NP vs PA | Tips For Choosing Which One Is For You

NP VS PA | How to Choose. In today’s video we will discuss some steps you can take to help you identify whether the PA or NP life would best suite you. I’ll share how I came to the decision for myself, discuss some common myths that are out there floating around about the two professions, and provide a few steps you can take to help narrow down your selection as you face this decision.
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If you are new here, Hello! I’m Liz, a Family Nurse practitioner, former pediatric nurse, and new(ish) mom. I’m about to start my new career, and plan to share it with all of you!
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[@joytolentino4265]

“Nursing gods will not forsake you” 🤣🤣🤣 love your videos 🤗🤗🤗

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you!!

[@KTChanelle]

I'm still not sure whether or not I want to be an NP or PA because they both appeal to me. I think I'm going to get my BSN first, be a RN for a few years and then decide.

[@bellefeu4933]

This is what I'm doing. Starting my BSN this summer - will decide on NP/DNP/PA after a year or two of ICU/OR RN

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome! No need to decide now :) BSN is a great place to start!

[@beautybarbie12121]

I have literally been looking for a video like this this whole week! Thank you for this!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@krystallowe1810]

Hi Liz! I absolutely love your videos...they're so informative and you're hilarious! I'm considering PA school and I appreciate you shedding light on the differences between the professions as well as respectfully advocating for both :)

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ornelafankem1835]

Side note you would be the perfect nursing school tutor! those types of videos would be great.

[@ypmm53]

Another great video! Thank you again for the info!!

[@stephb.3243]

THIS WAS SOOOOOOOO HELPFUL. You literally hit the nail on the head for me. I want to be in the OR (I definitely like slicing things lol) but I already have my bachelors (not in nursing) so it would make more sense for me to go the PA route. I’m finishing up the rest of my pre-reqs and plan on applying next cycle. Thanks Nurse Liz ❤️

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you! And good luck!

[@nicholaslydon7089]

Thank you so so much for your helpful videos! I went to college for business, but always had interest in a career in healthcare. I haven't pursued that interest however, due it seeming too monumental to tackle. I didn't even know where to start! I think your videos are INCREDIBLY helpful in providing that information to people that are in my same situation. Hope you're healthy, and thanks again!

[@NurseLiz]

I'm so glad theyve been helpful! Best of luck with everything!

[@celestesegura4622]

Your videos have been so helpful! Thank you so much!!!

[@NurseLiz]

Yay! I'm glad!

[@valmarzz696]

While I love the flexibility of being a PA, for me NP seems to be the better route because NP admissions dont rely as heavily on volunteer hours, and I wont have to stress performing great on the GRE. This video helped me decide on becoming a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner! Thanks so much ❤️

[@fannydomijan9629]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@makaylanicoson235]

This really helped me. I was trying to understand the differences and see what I wanted to do! I thought I wanted to be an NP but I’m leaning more towards PA so I can do all the things!

[@NurseLiz]

PA is definitely a phenomenal choice for lateral movement!

[@pereisy]

Thank you! Very informative and helpful!

[@NurseLiz]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@delaformosa]

I really like the objective view provided here! I recently graduated from an in-person FNP program, but I think I would have enjoyed the diverse amount of specialties that PAs are trained in. This may not be across the board, but my school's PA program had an easier time matching their students with clinical rotation sites compared to my school's FNP program. This may also be due to the fact that PA students have more flexibility to find clinical sites away from campus for their 5 week clinical rotations since they do not need to be on campus for didactic courses during the week. I'm told they come back to campus every 1-2 rotations for evaluation. One thing I would bring up though is that NPs have the option of working as a nurse and NP at the same time. One thing I do wonder about is how many non-clinical positions are available for PAs? I know nurses that go into public health, nurse manager, quality improvement, education roles later in their career and wonder if that's an option for PAs

[@DrAdnan]

Great tips! I just interviewed a PA last week and it’s cool how both NP/PA roles are both growing. His school had an integrated NP/PA program :)

[@NurseLiz]

What a cool program!

[@elninjapirata7799]

Adnan A i see you in all the you tubers I follow lol did you decide on what to pursue? I’m thinking PA or NP or going for med school I’m currently an RN student 👨‍🎓

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Adnan A AsSalama'laikum dear brother!😀

[@alliep_]

Can you recommend any good program for PA in the states? I heard george washington’s great but that’s all I got.😂

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Jamie Park GWU is GREAT, but it's SUPER EXPENSIVE; like close to $160,000 for the entire program!😣💸

[@ashleysalter8534]

Thank you for another informative video! I had never really considered PA school, but I plan to apply to a FNP program after I finish my ABSN program (I'm only two weeks in). I want to do family medicine, but then later teach BSN students/ABSN students.

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!!!! We need kind and helpful teachers!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

OMG! This is such a great channel! I just subscribed and am going to veg out on your videos!😀

[@79other]

I’m an Australian midwifery student. I enjoy your videos because they are very positive. I don’t think we have PA’s here and very few NP’s, but I’ve come across a few in the hospital environment. I’m going to have to watch your other video to see the difference. I can’t get my head around what a PA does.

[@NurseLiz]

Hope it helps clear things up!

[@ashleyharris4012]

I have been going back for so long. Your last comment stating if your goal is to be a provider, then go be a provider; that extra pit stop as a nurse is unnecessary. Thank you so much. That took the weight off my shoulders.

[@hildabarrera6027]

Thank you sooo much!! 💜🙏🏽

[@fry8471]

I want to be able to hover all over different hospital specialties. I think PA might be better for that. Thanks for the help!

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bla2220]

It would be nice if you and a PA would collab on a video discussing your similarities and differences.

[@NurseLiz]

That would certainly be interesting! Thanks for the idea!

[@Vanessa-gn8je]

I am a career changer and thought long and hard about nursing, PA, and med school. Ultimately, it was the focus on population health, the long history of nursing, and the radical [often at the time] health initiatives that nurses have driven in the community-based setting that really got me fired up about nursing. After working in HIV care, oncology, and as a SANE, I’m now in FNP school. That variety you can get as an RN, was really wonderful for me and helped me get grounded in health care. I know that I want to work in the community setting so an FNP is a perfect fit for me. Also, I appreciate the focus on health care policy and social justice that is a small part of the BSN education, and a larger part of the FNP education. I plan to do a PhD focusing on those areas in the future because they are my jam. Also, like you, teaching in the future is an absolute possibility for me. I LOVE nursing and nurses and all the directions we can go. The sky really is the limit. Keep being awesome and thanks for this thoughtful post.

[@NurseLiz]

The profession is so so lucky to have you!! THank you so much for sharing your experience. What phenomenal experience you will bring with you and what a cool impact you will have on everyone who gets to be your patient!

[@dakotahale5086]

I'm undecided if I wanna become a nurse or a PA, I know you need patient care hours for PA school. So since I don't know which path to take where should I start to get my foot in the door until I decide on nursing school or getting a bachelors degree and going to PA school. I love your videos came across them few weeks ago, you are an inspiration and very helpful thank you.

[@anamp7555]

I also wanna go back to teaching!!!:) new subscriber here. i wish i can have you as my preceptor, Liz!:)

[@beachbabeee7890]

Hi Liz! I’m currently a BSN student and I have always contemplated NP school. This video really helped solidify that for me!! Also I think you would make a fantastic professor, coming from a nursing student and avid watcher of your videos, my program would be lucky to have you!!

[@NurseLiz]

Aww thank you so much!

[@jeremyacevedo6579]

I love your channel!

[@ssalulu9]

Nurse-midwife student! Graduate in three months!

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!!! So close!

[@_ami95]

i was pre-PA in college but after graduation i seriously considered NP for a while bc of the holistic aspect of nursing, and i really want to infuse public health into my scope of practice. but i agree with you that it's a misconception that the medical model doesn't consider socioeconomic factors, that may have been the case in the past but it's definitely changing rapidly! plus i wasn't a nurse and i love the flexibility of PA so it made more sense to me to go down that route, sooooooo all of that to say i am happily attending PA school in the fall ☺️

[@NurseLiz]

congratulations on your acceptance! That is a huge accomplishment!

[@_ami95]

Nurse Liz thank you so much!! i'm so excited to get started, practicing medicine and caring for people is my dream!

[@nursegaz]

This was really helpful. I am an ER volunteer that wants to become a provider but my background / undergrad in non medical.

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful! You're getting such amazing experience volunteering in the ER!

[@cristinamcallister242]

How did you become a volunteer in an ER? I’ve been trying SO HARD, and can’t get any responses from any of the hospitals in my area. Im considering changing careers to work in the medical field, but I definitely want to spend some time volunteering or shadowing to see if it would be a good fit first....but no hospital will respond to me!!

[@nursegaz]

Cristina Duarte-Noe The Hospital I worunter at has a formal program. I know due to COVID many programs are on hold but not all. The bigger hospitals tend to have ER programs. Look at the volunteer section on their websites.

[@silverr12310]

I'm glad they're combining the best and worst aspects of the medical models together. Sometimes when they're too different we may be unable to see how the others may do something differently or even the same (as the reasoning could be different). I'd choose pa over np personally. Nothing against nps, I just like the surgery aspect. And if I were to ever get a pa license (which I doubt) I'd love to go into ophthalmology. What's your favorite aspect of fnp liz? Have a great Tuesday!

[@NurseLiz]

Surgery can definitely be cool! I love the patient aspect the most I think

[@grunnyhop7]

One more year till I get my BSN. My overall goal is to treat and diagnose! I didn’t know you could apply PA as a nurse !

[@NurseLiz]

it'l be here before you know it!

[@clairemyers3213]

I’m so undecided still! My definite goal is to work in surgery, and care for the patient pre op, and post op, work with them before they get surgery and care for them after surgery, what would be better?

[@elninjapirata7799]

Ahhh I’m still deciding, it’s so cool to have options, but too many make my head hurt. I’m an 1 year RN student with a BA in psych. I’m trying to decide to go for PA, NP or CRNA. I’m thinking my RN clinicals will shed a bit of light on me and illuminate me 😁

[@NurseLiz]

For sure! Even practicing for a bit sometimes helps you find what you love. Best of luck with the rest of school!

[@laurencampbell6672]

I would love for you to make a video about your thoughts on direct entry NP programs or programs that don’t require nursing experience prior to NP school

[@NurseLiz]

Oh my. I am scared to make that video because I know my opinion will be unpopular haha

[@stephlyndsey3932]

@@NurseLiz I work in healthcare as a surgery scheduler for the last 3 years and this topic is so gossipy and juvenile. All the nurses like to judge others on how much experience they have or how long they waited after their BSN to be a NP. At the end of the day you have to provide for your family. If that means going straight to a DNP then ok. If you have dreams of opening your own practice than follow that because some states allow NPs to do that. Being a great provider does not depend on your years of experience or the college you went to. Just my two cents.

[@logangeorge4096]

@@NurseLiz please get in touch, so you can tutor me am going for my PA tests soon

[@katherines.1025]

Very helpful video! I'm currently a student in an ABSN/MSN program to become an FNP (I wasn't a nurse before but still wanted to be an NP ;) ) and I think this video would've been helpful to me when I was deciding! I ultimately decided to be an NP because the patient-centered, holistic nursing approach really resonated with me and I wanted to practice with a focus on education and preventive medicine. While it's true that PA/med school have aspects of this in their current education models, I still wanted to go the route in which it was the most emphasized. However, I still agree that neither option is better than the other and I believe both mindsets are necessary in the medical field :)

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!!

[@karenperez7998]

Hi Katherine! I am currently looking into programs so I was wondering what program did you attend?

[@PneumaB]

Hey Liz I like the cut! It’ll probably be NP... although I’m not sure which specialty yet.

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you!! You have sooo much time! And can even change your mind later 🙌🏻

[@abigailrandall7520]

If I could I would totally do the PA route. I wish NP was set up more like PA or even like nursing school was in that you are given rotations through multiple different areas. By having a broad scope of education I feel like it gives you a firmer knowledge base especially when caring for patients with acute on chronic complaints. I think it also challenges you to think outside the box and to better anticipate changes in your patients care as they are moving through the different levels of care and are approaching discharge. I also like that the PA school does not rely on your work experience to help carry you through. Not every nurse has the same level of knowledge and experience. For me personally I don't think work experience should be one of the means of justifying less didactic and clinical hours. I think the other things to also think about when choosing NP vs PA is your location and the amount of time you realistically have to give towards it. Where I live (a pretty rural state) there are 2 NP schools of various types within 30 minutes of my home and at least 5 in the states as a whole. Plus there are a lot of online based programs that only require you to be on campus a couple times a semester, so traveling is less of a factor. PA on the other hand has only one school in my entire state which is over 2 hours away from me and most of their classes only offer live lectures and require you to be on campus/at a set clinical site several days a week. Also NP schools a lot of the time offer part time routes and you can continue to work. PA schools (at least the ones I've looked at) on the other hand only offer full time and they strongly advise that you do not work. But this is all just my opinion and based on the research I've done. Please don't throw bricks at me, I bruise easily!

[@NurseLiz]

Those are super good points! I’m right there with you in terms of wishing there was a better clinical hour base for np school. And I totally think seeing different things inclinical would be helpful. I would have LOVED to rotate through different areas as well. I think Np school has a lot of good things, but can absolutely learn so much from pa school

[@astoldbymuriel103]

So I'm on the FNP path I don't mind not working with 13 and younger.

[@stephlyndsey3932]

Good points, that's why for the working adult with a 9-5 NP school is a better route, way more flexibility. PA school is more for new grads that went straight from highschool to university and don't have any real work experience.

[@jordanluna8999]

I’m a job hopper till the day I die, so I’m more so considering PA so I don’t have to focus on one specialty! It’s like how RNs are taught generally, it’s just so much more diverse

[@10byrdie]

I’ve been an RRT(bachelors in Respiratory) for 4 years. My original plan was always PA school after graduation. I was also a CNA for 5 years prior to becoming an RT. I have the option of doing fast track RN BSN in 16 months then doing my masters for NP. On the contrary I could complete 26 credits of science prerequisites then PA school. I have aspirations to teach and do women’s health (obgyn). So NP seems more appealing and it’s less credits going the nursing route. The flexibility of PA is also appealing. I’m so scared to choose.

[@NurseLiz]

Either way you’ll be fine 🙂

[@evietilison]

what did you choose?

[@ryanalderson7133]

also cost. the only pa program near me costs ~$75k. The MSN programs nearby range from $25-40k

[@NurseLiz]

thats a plus!

[@dudeguy323]

My debate is between NP or CRNA. I'm going to see if you have a vid that compares those two! If you don't have the vid, I would love to hear what your thoughts on CRNAs are.

[@NurseLiz]

I think they are SO different! Totally depends on what you prefer. Administering anesthesia vs providing care to conscious humans.

[@goaheadcalldonshipley7659]

I’m in NP school and started wishing I had gone PA route because I can’t find clinicals, and have asked for help from the school without receiving any support. If I end up out of the program because if this, I may make the switch and go PA, because I really just want to be a provider and the opportunity to actually get through school.

[@NurseLiz]

Ugh I so hear this. its RIDICIULOUS that NP school doesn't provide clinical placements. I hope you find some help in this area soon

[@bugga179]

I think being an NP may be a good idea...I wanna do cardiac for kids and young adults really bad. I’d also like to maybe teach when I’m a lot older to put my knowledge to use later.

[@NurseLiz]

What an awesome plan!

[@avocadocasualty]

My biggest factor was location and difficulty of enrollment. Around me there are very very few PA schools (and I mean... the states around me, not just my own state), so they are stupidly competitive. I'm not the best student so I know getting into one of those programs would be just next to impossible. NP schools though are more plentiful and because you've already proven yourself as a nurse are slightly less rigorous in their admission criteria. So I have a long path ahead, first nursing school, then working as a nurse then NP school. And I still have to pick a specialty - but I have time.

[@NurseLiz]

Definitely a good point! I

[@MorganSmith-sm3ss]

I didn’t realize NPs got to train only in a specific setting!! I like that because personally surgery type stuff bothers me a little i don’t love it but I love pediatrics or cardiology or possibly neonatal!! This might be stupid but to become NP do you have to become and RN first and go through rotations there? Or can you train by going straight to NP school and focus on your specialty ?

[@NurseLiz]

You always have to become an RN first, but some people do it all in one program. If you are in a direct entry program you would do them in the same program.

[@carmensylvia4001]

What type of DNP did your NP friends get, who work in specialty areas like derm or cardiology or neurology? FNP? Would something else be more helpful?

[@aznfisher2]

would orthopedics/sports medicine be a specific patient population?

[@bre3222]

Hey Liz what kind of science and math classes do you recommend while in high school. Also what kind of math classes did you have to take while in nursing school.

[@NurseLiz]

Nothing crazy! I don’t remember what pre reqs were for math. I took through calc 2 but that was because it was the requirement for my original major which was not nursing

[@kelceystanton4142]

Currently in Nursing School ;) I would recommend familiarizing yourself with Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology in high school. And in college they will want basic math competency (like algebra for medical calculations) and Statistics if you are entering a bachelors program! Good luck!

[@bre3222]

Thank you !

[@liyahb8022]

Hey Liz I was wondering if you become a fnp can you work in pediatric primary care without specializing or can you have different specialty’s ??? I personally want to work in peds and then move to aesthetics & maybe do peds cardiology

[@NurseLiz]

You can, but look in your area and see what peds offices are hiring! Near me, they only hire peds np’s in pediatricians offices! But I know others who work in them with their fnp with no issue

[@Drina333ily]

Does family np include NICU ?? That's one of the places I'm considering ...

[@annale1049]

Please advise! So I am currently a nurse assistant student and will be working as CNA to earn direct patient care hours soon for PA school ( my initial path), but when I was in clinical training at a elderly long term care, I feel like I like taking care of patient than focusing on medicine and disease. So here NP comes as an another choice for me. If I go for NP path, I will have to to be a RN, work for a few years before applying for NP school. This is a more time-consuming path than PA, plus I already have bachelor degree in biological sciences. However, my GPA is just slightly above the minimum to apply for PA schools ( plus no volunteer hours yet). Being accepted for PA schools will be a challenge for me. What is your advice? Thank you for your help!

[@NurseLiz]

I would go for what you actually want! Not whatever seems easier. You don't want to regret anything later on! That being said I don't think you could go wrong with either!

[@royjohnson9043]

As a doc, I enjoy collaborating with NP's more than PA's. A NP's nursing experience has proven to be invaluable in patient care and the difference is clear. I don't know if its the training or experience but the majority of the PA's I work with either lack confidence or are over confident to the point that it could risk patient safety. I think it's important that both advanced practice roles realize that they have no knowledge of what they don't know.

[@NurseLiz]

Interesting perspective. I do agree with knowing your limitations, I think knowing to say when you don't know is a much needed quality across healthcare in general, and always frightening when its missing

[@meganblakemore1692]

@@NurseLiz This is inaccurate and irresponsible to generalize an entire profession.

[@NurseLiz]

Megan Blakemore I don’t agree with what he said about PA’s, just that we all need to know our limits! I think PA’s are awesome and competent providers

[@royjohnson9043]

@@meganblakemore1692 Not generalizing...hence why i said the majority of PA's that "I work with". But it can be argued that NP's with nursing experience have a much easier time adapting than PA's with little to no healthcare experience at FIRST. Years down the line, there is virtually no difference in their knowledge. Volunteering, paramedic, EMT B experience helps but doesn't replace understanding of overall workflow in a healthcare system that a nurse may bring prior to learning medicine.

[@mar1987_]

Interesting point Roy Johnson but keep in mind that experiences vary and it comes down to the individual (NP or PA) on how competent and comfortable they will be. Some RNs with minimal experience can go straight into NP school compared to paramedic, respiratory therapist, etc that saw critical patients for 10-15 years then went into PA school. I was a corpsman in the military and felt comfortable with seeing patients immediately after finishing PA school. Although nurses gain a wealth of knowledge in their field, they are other avenues to getting good clinical experience.

[@davidp4200]

My plane is to become a nurse first than if I still want to go back and become a PA

[@gracemenko3959]

If I want to work in a clinic (due to stable hours and my want to start a family) and I want to focus on pediatrics, which do you think fits that more?

[@NurseLiz]

If you know you want to do pediatrics, Pediatric Primary care NP would work! But I know plenty of PA's in pediatrics as well!

[@alexiskantor3219]

This might be a tough question cause it depends where you work, but what about the "vibe" of NP versus PA? Let's face it, NP is female dominated, PA is a little more even split. It is very competitive to get into PA school from the outset, whereas RN to NP may be a less competitive pipeline. What are the thoughts on the personality types that go into the field? After all, a very important quality of work to me is the culture of where I work.

[@NurseLiz]

I'm honestly not sure. I feel like it totally depends on the person, rather than an across the board stereotype.

[@CVanderJagt1]

I love womens health! I would really like to find a CNM/Womens health NP program....I don't think there are very many if at all combined programs out there.

[@NurseLiz]

There are some combined programs! But i'm not sure how many there are. I've met a few people who did a dual program.

[@bbytayls5023]

University of Michigan has a CNM/FNP program as well as a CNM/PNP program. However, wouldn’t the CNM be able to cover a lot of the same things as women’s health (depending on the school’s curriculum) I was under the impression that CNMs would be qualified to do gyne stuff as well as obstetrics.

[@jamie5mauser]

Is PA school full time only? And NP schools offer part time options?

[@kaitlinm5936]

Hi Liz! Is your friend in cardiology a FNP or an AG-ANCP? ?

[@NurseLiz]

FNP. But AGACNP can work in cardiology as well!

[@kaitlinm5936]

@@NurseLiz Thanks for the response and all your advice! It helped me feel confident in my decision. I'll be starting FNP school in the fall :)

[@christopherbirstler7391]

Hey Liz, I am considering applying to a direct entry APRN or a PA program after I receive my BS in Health Services Coordination. I align more with the nursing model then the PA model. I like how PAs can easily switch specialties and can treat all as opposed to nurses being limited to specific populations. I am attracted to how APRNs have more independence and autonomy as in practicing under there own license and being able to prescribe under there own license. Is there Midwifery, CRNA, Nurse Legal Consulting, and Psychiatric NP direct entry programs for non-nurses as myself preferably via an online school? Are these specialties obtainable through a direct entry program earning just a master's degree not a DNP? Would I have a hard time as a Mid Wife being that I am a male? In an APRN direct entry program would I be awarded a BSN and an MSN or would I meet the BSN requirements but receive just an MSN? Any and all advice and counsel would be much appreciated. Thank you, Christopher

[@NurseLiz]

So a lot of this varies by school. I know there are online midwifery and psych NP programs, but not sure about the rest. I don't think there are any online CRNA. Some direct entry NP programs grant you a BSN along the way, other's do not. It kinda just depends on the school.

[@christopherbirstler7391]

@@NurseLiz- Thanks so much for your prompt response! You are Awesome! Can you please point me towards some online Midwifery and Pysch NP programs that are a direct entry for non-nurses and grant a BSN along the way? Programs that will admit me with a bachelor's degree. I want to start doing my research and possible preparation sooner than later. Thank you, Christopher

[@NurseLiz]

Christopher Birstler I am absolutely no help there. Sorry!

[@christopherbirstler7391]

@@NurseLiz no worries. thanks though.

[@19mterry]

Hey nurse, Do np have lateral mobility?

[@NurseLiz]

you can definitely move around into different jobs and specialties within your licensing scope!

[@astoldbymuriel103]

Also do you want to open your own practice. I don't think that's an option for PA's. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@NurseLiz]

I believe PA's cannot practice independently, But I have heard of a PA owning a practice, they just paid a collaborating physician to be associated with it.

[@zd2917]

Did you have to retake any prerequisites? I read online for UCDavis that they recommend to retake core classes if they are over 5 years old. This is easy to surpass because bsn takes 4-5 years alone. Not including experience as an RN. 😑😑😑

[@NurseLiz]

I had to retake my statistics class because it had been over 5 years since my BSN statistics class. Definitely something to consider if you have to retake all those. no fun

[@zd2917]

@@NurseLiz Wow, they are crazy to make us retake all of these courses. They must think everyone that are applying did the accelerated program or something. I guess I will have get barely any work experience before applying 😣

[@hopesavanna5193]

Hey Liz, I am a PA student. I recently learned about the path to becoming an NP. And it honestly scares me (for the health of the public). NP programs are not standardized. (Some of the programs don't have anatomy and pathophysiology). They can be fully online, 100% acceptance rate. The clinical rotations site is also not comprehensive and sometimes even questionable. NP students learn many valuable skills as nurses, but many NP programs do not require clinical hours. I personally know two NPs telling me they did not learn anything in NP programs. I saw many posts on Reddit showing NPs do not know certain things, which I had learned in my first year. Some of them don't know how to read EKGs, CXR, and lab values. I have a friend in nursing saying that most of her classmates don't plan on becoming nurses but as NPs or CRNA. (I understand that people want to earn more money.) I truly want to love this profession, but education just seems so lacking to a point that I question if they can practice clinically, let alone being independent. You seem like an awesome person. I would love to hear your thoughts.

[@a.d.w8385]

I struggle with this too. There needs to be more oversight of this profession because people are actually dying because of lousy trained NPs.

[@aquaticsplashes]

@6:50 what's that mean if you're goal is to be provider?

[@NurseLiz]

If you want to be the one assessing, diagnosing and treating that would be a provider role. Vs a Nurse, Respiratory therapist, etc where you are part of the healthcare team, but not the provider making the choices about the direction of care.

[@tedosne8893]

Wait wait wait, I wanted to be a locums np. But your saying if I don’t have my bsn yet why make a pit stop and just go for pa??? Is it less time or something? Do I need to work as a nurse for a couple years to get into nurse practitioner program?

[@NurseLiz]

Some programs don’t require nursing experience. But if you know you want to become a provider you would get more clinical hours by going the pa route. And if you already have a bachelor degree it can be quicker

[@tedosne8893]

Nurse Liz As a nurse practitioner wouldn’t you be able to have more autonomy?

[@HannahTran1]

doesn't PA school require lots of other science pre reqs that nursing majors don't do?

[@NurseLiz]

I believe they are fairly similar. But it will likely vary by program. My nursing program required a year of chem and bio, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and an applied research class. I'm not completely sure, but I think most of those are similar to PA school. But I'm not an expert there.

[@HannahTran1]

@@NurseLiz oh okay thank u!

[@nic-dj5jx]

Thanks. Im a senior in high school and I think I wanna become an RN and then go to PA school. Is that difficult? Thoughts?

[@NurseLiz]

I think it’s an awesome plan! I’ve seen quite a few do it!

[@nic-dj5jx]

Why don’t many people do it?

[@astoldbymuriel103]

@@nic-dj5jx bc it's more time consuming. From what I hear if you decide to obtain your PA after receiving your RN you will have little to NO time to work while in the PA program. So why go the RN route? Save yourself some time and money. Just do the PA route

[@malenurse3607]

Personally, sound like people are more concern wit the title/status and how other may perceive them. Title dont make you a great provider. Your education isn't has important as the dedication to be the best. If you are a learner period! You going to ask who ever what you dont know. If you eager to learn you will go out your way to learn from whomever. If you are dedicated to mastering your craft the drive and ambition will put you where you need to be. Yea some people are title chaser but that shouldn't concern you as much as going out to be the best provider period.

[@stephlyndsey3932]

Ultimately I would choose NP school because nursing is one of the few if not only medical specialties that offers flexible schooling. Most universities offer nursing programs part time, full time, day or night. Also there are more NP programs than PA programs meaning that applicants have a better chance of getting in. I would suggest students also look at the undergrad prerequisites for NP and PA school and compare because they are very different. I have found that many medical specialties offered at universities such as speech pathology occupational therapy physician assistant optometry etc have SO much red tape in regards to prerequisites, location, testing etc that it's a huge deterrent for many students.

[@DJ-pt7fd]

Also, isn’t getting into NP school way easier than getting into PA school when you’re already a RN?

[@NurseLiz]

There are many many more np schools than pa schools. So I think that is probably what makes it easier to get into.

[@corinnebohnel4221]

Hi Liz, I'm currently a psychology major undergrad and I was planning on applying to PA school, but NP appeals to me a bit better because of the holistic approach. I'm a sophomore at Penn State, is there any way I can still obtain my RN before graduating or did I have to apply to a nursing program as a senior in high school? I feel kind of stuck and I wish I had thought things through earlier.

[@NurseLiz]

I'd talk to the nursing department and see what your options are. You may have enough time to switch your major. If not you could look into direct entry masters programs

[@gabbybrooks8092]

I was wondering if A FNP can work as a psych NP?

[@NurseLiz]

Some places will hire fnp for psych jobs but you don’t have a ton of training in it during school. If you want to do psych I’d do psych np!

[@gabbybrooks8092]

Ok thank you so much for the advice and for replying! 😊 I wish you and your family the best!

[@gabbybrooks8092]

I was just wondering because I’m not completely sure if psych np is the route I want to go but I was thinking if I was able to get a job as a psych np with certification as an fnp which I heard was possible that if I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would I could have the option to treat physical illness and not just psychiatric without having to back to school for a new degree.

[@NurseLiz]

Gabrielle Brooks I get that! I think it would just be hard, unless you had phenomenal training on the job. Fnp prepares mostly for basic psych stuff. Not the stuff people go to psychiatry for usually

[@albanaacunha846]

Could you be SPECIFIC WITH YOUR ABBREVIATIONS? Why you said a lot of. Abbreviations instead of the whole word? What is LR? OR? When you uploaded an educational or informative video, you must to be very clear.

[@NurseLiz]

OR = operating room