Hello! I have changed my mind so many times about my career (Graphic Designer-> Dentist-> Web Designer-> Dog Trainer-> Veterinarian-> Dentist again-> Physician Assistant). I feel like I really want to stick with becoming a Physician Assistant.
I want to have a family of my own one day and I don’t want to start my family late and have possible difficulties with starting a family because of my age. A hobby of mine is art but the salaries are not what I would like to make in my career. I like science and the human body as well as helping people. Dentist salaries were amazing but the years of schooling were too much and I didn’t like the idea of having my own practice or debt. Then, I came across Physician Assistants and I liked the fact that it is only 6 years in total for schooling, they have a good salary and it allows me to start a family and be with my family.
I am about to get my associates degree this fall from a community college. My GPA isn’t that impressive and will most likely be a 3.30 (I totally slacked my first few semesters and I am now working my butt off to try and fix that…). I will be transferring to a university and majoring in Biology, my current major is Life Sciences. I have an aunt who is a PA but she lives quite far. I’ll be visiting her this weekend to train her new dog and I will be asking her a few questions then about the career. Even though I have researched this career like crazy, and I really like the career based on that information, I am confused about the schooling.
I understand that a PA program is through a Masters degree and that’s about it.
What is a PA program considered?
Is it required that the student have health-care experience?
Can I get into it with a major in Biology?
What GPA ranking are PA programs looking for?
What tests do I need to take to become a PA? Is the GRE something I need?
Also, what questions do you think I should ask my aunt?
I was thinking about asking her:
Do you enjoy being a PA?
How long did it take you to become a PA?
What program did you get into and where?
Did you have health-care experience prior to getting into the program?
It’s a 26 month long Master’s degree that includes both academic coursework and clinical training. There are combined 5 year BA/MS PA programs which accept applicants directly from high school.
Yes, though exact number of hours required varies by program. Between 500-2000 hours is pretty typical. Health care experience may be paid employment or volunteer work.
No specific major is required, but there are specific pre-req courses required. You’ll need to check with specific programs to see what pre-reqs are needed since different programs have different requirements. Most require biology, general chemistry, microbiology, anatomy & physiology and writing/English. Some also require organic chemistry, physics, psychology, statistics, biochemistry, genetics, mathematics, medical terminology.
PA programs are extremely competitive to get into. Most programs have a stated minimum GPA of 3.0 but in reality your GPA needs to be much higher to get accepted. Think med school level GPA. (3.5+ at least)
Yes, many programs require a GRE; some require or will accept a MCAT score instead.
I’ve been applying for jobs and I was wondering if working at a senior citizen home would be good experience? I would be helping to take care of them and keep them company. Or, a cousin of mine works at a hospital as the one who works at the front desk and offered to get me a similar position. Is that one good experience also? Thank you for any help!
PA programs wants “hands-on” patient care. The job at the senior citizen home sounds like it would fit that description.
What would the front desk position entail? If it’s mostly paperwork, answering questions, and giving out information, then it wouldn’t be considered a direct patient care position.