Pursuing a Career as a Physician Assistant (PA) vs. Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)

Introduction

After 48 years in nursing, with 20 years as a nurse practitioner, I have a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities presented by both paths to becoming a healthcare professional. If you have the option, a physician assistant (PA) program can provide a more flexible and expansive job market, compared to the specialized path of an advanced practice nurse (APN).

PA Program: More Opportunities

Physician assistant programs provide graduates with a broader range of employment opportunities. After completing the program and passing necessary licensure exams, a PA can move to almost any location and assume a job. This is particularly advantageous if you prefer to have more flexibility in your career path.

APN Program: Complexity and Specialization

Advanced practice nurse programs can be highly specialized, and the choice of program can significantly influence your professional life. For instance, if you aim to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), your school may promise a specific program, but it is not always guaranteed. My experience led to a disagreement as the program did not live up to its promises, and I had to navigate a challenging and lengthy application process. Only those in nursing or medical professions might find it easier, requiring around 1,000 hours of volunteering at a healthcare facility. Some individuals, like one woman I know, found the program so frustrating that they quit and enrolled in a PA program instead.

The Two-Year Voluntary Break

Another significant aspect of entering a PA program is the two-year break required, including one summer while in school. This can be particularly challenging for those in professions that do not offer flexible schedules. For instance, I was offered a position in a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program but had to decline due to my age (43) and the four-year commitment, which would have been financially and personally impossible given my family circumstances.

Flexibility in Online APN Programs

Online nurse practitioner programs can be more flexible, allowing you to spread your studies over a longer period. This can be especially beneficial if you need to balance work and family commitments. However, there can be potential pitfalls, as one professor at my program admitted that around 20% of graduates never actually transitioned to working as NPs. The programs often focus heavily on the nursing model, which may make it difficult to adapt to the medical model once employed.

Challenges in APN Programs

Our nursing program was predominantly run by Filipino administrators with more conservative attitudes. This made it difficult to implement needed changes. Another challenge is the transition from the nursing model to the medical model. In the medical field, practitioners are expected to see a large number of patients daily, which can be overwhelming. Tasks like converting to electronic medical records can take additional time, and some practices require a strict one-complaint-per-visit policy, which is notably different from a nursing approach.

Conclusion

Before enrolling in an APN program, it's crucial to carefully consider what you really want to do. The flexibility and broader job market offered by a PA program might be more appealing if you lack a specific specialty in mind. However, if you are passionate about a particular field like family or geriatric care, an APN program might be the right path.