sb2203

I really appreciate all the responses. I think nursing route is a great option. And eventually NP.. Can't go wrong. I'm gonna start taking classes, work hard and get good grades.

I appreciate the comments! I have been researching and researching. I can totally see how nursing as so many avenues, and also can get me into the workforce faster. But I also have to get into a nursing program, which I know can be competitive. I think that also depends on where. I am fortunate to have had a lot of great experience up to this point, and I am excited to learn more from people who have a lot more experience. I want to continue to work in Emergency Medicine, would I be able to eventually do that as an NP? Are there many male NP's??

Good evening everyone! I have been scanning this site and I have found tons of great information. Here is where I am at: I started this medical journey when I rode along on a fire truck when I was 16. I became and EMT and worked on a busy ambulance in AZ for a year or so. I wanted more...I joined the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman. LOVED it. First few years were on a ship...sick calls, shots, great experience. I then worked in the ER in San Diego. Sutures, IV's, wonderful experience working close with MD's and nurses. My last year was with the Marines at Camp Pendleton. I went through some more good trauma training and then worked with the Division Psych unit. Worked with a lot of Marines who were coming back with PTSD. I decided to get out in 2010 and started school full time, with no real goal. It was a first step outside active duty. I was trying to figure it out. I got my EMT and I am still on the Navy reserves. So, I have continued to acrue hands on patient experience, along with some valuable life experience, like many others out there. So, I am debating the Nurse/PA route. I am starting at a CC in fall to start taking classes. I have really been researching both. Something is drawing me to PA. I know this topic is talked about all over this site, but I had to throw it out there again for feedback. I am getting married this July to a wonderful Kindergarten teacher who supports me no matter what. I hope everyone is having a great Sunday night!

That's excellent advice! You are spot on about going into these programs with humility. I take pride in what I have learned, however it was also a privilege. A tough part for me now is deciding between nursing or PA, based on my on my previous experience. I have read a lot of threads ok that issue. But since I have not much schooling, it's making it kind of tough. I love patient contact but I also like the puzzle aspect. And I see that a lot of colleges only accept people into programs like once a year. So, one step at a time I guess.

Good afternoon all, I recently came across this website and have found some wonderful information on it and figured I would give it a try. I am 29 years old now and I am basically starting from scratch on the civilian and academic side. I got my EMT when I was 18 and thats where it all started. I worked full time on an ambulance for a year and loved it. I then joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and learned incredibly valuable medical training and experience, as well as life experience. I worked in various settings. I worked in an ER and aboard a ship. I was also attached the Marines. Long story short, I am starting this journey into the nursing world with a goal to eventually be a NP. I am going to work hard in school to get good grades and do my best. Is 29 too late to go after this goal? I see how competitive it is just to get into a nursing program. So if anyone can give any advice or just general tips, it would be greatly appreciated! Sam