Would writing on a college app. that I want to become a PA (someday) look bad?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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So some nursing (BSN) programs I'm looking at want me to talk about my future career goals. At this point I actually want to become a PA (but not a NP, please don't turn this thread into trying to convince me to become a NP over PA. ;) Just know that I will keep the NP option open but I'm really leaning towards PA) someday after practicing as a RN for some years. However, will it hinder my admissions chances to say that I want to become a PA someday? Or is it okay to write it? If it's not in my best interests to write that I want to become PA should I simply ignore the fact that I ever want to get my master's or is there some umbrella both PA and NP fall under such as "advanced practice health provider" (or something along those lines) that I can put down???

Thanks so much.

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I dont get it.... why would you go through nursing school if you know you would rather be a PA. why not skip nursing school and go into a PA program. Sounds like extra schooling for no reason no offense.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I would NOT disclose that. My school looks down on people that want to become CRNA's so I would think you can put something that isnt a complete lie but doesnt say the whole truth

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I don't really get it either since being an NP and a PA are very different, especially school wise.

To answer your question: Yes I think it would look bad. Do not mention PA. Since you admit that becoming an NP is a possibility (although remote) just talk about that. It's not like your goals can't change over the next few years. Mentioning PA school will just show that you are not serious about nursing as a career.

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In writing an essay for admittance to nursing school, I would not write that I intend to pursue a different career. Likewise, in writing an essay for admittance to a PA program, I would not write that I intend to pursue a degree in nursing. Can you think of reasons why not?

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I dont get it.... why would you go through nursing school if you know you would rather be a PA. why not skip nursing school and go into a PA program. Sounds like extra schooling for no reason no offense.

Hmm... how to explain this. There are actually a bunch of reasons.

1. As of yet, I don't have the required patience care experience to even apply to a PA program.

Most PA programs require x amount of patient care experience to apply (even programs that allow high school students to apply to a bachelor's PA program or a combined bs/ms PA program require that high school students have this experience). I (I'm a high school student btw) don't have this experience. I plan on utilizing my bachelor's degree to land a job that will give me this experience.

2. A BSN is my first choice for a baccalaureate degree.

Although there are a few bachelor's PA programs there are few and far between (I only know of the following ones out of all of New England & the Mid-Atlantic: Howard U (DC), Hofstra U (NY), Long Island U-Brooklyn (NY), St. John's U (NY), Pennsylvania College of Technology (PA), and Jefferson College of Health Sciences (VA)) . Furthermore, getting a PA bachelor's isn't the best decision career-wise. It's harder to get a job as as a PA with a bachelor's than with a master's. Considering this it would make more sense for me to major in something other than Physician assistance. Out out of the other healthcare/medical majors (respiratory therapy, Emergency Health or Emergency Medical Services-which generally qualifies you to become paramedic after becoming certified, nursing, etc.) nursing is my favorite.

3. I'm not only becoming an RN as a "stepping stone"

I plan on working as a RN for a number of years before attending a PA program

@ LJR2010: Although they're certainly different in the educational models they use (as you mentioned), FNPs and PAs usually compete for the same jobs from what I've seen.

And, thanks everybody for the responses! Much appreciated

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I have to say you seem very mature for a HS student . I dunno still I dont think you should go through nursing school if you are just going to become a PA later in life. Why take the time. If you need exp to apply to all these schools maybe you should try volunteering in the ER. I think that they want you to have health career exp not necessarily a JOB in the healthcare industry. If you must actually be employed in the health care industry maybe become an EMT. you can work in the ER then. So you can work in the ER and go to school and get your bachelors degree I am an EMT right now. It took all of 3 months to get through school. Piece of case. Nursing school is serious exchausting business. I'm sure PA school is even worse so why do it twice :) Maybe try setting up some appointments or writing some of these schools. see what they think you should do

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

I don't think it would be a good idea to write it on your application but I don't think it's a bad plan. I definately want to pursue a MSN or PA program and I don't see whats wrong with that. I don't know why people wrote that it's so different from nursing and what not because tehy are both medical and enabling you to work in patient care. Although I am concerned now that I wrote in my admissions essay that I enjoyed the school I'm at so much that I plan to pursue my MSN there as well. I didn't think it would be construed as a negative but maybe it could...I don't know..I guess time will tell if I make it in or not..

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I don't see the issue, but since others do, might be better to just focus on why you want to be a nurse. You can mention that it's a career that allows for a lot of growth and personal development in the future, but then talk about what specifically about nursing interests you.

I just read your initial post a little more closely, and I see that the prompt is specifically career goals. I think if you can write about why being a nurse and working as a nurse first makes sense to you, it would be ok to talk about going the PA route. Maybe you want the benefit of two different models for your practice? Maybe you plan to work for several years as an RN and see PA as a longer term goal, more like a second career? You sound really put together and I can't help but think that that will shine through in what you write in your essay. There's something to be said for being yourself- who knows, you could stand out more for your plans and distinguish yourself among the applicants.

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I guess it's not as unusual as I had thought. After much internet searching, I still don't get the difference between a PA and an NP.

This is all I know:

PA's practice medicine and work directly under the supervision of a physician. Their scope of practice is determined by the overseeing physician.

NP's practice nursing and work under their own license. Their scope of practice is determined by their state.

Is this right? I still feel like I'm missing something, how does someone choose which to go into?

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Re: programs that allow direct entry to PA school: USP in Philadelphia has a combined program with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where you get a BS from USP and then the PA portion from PCOM. The BS includes time to volunteer and shadow and gain patient experience. Physician Assistant Studies | University of the Sciences

Just an FYI. I have no clue how competitive it is.

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