Physical Therapy vs. BSN Accelerated

[Montt45]

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I am contemplating whether to pursue a career in nursing (BSN Accelerated program) or physical therapy (DPT). I have been accepted to both programs. The nursing program is a 20 month program in state and the DPT program is 3 years out of state. I am concerned about the ROI on the DPT career and as well have concerns about possible limitations with physical stamina, since I am physically active, however, would not consider myself to be an athlete. On the other hand, I have read that physical therapy salaries cap out sooner than nursing after a few years of working. I also have a degree in administration and thought that nursing would present more options down the road. I appreciate any advice you could give me. I have also heard that the pt environment has and will continue to change in terms of reimbursement and this could affect demand for PTs. also, would love to hear from current PTs in the field, about what they enjoy most about their profession and least. Thank you.

 

[MsLadyTherapist]

I am in the same boat as you. However, I have decided to take the DPT route for several reasons. I will explain....I would have the luxury of making more independent decisions as a PT rather than as a NP (If I chose nursing, I would be an NP since I have 2 Masters degrees). Although this depends strongly on the specialty. I have more independence and can start my own clinic as a PT. The starting salary for PT is generally higher than a nurse. It is more difficult (depending on the area/location/etc) to get a job as a nurse than a PT. Nurses are MORE stressed than PTs (especially in the hospital). I know more nurses who are dissatisfied w/ their jobs than those who are satisfied (opposite in PT). I have 4 family members who are Nurses and they are overworked and always stressed out. I know 2 nurses who have been in the field for 10+ years who are going into OT and PT careers. As a PT you will never have to work night shift. As a nurse, they ALMOST ALWAYS put you on 12 hr night shifts 3 days a week at a hospital which may sound great but its a killer getting back to 'normal' so you can have 'normal' days off. Nurses are on their feet ALL THE TIME. All the nurses I know, after being in the field for 10+ years complain about their feet hurting and being underpaid. There is less room to grow as a Nurse - my aunt who has 25 years of experience as a NP in OB/GYN wants to get into NICU and her boss WOULD NOT ALLOW HER to switch departments even tho the NICU Nurse Manager needed another staff member. This is just one example...I know many others. With all the b..s.. that I would have to deal with as a NP, I have ultimately decided to have a better career as a PT.

Personally, I think nursing is wonderful if you love being on your feet all the time and you don't mind the hard work (depending on the specialty). However, I enjoy working in rehabilitation in PT/OT/LMT settings where I have more independence, ability to grow (potentially own a business, home health, sports, nursing home, etc.), and have better control over where I want my career to be. It is entirely up to you what you enjoy most. Best of luck with your decision. 🙂

 

[Montt45]

Thank you Ms. Lady Therapist. Are you currently studying in the DPT program? How is it going? I have heard that it is extremely difficult and that one has to have a good grasp of physics. Do you have any pointers for one to be successful in PT school? I am concerned about how much money I have to pay $200K (this includes expenses) to go to PT school? I would have to work three years to recoup these loans. On the other hand BSN program would cost me about $15K. What concerns me is that after completing the BSN, the likelihood of not finding jobs. Is this true?

 

[MsLadyTherapist]

Currently, I'm interviewing for PT school. However, I was accepted to ABSN at Univ. of Miami and Remington College of Nursing in Lake Mary, FL (both of which I decided not to go to, but I'm eligible to reapply if I don't get into PT school).
I love biology, anat, phys, and micro...i'm OK at physics but I hope that doesn't hinder me. For instance, I loved Physics I but Physics II was where things got unusual.

Since I come from a family of nurses and I know so many, I see all the negatives and positives of the job. If you know people then you shouldn't have trouble finding a job. This also depends on the state you live in....I'm in Florida. Where are you?

 

[Montt45]

I am in Louisiana. Can you share with me what the positives of nursing are? I hear a lot about the negatives.

 

[MsLadyTherapist]

some of the good things about nursing:

well in the hospital you only work 3 days a week, but its 12 hr shifts....which means you get 4 days off.

You are guaranteed a job if you are willing to do home health or travel nursing.

the money is better than many other professions

there are many different areas you can go into for specialty

you can work per diem and make really good money (I know a PTA who is thinking about going back to school and getting her RN to do nursing only per diem on the side for extra $)

in some states nurse practitioners can have their own practice

 

[1FutureDPT]

PT is awesome. Go for PT in LA, the schools are cheap. Work hard and get into one of them. PT provides you with tons of options for the future. I could not recommend PT enough. I love it and I just started school!!🙂