RN to PA?

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

I am seriously thinking of becoming a PA. Has anyone made this transition or know anyone who has? My experience of PA is limited to be fair as I have just moved here from the UK so any thoughts on the role of the PA would be appreciated. I have thought about NP but most courses I have looked at want you to have a minimum of 2 years practicing in the state of residence, which obviously I don't have! :o

Thanks for any comments!!

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All the PA transition programs I have discovered want similar. The University California Davis Masters program is a dual masters - you receive both a masters in NP and PA which covers all your bases (but they want 3500+ hours in patient care setting) . I have two friends who are PA's but they went the straight route. Goodluck!

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Check out http://www.physicianassistantforum.com - I think you will find the answers to your questions there.

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I thought about this as well but I dont know if jobs are in demand

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

I think its a growth industry but I was surprized how few schools offer the course. I have seen quite alot of job advertisements for PA and it seems to pay well. I think as hospitals and healthcare providers seek to cut costs, PA's will become more and more in demand.

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I am a RN who is currently in PA school in california. I know of several schools here that award your healthcare experience out of state, including out of country. Pay varies from what area of medicine you work in and years of experience. ED PAs tend to avearage higher salaries. I know of several RNs who make more than PAs with the OT and as a RN the demand is far greater in cali.

So far my choice has been great, lots of learning! Good Luck in your future!

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

Thanks! Can I ask you a few questions? How long is your course? Are you doing the bachelors? I can't decide whether to do that or the masters. ER is my background too and I would prefer to work within Emergency medicine. Whats the role of the PA in the ER? Do they get their own caseload usually? Sorry about all the questions!!

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