I am still trying to decide whether I want to do pharmacy or NP. My heart is set on both and I'm having a very hard time deciding. A part of me just wants to apply for both things after I get my bachelors, but I was really hoping to decide one soon since the prereqs are a little different. Any suggestions/reasons why one is "better" than the other?
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Pharmacy vs Nurse Practitioner?
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I recommend that you try working in a pharmacy and shadow an NP before deciding. The outlook of pharmacy, especially retail has been discussed extensively.
good luck deciding.
good luck deciding.
As mentioned, shadowing or wrking as a tech really puts things in a better understanding...if it's hospital patient interactions you seek better chance as a mid level practitioner ... Around 5000 interview slots for Pharm residencies and half get it (after residency not necessarily higher pay vs retail out of school). However, other aspects in the pharmacy field Intrigue me a lot so def perspective factors matter. Just be aware of saturation and if passion still there then by all means follow the ambition
If you are seeking to be a mid-level....if you are already an RN, then NP. If not PA is quicker. The way things are looking now with our profession, I'd go PA.
I'm not sure the time difference between an NP and PA is all that significant. For someone with a BS (and it looks like OP is at UC Davis), there are accelerated NP programs where you can get a BSN and MSN in about 3 years. PA programs are generally 2 years.
CSULA offers a 15 month ABSN, and the MSN can be completed after that. CSULB used to offer their ELM (entry-level masters) program, but they do not have funding for it any longer. Many schools have similar programs if you search "accelerated BSN".
I would be more concerned about the differences in the job itself, scope of practice, billing, etc. than the length of schooling if I were debating between the two career paths. Nurses are able to get some pretty hefty scholarships nationally due to shortages in providers.
CSULA offers a 15 month ABSN, and the MSN can be completed after that. CSULB used to offer their ELM (entry-level masters) program, but they do not have funding for it any longer. Many schools have similar programs if you search "accelerated BSN".
I would be more concerned about the differences in the job itself, scope of practice, billing, etc. than the length of schooling if I were debating between the two career paths. Nurses are able to get some pretty hefty scholarships nationally due to shortages in providers.
As a uc davis alumni, I really believe you should take advantage of all the shadowing and internship opportunities ucd offers. Its amazing how much the school caters to students. Also look at their internships in science but outside of healthcare bc this is probably the only time to do it. One of the things I did wrong was just randomly apply to pharm school without doing enough research.
I am doing an internship right now in the emergency room at UC Davis Med Center through HRI and am planning on doing one for pharmacy through HRI also. Is there anywhere else I should be looking for internship opportunities through Davis? I am glad there is a UCD alumni commenting on this post! It is very helpful 🙂
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What are the major differences between applying for NP or PA besides the hours of service you must complete for PA?
I was planning on doing an accelerated NP program after I graduate with a BS in Human Development. Do you know what the avg GPA usually is for accelerated programs in California? I can't really find it anywhere. All I see is the minimum 3.0 to apply.
Midlevels, especially NP's are quickly becoming saturated (already saturated in "desirable" areas.) It makes no sense for people who want to change from pharmacy, due to saturation, to go the NP tract.
I know Azusa Pacific has one and it's no competitive at all like requiring a lot. It's a 3-4 year program, first two years you get your RN then work while you study for NP.
Not if they work at hospitals with residents.
The whole idea of midlevels is to work undesirable shifts for physicians - which is nights and weekends.
I think you're confusing midlevels with resident physicians. NP's/PAs are hired by physicians to do tedious work (such as routine floor work, outpatient clinic duties, coordinating discharge care, etc.) that physicians don't have time for.
What?
LOL thats funny
maybe that was the original justification. The reality is, now that NP's can practice independently in many states, they only want to work desirable hours in desirable locations.....which is why there are (and probably always will be) shortages in true rural areas, while big cities are already completely saturated with doctors and midlevels alike.
Excuse me?
