We can sit here and dice and slice all the problems with going either the NP or PA route - the fact of the matter is: they are mid-level positions in healthcare that are in high demand. Always going to have a job.
NP route - need to have your BSN first. Then it is another two years to get your Master's in Nursing (MSN) and pass your boards to become an NP. Most nurses recommend two years under your belt before going to get your NP. Nursing is a more holistic approach to health and wellness. PA route - get your 4 year bachelor's degree in virtually any field. Take the pre-requisites to get into PA school and graduate in two years. Both have comparable salaries. Avoid the online programs. NPs and PAs are the future for primary care (if not already) as many MDs go into specialties and subspecialties. NPs and PAs can also specialize - dermatology, surgery, oncology,etc. I have a friend who is an NP and runs a diabetes clinic. |
I would suggest your DD look into PA program requirements. It is highly likely an RN would have all the science coursework required for PA. She would have to take these courses in order to apply. This is factor of why RNs choose NP over PA. Just so you know, there are direct admit PA schools available now too. |
This is incorrect. Virtually all, if not all, PA programs require some medical work experience. What each program considers to be good enough experience varies. |
But their training does not. |
From a patient’s perspective, PA is best. |
Thanks for your expert opinion. No further advice needed here folks |
From a patient's perspective, NP is best. Far more holistic in their approach. |
😆 LOL What a BS answer! |
Thanks! I know this is an anonymous forum with sometimes harsh critiques so it’s nice to get some encouragement. We knew nothing about CRNAs and it’s been a pleasant, if unexpected, potential career option for a young person excellent EF skills to go along with the caring mentality needed in education or health care. So if she ends up as a school nurse, helping with the marching band….we’d be OK with that too and would not see it as an education wasted. Thanks again. ☺️ |
I've heard that AI will impact the profession of anesthesia and I wonder if the CRNA's will be the first to go? |
The schools I've looked at require a minimum of 1,000 hours. |
PP here. I looked into PA school as well, and this is pretty much what I saw too — 1000 hours with patients, minimum. As far as what kind of experience counts, that varies a bit (for example some will take the less complicated work — like phlebotomists and CNAs — and some won’t). If I were in college I’d consider getting certified as an EMT and spend summers getting experience on the ambulance, in a hospital, and volunteer hours with a fire dept/in the community. |
Neither. CRNA. They make great money and are very competent and respected. The training is more rigorous, but better job and pay. |
And they are many that don’t require any work experience at all |
$200k Salary |