HealthCare92

Hey everyone, Thanks for taking the time to read. I'm 26 and will be graduating in 3 months with a BA in kinesiology. I'm graduating late because i was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 19 and did 3 years of chemo. That entire experience has led to my love for medicine and exercise. Currently I have a phlebotomy certification and 400hrs of volunteer experience in a local emergency department. I love it there but I also love exercise and cancer rehab. I'm interested in becoming an NP and either opening my own cancer rehab clinic or doing ED/urgent care work. I've seen some direct entry/MEPN programs for non-bsn students and they seem to be zero nursing experience to nurse practitioner in 3 years. Given my age, and the fact that I would have 1 more semester of pre reqs to qualify for any nursing program, I think 3 years of full time study is too much for me to knock out at once. Other options include a 1 year accelerated BSN degree then np school which I've seen range from 1-2 years (The University of Miami has a 1 year FNP program). I like the one year program but I currently live in Colorado so moving for a year wouldn't be that bad but it's still a big move and I would like to remain in Colorado long term. PA school is pretty much out of the question. I would have to devote about 2 years post graduation to completing pre reqs and I think that NP patient care model is more aligned with my values than that of a PA. I would like to add that I'm doing a 17 week cancer rehab internship that will result in a certification after graduation. That will be completed before any application to nursing schools. Can anyone shed some advice on my situation? Pros/cons of direct entry programs, does anyone know of any less than 3 years? Chances of getting in with my background, gpa is projected around a 3-3.2. I'll continue volunteering in the ED for another 6 months before I move for my internship so that will add an additional 200hrs at the minimum. I also have 100 hrs of shadow experience with PA's/MD's in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and emergency medicine. Thank you!