Can I major in nursing and then become a physician assistant?
Asked by azn_sushi04
I'm a senior in high school right now and I'm thinking of being a physician assistant. However, I don't want to graduate from college with a degree in biology or chemistry. I want to graduate from college with a degree I could use to work straight away (like nursing) as a fall-back just in case I don't want to go to graduate school. But, if I do end up wanting to go to graduate school to become a PA, would having a nursing major be useless/bad?

Best Answer:
Well, since no one really answered your question; I will. Yes, you can go to PA school as a BSRN (a masters PA program). It is not the perfect ideal (they like more pre-med type preparation) but it is certainly acceptable. You can also do the nurse practitioner route as well, of course. Why everyone touts more independence as a reason to go that route, however, is a mystery to me. They are not working in the field, that's for sure! In any event, you have time to decide as you go through your bachelors. But you could shadow & follow some of these careers as well.
ER PA
Answered by Diane A

Having a BSN would be quite helpful & the nurses I know (once experienced) actually earn more than the PA & work less hours.
Answered by Twitter Bird

with a Bachelors in Nursing, I would recommend going to graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. Just as many or more opportunities and more independence than PA's
Answered by Mother M