I Wish I Was a Physician Assistant Instead of a Nurse Practitioner

Why I Wish I Was a Physician Assistant instead of a Nurse Practitioner.

In this video, i give you 5 reasons why i should have been a Physician Assistant instead of a Nurse Practitioner.

Background: Nursing is my second career; i had a Bachelors of Science degree before I decided to go to nursing school.

ENJOY!

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*Disclaimer: "The content of this video may contain general information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment and may contain opinions and views expressed by myself and other medical professionals. These views are solely the opinions of each individual person. The views may or may not reflect the views of their schools, professors, cohorts, or any person or entity within, or around the medical profession. Such information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition or disease and is not meant to substitute advice from a qualified health care provider. You understand that this video is not intended as a substitute medical advice or a replacement for attending an accredited educational program. Information is gathered and shared from reputable sources; however, we are not responsible for errors or omissions in reporting or explanation. No individuals should use the information, resources or tools contained to self-diagnose or treat any health-related condition. It is important for you to continue to use evidence-based research and school textbooks to obtain information regarding subject matter. We give no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability of the content. Items mentioned in this video are my opinion, not my professional recommendations, but if you or someone has a life-threatening condition, please seek a local medical professional for assistance. Watching this video implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.”

[LifeofaPsychNP]

Just to be clear: Prior to deciding to go to nursing school, i already had a bachelors degree.

[tcbecht]

You made it seem like PA is *only* two years. You still have to get a bachelors undergrad. And NP’s can practice independently while PA’s can’t.

[drkojosarfo]

Might be my favorite video of yours so far. Brought up some great points and time spent in school is definitely a factor because life outside of what we do for a living is so important ... pay and work/life balance is also important, regardless of what anyone says... I did my associates then bachelors then DNP, which is a lot of school but this video can save a lot of time for people who completed a Bachelors and are stuck at a crossroads !

[scottdavidthompson]

I am a Psychiatric PA-C; love your channel and despite wishing you had gone a different route, I am glad to be a colleague of yours -we're all in this together!

[ross]

dude.. youre still SOOO young. you wanna be a PA? go back and get it. its crazy how many people go to med school when they are in their 40's and dont become doctors until they are 50 yrs old plus. 2 years man, you can do it!

[quixoticmoor]

Dude this topic is a bit of a reach when it comes to time. Both programs require a four year undergrad degree then 2-3 years of grad school.

[Michame]

Hi Psych dude.
As a Pre Physician assistant student, the academic route you spoke on needs some clarification. A PA is a 6 year degree, 4 years undergrad and 2 years of graduate school. A Nurse practitioner is a 6 year degree, 4 years undergrad and 2 years of graduate school. However some people obtain an RN license via the associate degree route which is (2 years) Nonetheless to become a NP, you need a bachelors of science. so they have to complete the remaining 2 years at a university thus totaling 4 years for a bachelor's degree. Then the 2 years of graduate school for nursing. Unlike NP school there is no part time option for PA school, which I believe you were referring to when you say 3-4 years for the masters, that is why it would take you longer to get your masters in nursing. PA school is basically medical school condensed into a two year full time master program, hence the medical model. In terms of the psych specialty, PA’s who want more training can do an optional residency program

[thepetitepa]

Hey! Future PA here starting school this year :) Great video. I see what you mean because you already had a bachelors degree and not a BSN. Someone in the comments mentioned something about RNs/NPs having leadership positions and consulting opportunities. The PA profession is fluid and ever evolving. You can now get a doctorate- DMSc (Doctor of Medical Science) degree which is a 12 month program that you can obtain while you work as PA. This will put PAs in the position to be considered for more leadership positions :)

[Sundays]

What about debt though? I worked as a PCA while attending nursing school, so nursing school was paid for while earning a small income. As an NP student, I’m able to work as a nurse and earn a solid income while having school paid for. I’ll take that over 2 years and 80-120 thousand dollars (or more) in debt any day, no matter what age.

[savvyroca]

Honestly the RN to NP/DNP/CNS/CRNA/PhD is better for most. You gain valuable life and clinical experience while working as an RN. Then you can decide what advanced practice nursing degree/specialty suits you. Determine what it takes to get there and most importanly what work/family balance works for you.

[keugene]

Thank you for the input. Currently I am in NP school but not the way you spoke about. I had a bachelors degree in Sociology. I became an RN through an associates level program and was able to bypass the BSN route. I initially wanted to be a PA but quickly changed my mind because I needed independence and because NPs are more so the future preferably profession. Unfortunately, the harsh reality for PA's is that everything is about the medical...treating the disease and not the patient. NPs do the same but as a whole. As a nurse, we are the ONLY profession that can infiltrate in other disciplines. Nurses can work in IT as nursing informatics, legal (legal consultant nurse) and more. When you are an advanced nurse like an NP, you are still able to change specialties like mentioned by Thepsychdude, but don't necessarily have to return to school. Some cases just requires ICU experience as an option. As an NP, you can open your own practice with a certain number of clinical practice experience hours. PA's can't so much.. Nurses in general are the most well rounded profession. Yes, it may take time but that gives those a chance to climb the clinical ladder if you are not able to directly get into a PA, RN or MD school. You could start as a CNA, LPN, RN, NP, then DNP. It gives people a chance to level-up which PA or MD schools don't have that opportunity. Plus PA schooling is not only 2 years, because prior to an acceptance to PA school, the prerequisites are like the first 2 years in medical school. This has to be completed before applying. As an NP not only would you do EXACTLY what the MD does, but you have direct patient care experience. NPs actually take care of the patient at every aspect and not just medical. Patients would rather know that they are cared for as a whole. But it varies on what suits you as a person and how you want to care for others. Whether NP, PA, or MD it is your preference. At the end, they all take an oath to produce better outcomes in healthcare. The question is how do you want to produce those outcomes. NPs have no limits, nor do nurses. If an NP decides they want to change disciplines, specialties, go back to bedside nursing...they can. MDs and PAs can change specialties but are limited if wanting something more laid back. The skies the limit for the NP or nurse. At the end of the day, do whatever makes you happy. Thank you for your prospective!

[AfroMedic]

I'm a Pre PA. I'm getting broke every semester, I just wanna get out of college and start PA school.

[malcolmh]

Appreciate your video! Your being open/transparent is refreshing!
I truly wish more RNs and NPs would have your posture, humility, and realism. I don't feel that becoming a NP is necessarily a faster route to becoming a PA, for those who don't have a prior bachelor's like you did.
One upside I see a lot is that full time working RNs do an on-line program and rotations are far less hours than PA rotations and become NPs, while still making the $$ during the NP program. Pretty much MOST of the PA students in my class, (me included) did not work at all as the program was very intense. Rotations were like a full-time job. We only got 1 week of vaca in summer and 1 week of vaca at holidays--that was it. So, there are some gives/takes with each.
Your posture and humility is not only refreshing, it truly does help bridge the unnecessary and unneeded gap.
Peace! :)

[Futurenursearianna]

Once I get my bachelors in nursing I want to get my pa but can I keep my rn license ?

[deniseleach]

There is something I need to clarify in regards to the video. PAs must maintain a 100 hours of CMEs every two years to remain NCCPA certified. After 10 years you must take a recertification exam. So, that equates to 500 CME hours during the 10 year span. It is not just doing something every 10 years as you may have been lead to believe.

[mb-ftgg]

Do you mean a NP is not able to treat or diagnose accurately?

[nhandinh]

You know your field and keep up your work to improve your field. Do not compare when you do not understand the other completely. Good luck!

[awangie]

I would like to add that PA recertification is way more complicated. They must take a single, 300 question test every 6 to 10 years and do 100 hours of additional education every 2 years. NP must do educational training but you are not required to take a recertification test. In most cases, if you meet the required clinical practice hours, you're fine.

[labanayanga]

Hello, thanks for the informative video. I am a foreign-trained nurse with a BSN, in the process of relocating to the US as an RN. I would like to further my studies, but I would really have wished to divert to the PA direction!
My question is, is it possible to pursue a master's degree for a PA program, now that I already have a degree in Nursing, or it is not possible to shift from nursing to PA?

[JoyofTheLord]

Ok someone please tell me how can one become PA?
do i need to have just any bachelor's degree? And then?