I’m not someone who hires PAs/NPs yet, but I am privy to what happens in our clinic, my preceptors don’t even look at NP applications for anyone who wasn’t at least a nurse for 10 years if they’re new or had been an NP for fewer than 5 years. There’s such an oversaturation of NPs that they can just be more picky now. On the other hand there is a shortage of good nurses. Some of the recently graduated NPs are working as bedside nurses still because they’re having trouble finding a job even up to 3 years out of school.

You gotta think ahead to what the job market will be like when you finish, if you’re in an area with an abundance of jobs then great you probably don’t need to get those extra years. But if you’re in a desirable area/state with many NP schools then you may want to take more time and do anything to set you apart from your other competition (extra certifications, specialized training, etc.). I’d do some research into your local job market (or wherever you want to end up) before deciding. Why pursue this track with all the time and money investment if you won’t be able to get the job you want? Gotta set yourself up for success.

I’m not a nurse or an NP but this is just what I’ve observed in hiring practices. I have several friends who’ve been burned and can’t find a job despite going to a brick and mortar school because they don’t have enough experience or nothing that sets them apart.