If you're reading this blog chances are you've decided in the back of your mind, "I want to be a Physician Assistant." Come now, don't deny it. You know you want to.
What's not to like? You have an interest in Medicine, but Med School seems like an epic journey, right? Maybe you already work in Healthcare, but want time for your family or don't want to be changing briefs as a CNA. Or, maybe your one of those who doesn't want the burdens of full responsibility. It's ok. Physician Assistants are very necessary, worthy, and COMPETENT members of the medical community. So why not give it a go? I am.
So why become a PA for real?
Jobs! Growth! Income!
US Dept of Labor states that the need for PAs will grow by 27% between now and 2016. That's a need of nearly 20,000 more trained professionals. The aging population is overburdening an already understaffed medical system. The need for competent primary care clinicians is increasing dramatically. And with median salaries rounding out $75K (in 2007), there's financial appeal. (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm)
If you've done any research at all you already know the following about becoming a PA:
- PA school lasts about 24-36 months for the vast numbers of programs.
First year is primarily course work. Second year is clinical work.
- A few schools have a 5-year Bachelor and Master joint program.
Some schools only have a Master level program. You need to have a Bachelor's degree prior.
- PCE= "Patient Care Experience"
PCE is of the utmost importance! Some programs require a certain number of hours-even in the thousands. Other schools focus more on the content of your PCE. In other words, did you have increased responsibility and decision making skills in your duties? How much direct patient contact did you perform?
- Pre-requisite coursework
If you started out as one of those damned Liberal Arts majors then you have your work cut out for you. While pre-reqs vary from program to program most require Anatomy & Physiology, Statistics, Developmental Psychology, general Chemistry, and Microbiology. Some programs require Nutrition, Organic or Biochemistry, Medical Terminology, upper-level Biology or Physiology, and even a Cadaver lab.
And don't forget those time requirements. While most schools have 5-6 year cut offs for A&P and other Biology courses, some require all of your pre-req work in this time frame. Recently, I spoke with an admissions liaison for one program who informed me that her institution and some others were in process of reviewing whether or not to decrease that window. This particular school is debating whether to require all pre-reqs to be completed within 3 years of application. 3 years!
- Volunteer experience
Most programs look quite favorably on applicants who show community involvement through volunteerism. However, whether or not this is included as part of your PCE depends on the program. Some schools require proof of volunteerism beyond healthcare. Others don't consider unpaid health work as PCE. It all seems very arbitrary, I know. That's why I'm writing this blog.
- Shadowing
PA shadowing is the practice of essentially following a working PA around like a lost puppy. It's very much a "look, but don't touch" activity. And for some of you reading this, it will be out of your reach.
I recently had the great privilege of shadowing a PA. It was an amazing and very informative experience. I highly recommend it. But… I know not everyone will get this opportunity. It took me over a year to find a PA that would allow me to shadow. (Thank you, Elizabeth!) Different clinics, hospitals and agencies have different rules on shadowing. Some are much more student friendly than others. Some clinicians are they same way. They are either very willing to help you out or don't want to have you in their way or deal with the security clearance needed to get you in. Good luck!
- The GRE-Graduate Entrance Exam
Yes, one of those standardized tests! Similar to the ACT and SAT of high school but more difficult. And there are 2 essays now. Not all schools require the GRE, but many do. Those that do often require it within 5 years of your application date. Likewise, some schools still require it even if you already have a Master's or other higher degree. Check with your desired program. (Go to www.ets.org for more info.)
So, that's the basics.
I'll be adding more to this blog as time goes on.
