until a few years ago. As others have mentioned, the problem is that you don't have a nursing degree - hopefully your BA is in a science, which would cover your core requirements. Your quickest option would be a direct entry program that would give you the BSN and the MSN in about 3 or 4 years. You could do this part time, which would allow you to work. However, since you don't have a nursing degree, I'm pretty sure you would be required to do clinicals for the nursing degree and then more clinicals for the master's degree. ~shudders~

I'd be interested to know what your plan is with this potential increased independance. Are you thinking of opening up your own practice? There are probably ways to reach your goal without having to do moooore school, which is always the best option IMO. :)