THE question -- NP or PA

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Good evening,

Just looking for some advice/opinions from others. I am an RN with my ADN. I have spent countless hours trying to decide which path would make the most sense for me. Being I already have my ADN it seems the most logical decision for me is to follow through with my NP. There are bridge programs out there that go directly from an ADN to a MSN. This path would also not require me to retake any general courses ie Micro/Chem as its been a few years since I've taken these general type courses. Also, from what I have read, it seems as though to work full time would also be a possibility throughout NP school.

In contrast, the PA route would require me to first of all, turn my ADN into a BS - it would also require me to retake some courses that are > 5 yrs old.

Also, in my research it seems NP programs would be more affordable in the long run - since I was not born a Hilton, I will have to take out student loans to help me afford my education.

So, what I guess I am asking is: given these specifics - for me, which would make the most sense --> NP or PA?

Thanks all!

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Sounds like you answered your own question.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

The end result is so similar unless you are drawn to one path over the other for some dramatic reason it boils down to the factors you've already discussed: time and money.

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I would say look into what your state allows each to do. What restrictions are in place for each? This can vary from state to state.

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Thank you for that direction!

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Also don't forget that PA school takes about 2 years and most schools either highly discourage working while enrolled or outright forbid it. So there is the reality that you might have to find a way to do two years of very demanding school work while unemployed.

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Specializes in critical care.
I would say look into what your state allows each to do. What restrictions are in place for each? This can vary from state to state.

This is what I was going to suggest. My state gives NPs better autonomy, I believe.

As a patient, I've only ever met one PA that was any good. On one occasion, I outright told a PA exactly what was wrong with me (seizures) and she ignored me completely - said I just had anxiety. Changed providers, got a neuro consult, found out I was right.

I know that's anecdotal and not feedback worth basing a career on, but I do think it is a result of PAs not having patient care experience before starting their programs and PA being generalized, vs. NP having the ability to specialize.

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d PA being generalized, vs. NP having the ability to specialize.

It is very true that PA's are truly generalists, however I thought they could also specialize? the most popular being Surgical I thought.

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Specializes in critical care.
It is very true that PA's are truly generalists, however I thought they could also specialize? the most popular being Surgical I thought.

I mean during their education. I may be wrong, but I believe PA is generalized in school like RN in the US is, with the ability to choose your career direction after licensing.

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I mean during their education. I may be wrong, but I believe PA is generalized in school like RN in the US is, with the ability to choose your career direction after licensing.

I think you are right, what they specialize in ends up being determined by the residency they choose.

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Specializes in critical care.
I think you are right, what they specialize in ends up being determined by the residency they choose.

Yeah, although even then, after that they can change. Two I know (one as a friend, one as a patient) have changed specialties completely from outpatient primary care to neuro and critical care. In nursing, depending on your area, FNP can have that same flexibility.

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You answered your own question. NP is best for you.

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