Can I be a PA????

[NYGIRL117]

I was wondering if i would have what it takes to be accepted into a PA program. I went to a foreign medical school for the basic sciences. I have 4 semesters of clinical experience in that country. I since then transferred Ross University School of medicine and did 5th semester in Miami where I got 15 weeks of clinical experience in both hospital and office settings. I have not been evaluating my course of lifestyle and think that the PA thing may better suit my personality. I dont have a bachelors but have already been registered to go back and get it in Biology. After that I wanted to apply to a graduate program to get a masters in PA studies. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Also, what is the difference in a PA who has a PA certificate with a Bachelors and a PA with a masters?

[Looking Glass]

Are you still looking for answers to your questions?

[NYGIRL117]

yes please

[Looking Glass]

As far as I'm aware, almost all of today's PA programs require a bachelor's degree. Many of the schools can be applied to through CASPA, which can be found at caspaonline.com. Many schools have different requirements, so you'd have to go to each school's website to find out exactly what is required where you want to go. One advantage to being a PA over a doctor is that a PA can switch specialties without any further training.

Be prepared to answer why you quit med school and are not seeking out PA school.

[stanfordpa2005]

I was a PA for about 3 years before I realized that I wanted to be a physician (interesting thing is I never wanted to be a doctor before) and am now a 1st year medical student. I loved being a PA and having worked in Emergency Medicine, I got a good exposure. I still work as a PA during breaks and it's great. If you feel that being a PA better fits your life style that I say go for it, but be sure of your decision. You have invested a lot of time and energy into med school and I say just finish it.

Ryan

[neuralapoptosis]

Hey NYGirl

Go to physicianassistantprograms.synthasite.com

You'll find everything you need to further your data collection phase. All programs, Caspa and Non-Caspa programs with app. deadlines, costs, test requirement (if needed) and much more.

Good Luck