What should I do for Physician Assistant schools?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>I have just graduated from UC Berkeley and have a BS degree in Nutritional Science, and I want to apply for Physician Assistant schools.
I am also a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, but I just haven't found a job, yet. If I don't get a job as a CPT, what should I do for the medical experience?
Should I just become an RN first and get a job as an RN? There are also some "Accelerated Nursing" programs that offer a BS degree, but I don't think I'll be able to get into those, since they require classes I haven't taken, yet. I could take them this summer...
Or should I just try for the PA programs and say that I have some direct patient care as a CPT?
Or should I just apply to PA programs, RN programs, and the accelerated Bachelor's program??</p>

<p>I'm very confused about what to do with my life. Someone please help me... I'd greatly appreciate it!!!</p>

2

<p>You need to start looking into (i.e. contacting admissions offices, visiting websites, etc.) various PA schools.
PA schools typically have different pre-reqs than medical schools (in fact, they usually have more pre-reqs). You need to figure out if you’re even eligible to apply.</p>

3

<p>Some PA schools have crazy clinical experience reqs (1000 hours and such). I hear that emt training and working is a common way to get around this.</p>

4

<p>I have looked into schools, and I think I am done with the pre-reqs that these have. </p>

<p>Should I continue to find a job as a phlebotomist, even though I haven’t received any phone calls back, yet? </p>

<p>Also, does anyone know cities where they really need phlebotomists? It would be very helpful! :)</p>

5

<p>taniilyn, check out physicianassistantforum.com. If you are unable to find a job as a phlebotomist, I would look into becoming an EMT-Basic or CNA. Both don’t require much additional schooling and should have plenty of jobs available.</p>

<p>I worked as a (non-certified) medical assistant for a year in a primary care practice.</p>

6

<p>You need to do research on all the PA schools you want to go to~ see how you match up to previous accepted students and if you have all of the requirements. I don’t recommend applying unless your putting your heart and soul into it~ you will just waste your time and money, for there are tons of exceptional applicants. Have you shadowed many PAs? Do you volunteer and have community service experience? Do you have a high GPA?~ hopefully above a 3.4. Do you have strong letters of recommendation, one of which is from a PA or MD whom knows you well?
You need to talk to a pre-med adviser about your credentials and see what the best plan of action is. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have what I listed above. Make a goal list and get to work~ you can always become an exceptional applicant in just a years time if you have a plan.<br>
One last piece of advise~ just get into the hospital or a clinic, even if you are volunteering. Some PA schools consider this your pt contact~ this is especially true if you have a really high GPA. The higher your GPA, the less clinical experience you need for a good amount of PA schools now.</p>