RHC81 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 For family reasons, I'm postponing my application to PA school for a few years. In the meantime, I'm thinking of getting my BSN (RN) because I'm so close to it anyway. I have a bachelor's degree already, but my field (journalism) is over-saturated. I'd practice as a nurse for two to three years, then apply to PA school. My thought process is that the BSN will be (a) better job security/chances, (b) great HCE for PA school, and © something I can support my family with until I enter PA school. My worry is that PA school adcomms will wonder why I got my BSN and then turned around 2-3 years later and applied to PA school. Or am I overthinking this? (Although I know some people might say "Get your MSN," I want the intense science background and heavier clinical hour requirements that PA schools offer. I have met excellent professionals who are NPs and PAs, but I know that PA fits my personality better.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHC81 Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 For family reasons, I'm postponing my application to PA school for a few years. In the meantime, I'm thinking of getting my BSN (RN) because I'm so close to it anyway. I have a bachelor's degree already, but my field (journalism) is over-saturated. I'd practice as a nurse for two to three years, then apply to PA school. My thought process is that the BSN will be (a) better job security/chances, (b) great HCE for PA school, and © something I can support my family with until I enter PA school. My worry is that PA school adcomms will wonder why I got my BSN and then turned around 2-3 years later and applied to PA school. Or am I overthinking this? (Although I know some people might say "Get your MSN," I want the intense science background and heavier clinical hour requirements that PA schools offer. I have met excellent professionals who are NPs and PAs, but I know that PA fits my personality better.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Three nurses in my classroom of 25 students. AdComs recognize that people desire an evidence based curriculum. Your time as an RN will be an advantage over those applicants with no to little health care experience. Enjoy the journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Three nurses in my classroom of 25 students. AdComs recognize that people desire an evidence based curriculum. Your time as an RN will be an advantage over those applicants with no to little health care experience. Enjoy the journey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHC81 Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Thanks, Just Steve and PAMAC! I agree with you, PAMAC - I definitely don't want to spend a lot, especially knowing that PA school is on the horizon. Just waiting to see where the husband gets stationed (military) next. At our preferred duty station, it would cost me less than $6K to get my ASN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RHC81 Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 Thanks, Just Steve and PAMAC! I agree with you, PAMAC - I definitely don't want to spend a lot, especially knowing that PA school is on the horizon. Just waiting to see where the husband gets stationed (military) next. At our preferred duty station, it would cost me less than $6K to get my ASN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medman2007 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Not to discourage you from PA (I'm a PA as well), but once you get your ASN or BSN you may find that the NP route to be more time and cost efficient. I know NP vs PA depends on a lot of personal and circumstance factors, but be sure to research your area and specialties interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medman2007 Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Not to discourage you from PA (I'm a PA as well), but once you get your ASN or BSN you may find that the NP route to be more time and cost efficient. I know NP vs PA depends on a lot of personal and circumstance factors, but be sure to research your area and specialties interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Thanks, Just Steve and PAMAC! I agree with you, PAMAC - I definitely don't want to spend a lot, especially knowing that PA school is on the horizon. Just waiting to see where the husband gets stationed (military) next. At our preferred duty station, it would cost me less than $6K to get my ASN. You may want to look into hospitals in the areas you will potentially be moving to and see if they will hire you with an ASN. The hospital I work at only hires nurses with a BSN and the ones already working there prior to that policy being put into place are being pushed to get it afaik. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted January 23, 2012 Share Posted January 23, 2012 Thanks, Just Steve and PAMAC! I agree with you, PAMAC - I definitely don't want to spend a lot, especially knowing that PA school is on the horizon. Just waiting to see where the husband gets stationed (military) next. At our preferred duty station, it would cost me less than $6K to get my ASN. You may want to look into hospitals in the areas you will potentially be moving to and see if they will hire you with an ASN. The hospital I work at only hires nurses with a BSN and the ones already working there prior to that policy being put into place are being pushed to get it afaik. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRonSwanson Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I think the main question for you to defend would be why PA and not NP. As long as you know why you want to be a PA, being a RN first shouldn't be a problem. If anything it would be a definite plus. Lot's of people pursue the PA profession after doing something different for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrsRonSwanson Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I think the main question for you to defend would be why PA and not NP. As long as you know why you want to be a PA, being a RN first shouldn't be a problem. If anything it would be a definite plus. Lot's of people pursue the PA profession after doing something different for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackjacks Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Agree with what's already been said, and want to add that you can explain your reasons for the BSN in your personal statement, which will show the schools you apply to that you've been realistically thinking about the future and finances for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackjacks Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Agree with what's already been said, and want to add that you can explain your reasons for the BSN in your personal statement, which will show the schools you apply to that you've been realistically thinking about the future and finances for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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