Why NP instead of MD, DO, or PA?

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jan 13, 2018

I am only a CNA, but how many years of experience do people typically need to get into a PA program? I'm trying to figure out what my chances are of getting into a PA a program..
My undergrad gpa wasn't so great from UW (3.16), and about a combined gpa of 3.25. My grades in the intro chem and bio series were on the lower side, but my grades improved and I did really well in A&P.
My experience consists of two years of volunteering at a hospital, volunteering back in high school, two years of CNA work at a SNF and almost a year as a medical scheduler. I'm looking to gain more experience, but my GPA I think holds me back a little.
I recently got accepted into WesternU Masters Entry program but it's quite expensive. I'm also applying to UW's BSN program, but I'm still interested in the PA profession. Any thoughts?

PA programs generally require 1000-2000 hours of direct patient care experience. CNA experience should satisfy that requirement. You're correct that your GPA will hold you back. You might want to retake some classes or take more advanced science courses and get "A" in them to boost your chances at PA programs. Apply to sufficient number of programs and look for programs that has a more holistic admission approach or newer programs.

It looks like the WesternU ME program is not an NP program. IMO, that is a waste of time and money. Decide whether you want to become a PA or NP first, then apply. If you want to ultimately become a PA, skip BSN.

allnurses Guide · Jan 13, 2018

I could argue in many places PAs are seeing similar and in some cases more autonomy.

In which states can PAs practice independently and own their practices?

yogagal · Jan 13, 2018

In CA PAs have to have a percentage of their charts cosigned by a physician. In certain jobs (especially) primary care there seems to be a definite hiring preferences for NPs because other than having a collaborative agreement on file the NP can pretty much function independently with no cosigning. Just a practical thing to consider. I think the other points have been debated sufficiently but I agree if you have the time and are ok with the debt, go to med school.

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 13, 2018

In which states can PAs practice independently and own their practices?

Michigan a pa has a more relaxed practice requirements compared to how they used to be and only operate under a "practice agreement" which most interpret as more relaxed than a collaborative agreement. Lower md to pa ratio standard and no specific distance requirement. Where they come out ahead is they're now classified as prescribers and can prescribe up to schedule 2 under their own licence. NPs rewrite delegation from an md and are only allowed up to schedule 3.

allnurses Guide · Jan 14, 2018

Michigan a pa has a more relaxed practice requirements compared to how they used to be and only operate under a "practice agreement" which most interpret as more relaxed than a collaborative agreement. Lower md to pa ratio standard and no specific distance requirement. Where they come out ahead is they're now classified as prescribers and can prescribe up to schedule 2 under their own licence. NPs rewrite delegation from an md and are only allowed up to schedule 3.

22 states have full independent practice for NPs.

To my knowledge in MI as of 1/2017, NPs can practice independently if not prescribing scheduled substances. If working with a collaborating physician they can prescribe up to schedule 2 just like PAs.

djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 14, 2018

22 states have full independent practice for NPs.
To my knowledge in MI as of 1/2017, NPs can practice independently if not prescribing scheduled substances. If working with a collaborating physician they can prescribe up to schedule 2 just like PAs.

Can only do 2 if in the same free stranding facility like a hospital or same clinic. And scheduled authority is still considered a "Delegation". Meaning it isn't under your own license. Also NPs still don't get the distinction of being "providers".

allnurses Guide · Jan 14, 2018

Again this is a single state. There are 22 states in which NPs can practice with full independence. There is not a single state where PAs can.

Can only do 2 if in the same free stranding facility like a hospital or same clinic. And scheduled authority is still considered a "Delegation". Meaning it isn't under your own license. Also NPs still don't get the distinction of being "providers".

Q. Can a PA practice without a physician?

No. The new law continues to support the PA and physician team. PAs will now be required to work with a "participating physician" according to the terms in a "practice agreement."

Physician Assistants are now defined in PA 379 as independent "Prescribers" (within a practice agreement). This is an exclusive designation in law that, in addition to PAs, includes physicians, dentists, veterinarians, optometrists (limited to therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) and advance practice registered nurses (excluding schedule 2-5 which must be delegated by a physician according to Public Act 499 of 2016).