Smwright19

So I've been torn between going the NP route vs the PA route for some time. Both are appealing to me in some regards, but right now, I'm just focusing on the intensity of schooling. If both professions are mid-level providers, how come PA school is so much more thorough? I feel like if I just get my BSN and then do an NP program, I'll be lacking in both clinical and didactic hours. I did hear of someone who completed his NP education and then applied to an EM fellowship to gain some knowledge of the medical approach that he didn't obtain through the nursing approach. So, are there other nurses who favor the medical model? If so, how did you approach this issue? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thank you so much. I have a lot more research to do that I wish I'd done far earlier. It's just that recently I started to feel like I was "settling" for the job of an ER nurse, because it only requires a BSN, and understandably doesn't pay as much. I was attracted to the autonomy and the fast-paced schedule, and I felt like it'd be more exciting than, say, med-surg. I guess another question would be, were I to decide not to work in the ER after all, which job (NP or PA) is closer to the ER environment? Sorry if I'm unclear. I can try to explain my reasoning if you need.

I'm planning on living either in California (where I live now and where I will be going to college), Oregon, or Washington. I realize I should have had this change of plans before I've already had my schedule (of pre-nursing classes) for a whole month, with only a month before school starts...

Would you recommend working as an RN first and going back to PA school, then? Or is that not an efficient plan of action? And if I were to try to become a PA from the start, would I have to switch majors to bio-chem? Also, yes, I have zero experience and it is a possibility that I will change my mind, although I really hope not because I love this field. With that in mind, how would you recommend I "stay ahead of the curve"? Thanks so much

I will be starting college as a pre-nursing student in one month. My goal is to work in the ER, and I also want to become either an NP or PA for several reasons. However, at this point, I'm not entirely sure which is the best course for me. I'd like to work on the west coast, if the location helps. As a pre-nursing student, am I on the right track? Has anyone been in a similar position and would like to share their experience? I appreciate all input.

Hi, sorry I just saw this. I'm in the middle of the college app process right now, actually. I'm applying early action for George Fox, Concordia (Portland), Linfield, Azusa Pacific, and Point Loma, and regular decision for Northeastern, Seattle Pacific, and Pacific Lutheran. I'm also applying to CSULB and CSULA, and considering applying to UCI or UCLA. I've heard a lot about prereqs and such not being able to transfer, so that is a concern of mine.

Bakersfield isn't exactly in my top 10 dream destinations, so I don't think I will apply to school there. Can you tell me more about the TEAS V? How exactly does that work? And are all CSUs 1+3?

No, thank you so much. This is actually really helpful. In case I change my mind or realize that the money situation isn't going to work out or something, these are the schools I'm definitely considering (more csulb than the others now). The UCs have always just been reach schools for me. The DE factor really helps, but the 5%ish acceptance rate into the nursing program is formidable. I'd have more luck getting into Johns Hopkins or Harvard... May I ask where you ended up going and why you chose it?

I have actually, but I thought they didn't have an undergrad BSN program, only accelerated and RN-BSN.

Awesome! I have a more specific question regarding George Fox. Did your friends apply as freshmen or did they do any prereqs at a CC? Is it easy to transfer in (and still receive financial aid) as a transfer student? Which would you recommend?

Good for you! I've heard good things about Regis and I hope you do well there. I've visited PLNU and stayed in dorms for a church thing over Memorial weekend... for three years in a row. I absolutely love it, from what I've experienced first-hand. I've also done a college visit at GFU because i happened to be visiting my cousins in Olympia, so we took a five hour drive to visit that one too. I really loved the whole atmosphere there, and since it was a guided tour, I learned a lot from some of the alumni, which really helped. I also like the idea of the whole "seamless" thing you mentioned. Would that be the same as a direct entry program? It would be great to have one less thing to worry about in college.

Thanks for your input (again! I remember you helped with another question of mine). How important is it to graduate near where you want to live? Would it be reasonable to go to a CSU then move to another state? Can I do prereqs at a CC here and then transfer to WA or OR? I have several concerns about this plan of action, namely, that I won't get accepted into a nursing program at the place where I'd actually want to study. And even if they might not offer preference, at least by going to the same school for four years, I'd have the proper prereqs. Also, is there any other active forum (excluding allnurses) where I can read reviews of specific programs? I've been doing research on some colleges but I was wondering if there's a good place for that. Also, I apologize for all the questions, and I appreciate all your help.

Okay, thanks for clearing that up. I think I'll put off worrying about this until I actually get accepted. Right now, I need to focus on the app essays and scholarships.

Thanks for the advice! I hadn't considered doing that, since I'm only a high school senior and I don't even know what college I'm going to yet. But it makes sense to start early, especially with the current outlook for new grads. Hahaha I'm not even an undergrad yet and I'm still worried! But I will try to work backwards and call nurse recruiters to get their opinions.

I would really love to live in the Pacific Northwest (specifically, Portland), and private schools have the same tuition for out of state students, so it would make sense if I go out of state. Location is one of the deciding factors for me, and while it may seem like a superficial reason to go or not go to a school, I believe that it can contribute to my overall enjoyment and success at a university. I will apply to CSULA and LB, but only as backups. My reach schools, which I haven't mentioned before, are UCLA and UCI, both of which are in California. I've been told that many colleges are what you make of them, and as a fairly highly motivated student, I feel like I could thrive in a private school better. Additionally, many of the private schools I'm considering have substantial financial aid packages, especially for a decent student coming from a relatively low-income household. This makes them all the more appealing to me. And, I could be wrong about this, but many of the nursing programs at CSUs have waitlists of up to two years or more. Private schools generally do not. I think. If I'm right about this, then this will definitely help me complete my program and start working as soon as possible.