Planned Parenthood Health Center Assistant...What Next?

[wanna_be]

Hello all,

I recently was hired as a Health Center Assistant at Planned Parenthood. I have a bachelor's degree in health-related field and had planned for many years to return to school for a BSN, but was unable to afford the schools I was accepted to (BSN/MSN programs), and subsequently was not accepted to the one [in-state] school I could afford. I am not earning very much at my new job, but I get great benefits, love the environment, and believe strongly in the mission of the organization.

That said, I'm not really sure what this new position means for my future. I will receive phlebotomy and injection training, and participate in education, counseling, and support. Basically, I will be doing the job of a Medical Assistant without the official MA cert. I'm looking for advice about what to do next. I hope to stay at this job for a while and take advantage of all the experience, but I don't know if nursing is still a logical next step, since I know that I eventually want to be a mid-level provider.

Would it make sense to still go back for a BSN, then eventually a DNP, or would it be more logical (financially and career-wise) to go from this Medical Assistant-type position to Physician Assistant? What are the pros and cons of both routes?

Thanks!

[mrsboots87]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have to become an RN first before you can become an NP or PA. Most if not all schools will require you to have some experience as part of the application process. I think that even if I'm wrong and you can go the PA route and skip over becoming an RN that you should still get your BSN and work as a nurse fisrt. Get some experience and see what specialty you like. Then go back to school to become a PA. It will make you a better and more knowledgeable PA having that experience, and make you more desirable when it comes to finding a job. Also, getting an MSN or DNP without being an RN first still makes you an inexperienced new grad. Get your RN first.

[mrsboots87]

So I had to go look, looks like technically you dont have to be an RN, or at least at the UNI in my area. Just have to have 500 hours or more of direct patient care. I dont know if the care you will give will qualify, but if it does then you could go that route. I still believe you should go the RN route first though. Just my opinion.

[wanna_be]

Oops, I guess I didn't clarify--if I was going for my APN, I'd have to get my Bachelor's first. Most PA schools don't require an RN, just direct patient contact, which I have from previous work in case management as well as my new job (which is basically a Medical Assistant without the MA certification). I have a lot of experience in FQCH's already, and I know that's where I want to do advanced practice--it's just a matter of which route to take to get there.

[Madras]

I would think in your situation PA school may be the better route to go. You said you have a bachelors in a health related field so you probably have most pre reqs for PA school. Your right that most PA schools require patient contact hours which is what your getting now. You have a great set up. If NP is preferable then you would probably be looking at going the ABSN route or Direct entry MSN route to become and RN, thennnnn you would have to apply to NP school.

It's really up to you which route to go. And also think of theories behind the different educations. I know some people don't believe the relevance in this but would you like to base your patient care on the nursing process or the medical process. Which approach do you like?

And also in your state specifically because some states vary, where would you have the most autonomy? If that's important to you that's something to think about. PA's must work under a physician. NP's can usually do their own thing.

Timeline aside, I think you may have much more to consider.

[star_b]

i am also about to get this position. would you mind sharing what you do on a daily basis? and what is the job like? thanks so much!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

There are a few direct-entry NP programs but that depends on what is offered in your area. I think Ohio State supposedly has one. I know some people are touchy about those type of programs and you'd have to make sure that you would be licensed in whatever state you'd want to practice in.

PA school is really hard to get into and apparently some of the grades equal that of trying to get into med school.