Physician Assistant or RN

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Specializes in Psychology.

It was too late for me to switch from a Bachelors in Psychology to Registered Nursing so I've been weighing options. Graduating this month.

I have seen direct entry to MSN programs but also I started looking into physician assistant. I know nursing and P. A. are different but I would like to know from anyone else's experience. ABSN isn't an option because I can't afford it- need to work!

Shadowing someone during the pandemic isn't an option and Texas doesn't have any APMNN or ELMSN/Direct entry MSN programs in Houston.

ADN is an option but it would take a long time.

Anyone here know P. A.s or switched?

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I can't imagine how PA would be faster than ADN. You don't mean MA as opposed to PA by any chance, do you?

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

A quick Google search shows PA programs are 24-27 months. An accelerated BSN program can be completed in 18-24 months. I know someone who got her BSN in 18 and she's an excellent nurse. You might want to think about what role you want to play in healthcare as well as the length of time the education will take, as nurses and PAs have different kinds of jobs.

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PA programs are extremely competitive, even decades ago when I considered going that route. Unless your academic record is stellar at this point, I think it might be more reasonable to pursue the ASN. But look on the websites of several programs for each profession to get a better feel for the direction you need to take.

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PA is a good career. I was enrolled in a PA program but did not graduate unfortunately. I went to a newer school that had tons of issues but I did well in my classes. If you do decide to pursue that route, just make sure you attend a school with a good reputation. I unfortunately did not do that.

I am now pursuing ABSN and want to be an NP. Nursing seems to be the safer route since you can do it in pieces and can have something to fall back on if anything goes wrong (ADN, BSN, MSN, NP, etc...). I thought about going back to another PA school but it is so competitive, nothing would transfer, it was really expensive, and I would rather pursue nursing to be an NP because they can practice independently whereas PAs are almost always dependent practitioners. Plus the ABSN programs are shorter and I could graduate way before I would be done with PA school. But the best thing I think about being a PA is that you do not have to choose a specialty and can do whatever you decide you like. Also, if you are concerned about not working, PA school may not be the path for you. Most programs are at least 24 months and most forbid you to work during that time (and you wouldn't be able to work anyway because you would be so busy).

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Specializes in Career changer.

I was preparing (and still is as a backup) to go to PA School. The thing about PA school is most will require multiple upper level science classes, “real” patient care experience and not just healthcare exp- there is a difference in addition to GRE, LOA’s, volunteer exp, etc.

I'm focused on a 12-15 month ABSN, start working immediately then decide if I want to peruse a masters NP or PA degree. The ABSN will allow me to work quicker while gaining patient care after graduation. and mostly earning money faster

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Specializes in Psychology.
2 hours ago, Future_GA_nurse said:

I was preparing (and still is as a backup) to go to PA School. The thing about PA school is most will require multiple upper level science classes, “real” patient care experience and not just healthcare exp- there is a difference in addition to GRE, LOA’s, volunteer exp, etc.

I'm focused on a 12-15 month ABSN, start working immediately then decide if I want to peruse a masters NP or PA degree. The ABSN will allow me to work quicker while gaining patient care after graduation. and mostly earning money faster

What ABSN program are you in? I'm in Houston.

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Specializes in Career changer.
Just now, implathszombie9 said:

What ABSN program are you in? I'm in Houston.

I’m not in one now. I will be applying for fall 2021 matriculation

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Specializes in Psychology.
12 minutes ago, Future_GA_nurse said:

I’m not in one now. I will be applying for fall 2021 matriculation

That's awesome! I'm still going to apply to an ADN although I'm still considering the ABSN, I just don't have funding for the ABSN unless I can get workforce solutions to pay for it.

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I am in the same boat! Following this thread....

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There are non-clinical positions that you could apply for at inpatient mental health clinics, and often employees receive education incentives as part of the employment. Just a thought. With an undergrad in psychology I would think you could easily land one if those jobs as you figure out where you’re heading educationally.

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Specializes in Psychology.
10 hours ago, damiorifice said:

There are non-clinical positions that you could apply for at inpatient mental health clinics, and often employees receive education incentives as part of the employment. Just a thought. With an undergrad in psychology I would think you could easily land one if those jobs as you figure out where you’re heading educationally.

Noted! Although I'm still going through paperwork to finalize m degree. It will say Bachelors in General Studies with an emphasis in Psychology, English and communication. So I guess jm considered a double major??

12 hours ago, Hagra said:

I am in the same boat! Following this thread....

Yeah I am still taking nursing prerequisites (just finished math of liberal arts, and I have left philosophy/English core and biology. )

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