<p>If you have a degree in biology you can go on and get your AA RN in 2 years I believe. To get a BSN you probably need 3 but I think most who already have a BS in something else do not go for a BSN. When I was in school (30 yrs ago) the first year of nursing school was all prereqs then the next 3 years were nursing classes solely for my BSN.</p>
<p>The diff between a NP and PA is tricky and varies by state. I pasted a link below but basically I think a PA is a physician extender practicing medicine. A NP is an advanced degree in nursing and can treat patients independently in a specialty area such as diabetes or maternity, but must have a relationship with a physician to confer with.</p>
<p>RN’s work in a multitude of settings. In the hospital, they manage care of a team of patients.No PA does that. </p>
<p>Nurses are in the role to promote health, return the patient to the highest level of functioning as possible The PA may come with the doctor and access the patient or check on the status of a patient and relay things back to the doctor but it depends on each state’s laws. (I have never seen a PA in a hospital, only clinics) The PA’s focus is like the doctor’s, practicing medicine.</p>
<p>[a</a> Patient’s Guide to The Physician Assistant - Physician Assistants vs Nurse Practitioners](<a href=“http://www.pg2pa.org/PA_NP.html]a”>http://www.pg2pa.org/PA_NP.html)</p>