Pursue NP or PA for ER?

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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.

You are looking at two different jobs, therefore the schooling is different. If you want to be a PA, don't waste your time with the nursing prereqs. If you want to be a NP, then you will need to do the nursing prereqs. I don't know what the medical prereqs are, but I know most people looking to go to med school usually either have a biology degree or chem degree first.

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.

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