Need Help Deciding... DPT or MSN?

[DPTOH5]

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I graduated with a degree in Biology in May 2018. PT had always been my dream job but it was a difficult path to getting to this point. I applied last year and was denied by all of my schools, this year I tried again. I was not optimistic about my chances and being the impatient person I am I figured I would not get accepted once again so I felt the need to explore other options. Nursing had never been something I was interested in as I have been set on getting into a PT program for years but my undergraduate school offered an MSN program for non-nursing degrees. This program is 15 months long and only $45,000 in cost. I would practically have an advanced BSN degree.

The duration, cost, and potential with this degree excited me considering the duration and cost that DPT programs bring. Well, this week I began the MSN program on Monday and just yesterday I was accepted into the same schools DPT program. I need to make a decision by Friday to be reimbursed if I choose to go with the DPT program that begins in May.

Does anyone have any experience of either being in nursing and transitioning to DPT or vice versa? I know so much more about DPT than I do about nursing as I have previously worked as a PT aide. I figured I would enjoy nursing but also I am unsure. Any input is welcomed!

 

[HopefulDPT96]

I get being an impatient person, I am the same way too. While I don’t know much about nursing, I would go with the DPT program. It sounds like this is what you have wanted for a long time, so why give it up now? For the long term, which would make you happier? You say you’ve never been interested in nursing, so I wouldn’t go into it. Cost is something to consider, but it is worth it to shell out a bit more for your DPT if that is what you have wanted all along!

 

[deleted797640]

In the long run you will always regret not choosing the path you truly want. Is nursing a better choice financially? Yes I would say it is. Saves you debt, saves you time and you will have a great chance for salary growth but you will be restricted in terms of self-practice, diagnosis and treatment protocols. If you really have a passion for physical therapy choose the DPT program and accept the sacrifices you will have to make.

 

[deleted966137]

Are you a more scientific type of thinker?
The nursing model which you will have to learn about and embrace to a degree is not quite as science based as medical or phys therapy models even though there is some woo woo in phys therapy.
I would keep pushin' forward if I were you and wait to hear back.
A therapist I shadowed said she got in on try 2 and I met a student at a school visit that took 3 shots to finally get in.
I also know a medical student that had to apply 3 times.
So take that for what it's worth.

 

[DPTOH5]

I get being an impatient person, I am the same way too. While I don’t know much about nursing, I would go with the DPT program. It sounds like this is what you have wanted for a long time, so why give it up now? For the long term, which would make you happier? You say you’ve never been interested in nursing, so I wouldn’t go into it. Cost is something to consider, but it is worth it to shell out a bit more for your DPT if that is what you have wanted all along!

I just never really looked into anything else because I was dead set on getting into PT school but when I didn't get in, it kind of freaked me out and so I felt the need to look into other things. Thank you so much for your input!

 

[DPTOH5]

In the long run you will always regret not choosing the path you truly want. Is nursing a better choice financially? Yes I would say it is. Saves you debt, saves you time and you will have a great chance for salary growth but you will be restricted in terms of self-practice, diagnosis and treatment protocols. If you really have a passion for physical therapy choose the DPT program and accept the sacrifices you will have to make.

As a current PT student, I tend to struggle to remember a lot of information as well as being able to put the answers down come time for the test, it tends do just be forgotten the second I sit down, how do you feel testing has gone for you while in school and do you have any tips for that?

 

[DPTOH5]

Are you a more scientific type of thinker?
The nursing model which you will have to learn about and embrace to a degree is not quite as science based as medical or phys therapy models even though there is some woo woo in phys therapy.
I would keep pushin' forward if I were you and wait to hear back.
A therapist I shadowed said she got in on try 2 and I met a student at a school visit that took 3 shots to finally get in.
I also know a medical student that had to apply 3 times.
So take that for what it's worth.

I definitely have a more scientific type of thinking. I have my degree in Biology so it was always about research for me. I know nursing is more of a support job where you are taught the patho, pharm, and assessment tools so they can make nursing diagnosis but thats really it for them. I know people who try applying year after year and it definitely sucks but I was overwhelmed to see I was accepted with happiness but also confusion as to what to do now lol

 

[deleted797640]

As a current PT student, I tend to struggle to remember a lot of information as well as being able to put the answers down come time for the test, it tends do just be forgotten the second I sit down, how do you feel testing has gone for you while in school and do you have any tips for that?

Testing is pretty difficult especially the first few semesters since it is mostly memorization heavy and students struggle to see clinical relevance in some topics but not all. Some classes will hold your interest in the field. The best way to do it is study the details on your own and memorize/read material alone but meet once a week with a group of about 4-5 students to discuss all the information in a broader context and with more of an application mindset. This will help you link information from different classes together and just brain storming information with a group has really helped me do well. Best of luck!

 

[SPTKK]

There are a lot of different things you can do with nursing. You can become an nurse anesthetist, a nurse practitioner, a psych nurse. Nurse practitioners can own their own practices and prescribe meds. And the cost of schooling is much lower ALTHOUGH, you cannot substitute cost for passion.

If PT is what you want to do in your gut, go for PT. This is your life were talking about here. You'll be doing this for your whole career.

I was between nursing and PT and chose PT because I wasn't down for the shift style work of a nurse or the dealing with bodily fluids. But, that's just me!

Gotta make the best all around decision for yourself

 

[deleted797640]

There are a lot of different things you can do with nursing. You can become an nurse anesthetist, a nurse practitioner, a psych nurse. Nurse practitioners can own their own practices and prescribe meds. And the cost of schooling is much lower ALTHOUGH, you cannot substitute cost for passion.

If PT is what you want to do in your gut, go for PT. This is your life were talking about here. You'll be doing this for your whole career.

I was between nursing and PT and chose PT because I wasn't down for the shift style work of a nurse or the dealing with bodily fluids. But, that's just me!

Gotta make the best all around decision for yourself

Not going to specialize in wound care PT? 😛