<p>For the past month, I've been changing my mind which is very unlike me. I guess everyone is nervous about college and making the right decisions, but I really need some advice! I know I want to pursue a career in medicine. Originally, I wanted to become a doctor and later decided on physician assistant. </p>
<p>How is a 16 year old really supposed to know what they want to do for the rest of their life!? But, I really don't want to go into college undecided. </p>
<p>Does anyone know if it's possible to do both pre-requisites for Medical and PA schools? That way I have a choice and really find out what's right for me in college. </p>
<p>I was thinking of doing Pre-Med and being a Biology or Biochemistry major. The thing is, I hate chem thanks to my lazy teacher in high school. Then, I was thinking about majoring in something else, still doing Pre-Med and using electives to fulfill these pre-requisites. </p>
<p>Now, I'm starting to rant ;p Thanks for taking your time out if you read this.</p>
<p>A 16 year old is not SUPPOSED to know what they want to do for the rest of her life. It’s RECOMMENDED that, as a 16 year old who may be applying to college next year, you start thinking about your interests. Which is what you’re doing. If you’re still undecided next year, or even as a college freshman (and that’s OK) focus on getting a broad education to explore all your options. And as a possible pre-med or pre-med-related student, you will need the same basic general courses anyway (chem, bio, etc.) Meantime, relax. Get good grades, and enjoy being 16.</p>
<p>The college program for a pre-med will look much the same as that for a physician assistant so that should not be a concern. Based on a 2009 report that is being widely considered my medical schools, it is likely that “pre-med” requirements will be changing before you leave college. Some of those changes include requiring biochemistry and statistics but perhaps cutting some of the organic chemistry. Four years from now you will be in a better position to know if you are willing to put in four years of additional medical school and three to seven years beyond that for residency or go the physician assistant route in two years. Job opportunities for physician assistants (PA’s) are great and this option is very attractive. I know of one recent PA applicant who did not get accepted but was told she could get a spot in the same institution’s medical school that same year if she wanted one.</p>