Don Mega Nurse

It depends where you are educational if you are just entering college then the PA route would be the fastest to take. For example you can get a BA degree in any field. It is recommended That you take a science related degree to meet pre-reqs for PA school. for NP you need to have BSN to begin the masters program. Both are mid-level providers, however PA and NP paths are much different. PA tent to require more science classes where NP have a more evidence based practice approach. Furthermore, as a NP you are less restricted in most states (as far as practicing medicine and MD supervision). In my experience NP are more knowledgeable about patient care, but I have also met some really good P.A's. If you decide you want to got to P.A school. CHOOSE your Undergraduate degree carefully (Ie avoid do MBA because it is easy.). Oh and don't pay attention to those salary comparisons as well. They are misleading because they are based on surveys. Some times PA's make more because of there prior education. I've meet some PA's with bio-chemical engineering degrees and some with bushiness degrees. MD's tend to look at your undergraduate studies and experience to determine salary. Nurses educated to approach patient care different that P.A's are. NP complemente MD's. PA's assist M.D's

Nursing is over saturated in AZ. If you are waiting to get in the program, it is likely you will not get a job upon graduation unless you know someone already in the Medical industry. Furthermore, most hospitals are today trying to achieve Magnet status (80% + B.S.N. This means they prefer to higher BSN’s and shy away from Nurses that only have A.S. My advice would to plan to finish (ie. Do all classes necessary while waiting) BSN or try to get into C.E.P to help with finding a job when you graduate. If you have a long time to wait Try becoming a Medical assistant first. It only takes a few months when you have your pre-reqs done. This will garner you respect and allow you to network yourself. Doctors that do rounds in the hospitals have “pull” and can help get you a job when you are done your RN.