Nursing vs PA?

I have been pondering this for quite some time and need some input. I was Pre-med and decided that route was not for me and I do not want to spend 10-12 more years in school. However, I am looking at Nursing (NP or CRNA) or PA. I want to work in Pediatrics, Women's Health or Oncology. I do not care for being able to perform surgeries. I want flexiblility in my job. I just basically want to help people and enjoy my work. I am torn between PA/NP because they seem so similar and I do not know which route to go! I just finished my freshman year (took pre-med reqs). So I am still pretty open to either NP or PA. I am leaning more towards PA bc it follows a medicine model. But, I was thinking about doing BSN while completing PA reqs, so let's say I didn't get into PA school, I could still have a good job as an RN and have the opportunity to get my NP. I don't like the idea of having a broad degree in bio or psych & not getting into PA school & not having any idea about what kind of job to get

I'm not sure what your question is but I imagine you are asking opinions about what route to go. In my opinion I would probably follow your nursing degree route for your bachelor's degree, but don't forget to take some tough biochemistry & biology courses. A nurse practitioner typically works in an office setting and sees patients in a general setting. I don't know of any who work in oncology, but women's health & a very few in pediatrics are there. A physician's assistant is open to many many more options in my opinion. I was originally going to be a PA until I decided to continue on to medical school. As a PA you can work in almost any type of medical field and If I remember correctly you will make more money and tend to have more autonomy. Ultimately, however, it's up to you and the field you want to pursue. Finally, I believe the responsibilities and hospital privledges will steadily increase for PA's (including pay), but I'm not so sure about that same trend for NP's (it is possible). Good luck

I agree with everything except the autonomy part. I guess that depends on the state you work in but where I live an NP can have their own practice. How many PA's can do that? And the pay is about the same. Report It