<p>Master in Physician Assistant Studies or Master in Public Administration?</p>
<p>This fall I start college at LSU to get my bachelor's degree. My original intention was to major in Kinesiology and to then get my Master of Physician Assistant Studies to become a PA. However, I've been having a lot of second thoughts as my high school graduation approaches. I didn't really decide that I wanted to become a PA until last year, and the occupation really appeals to me with its flexibility.</p>
<p>But as I'm thinking over everything, I'm always wanting to jump back to a field in management, whether it be the public, nonprofit, or private sector. I've always been interested in politics/government/etc. since I was growing up, and I feel I'd be more content with a job in this field. However, I'm not sure how effective getting a Master in Public Administration would be job-wise. </p>
<p>I know getting my MPAS would almost guarantee me a job as a PA. But I don't know whether to go with what's more likely to get me a job after I graduate or what I think I'd enjoy in the long term.</p>
<p>I guess what I'm asking for is some sort of direction. Any help or suggestions regarding what I should do would be appreciated.</p>
<p>You don’t have to choose either or, honestly. First of all, you have a lot of time to make this decision if you are only beginning college in the fall. You can get some experiences that will help you, such as shadowing a physician assistant at a hospital or doing a business management internship one summer. Or both.</p>
<p>But there are lots of places for physician assistants and other allied health professionals in government. After getting some years of experience as a PA, you may go back to get your MPA and become a health administrator. Maybe you will manage the other PAs on your floor. Maybe you can move into the higher echelons of hospital management. Or maybe you will go on to make health policy or work for a Congressmember as an adviser on medical and health issues. You could join the USPHS Commissioned Corps.</p>
<p>Personally, I think that there are more opportunities as a physician assistant than with an MPA. An MPA is a generalist degree, and most people get one after several years of work experience and a clear goal in mind as to what they want to do. It’s not really designed for those who just went straight from college. However, there are lots of positions for PAs especially as health care costs surge and insurers are trying to find ways to keep costs down.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. </p>
<p>I did consider becoming a PA and then getting my MPA to go on to be a health administrator or something in the public health field. Anyway, I’ll take into account what you said along with the pros and cons of both again to hopefully make a decision sometime soon.</p>