physician assistant

I’m unsure if I’m posting this in the right place, so apologies in advance if I’m in the wrong area. I know everyone has a unique situation, so I wanted to explain mine briefly and ask opinions of others on if I should pursue a PA or MD route. When I say PA, I actually mean AA - Anesthesiology...

I am currently working on undergrad and interested in working in the maternal fetal medicine specialty, but unsure on which path to take, either nurse prac or physician assist. I prefer more of the autonomy I've heard that comes with NP but I've also heard that PAs are more accepted in surgical...

Hi everyone, I am a bio student graduating in May with my associate's degree. I have intent to get my bachelor's degree and my master's in physician assistant studies. My issue is, two years ago I had asked a student to cover and sign for me for animal care duty at my school. I was in a really...

Hi everyone, I am a bio student graduating in May with my associate's degree. I have intent to get my bachelor's degree and my master's in physician assistant studies. My issue is, two years ago I had asked a student to cover and sign for me for animal care duty at my school. I was in a really...

Greetings, I am currently an advanced EMT and I am working towards my paramedic AAS degree. I will finish in August. I now realize that I would like to be a PA. my question is in August after my associates should I do a bachelors in paramedic care degree? The paramedic care degree would only...

Hi All! I have read *thousands* probably responses regarding PA versus MD. But I have some specific differences that may effect the answers and wanted some professional opinions! I am a 33 year old mom with a 9 year old son and recently married. Here’s my question - PA school? MD school...

This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with medical school applicants and students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top medical schools and the med school application process. And now, introducing Savanna… Accepted: We’d like to get to know...

I am a current community college student and I thought about going to medical school but I really want to work in a family practice or be a hospitalist. I will transfer to a local four year university and major in Biology but I have though about just getting my ADN (Associates Degree In Nursing)...

I graduated high school not too long ago and I go to a community college. My CC has a really good nursing program but I also am really interested in becoming an X Ray Tech. I do want to be a provider someday but at the same time my parents want me to get out and start working a professional job...

I am currently a senior in undergrad, and I have been pursuing physical therapy. I have been accepted into PT school for the following year, but I am starting to have doubts if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have always loved health care, and I love trying to solve puzzles...

Hello! I am a junior biology student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I have had a bit of a hard time finding PAs who would allow me to shadow them. I am willing to travel if need be. If anyone is open to this or has the information for someone else who may be, please let me know...

So I’m on my second year and I haven’t gotten any interviews in 245 IM programs and dozens of FM programs. I’m an American IMG who’s ECFMG certified. Step 1: 207 (I know) Step 2: 236 CS: passed second attempt (did not even practice patient notes thinking I’d have a lot more space to write)...

Hi everyone! I've been a registered dietitian for about 1.5 years, working inpatient at a large pediatric academic hospital. I work closely with attendings, fellows, residents, and medical students via rounds. However, over the past 6 months or so, I've become very dissatisfied with my job and...

Okay, so here it is. I have close to 1600 hours working as a medical assistant in a pain management clinic. However, I wasn't a certified medical assistant. In Arkansas you can work without the certification. My first question is, do you think this will look less credible to a board if they see...

Hello everyone, I have been doing internet marketing, web design, and other gigs for the past ten years. However, I am very tired of working behind a PC all day. That is why I decided to go the PA or NP route. Over the past year of my clinical experience, I have come to love the health field so...

Hi everyone, I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on my situation. A little background on myself... I'm 22 years old and almost done with my dietetic internship and Master's program. I finished my undergrad in 3 years with a 3.8 and have a 4.0 in grad school. My Master's thesis is...

Hello everyone, Like many, I got injured early on while playing sports and went to see a Physical Therapist, I immediately fell in love with the profession at an early age. During this time, the profession was ranked as one of the “top 10 best careers out there”. This enforced my decision and...

Been practicing as a PT for 5 years, graduated with DPT in 2012, worked in skilled care, acute care, outpatient ortho and home health. At this point in my career I'm not truly happy and the autonomy and respect I thought I would have as a PT was a pipe dream. No patient's use direct access, few...

I'm wondering whether there is a requirement for students to practice skills on each other such as drawing blood. That honestly terrifies me. I'm usually ok drawing blood because I calm myself and say that a professional is doing it. I've had a terrible experience with a student phlebotomist...

For current medical residents and experienced physicians alike - Is it a good idea for someone under 30 y.o. with well managed sickle cell disease (beta thalessemia) to pursue an MD considering your experiences with the stress level and time commitments of medical school and residency? Can...

Hi, I have 3 different opportunities and was wondering which one would look best and count for clinical hours for PA school. There is a position as a volunteer at a hospice, working as a medical scribe and working as a caregiver. Thanks for the advice!

I'm currently a biology major and I work as a CNA during the summers, which I've done for the last two years. As of now, I have probably 6-7 months of full-time experience. After next summer, I should have 9-10 months. My question is this: how many hours do I need to be COMPETITIVE for entry...

Hi everyone, I'm nearly complete with my application for Anesthesiology Assistant (AA) programs, but I'm unsatisfied with my personal statement. I've requested help from an english professor I've got along well with in the past to help with grammar/conventions, but I want to solidify my content...

Fellow SDN users, I'm looking for some guidance on what path I should take for my future. I know I ultimately will make a decision what to do but I just want to share a little about me and get some of your opinions. I am 23 and I just finished a BS degree in Nutrition (dietetics). I like...

I'm going to be a senior in high school, and I'm deciding whether or not to do pre-med or do pre-PA. I've heard both of those fields are competitive, but isn't the pre-med track more competitive, difficult and more stressful? If i were to become a doctor, I would want to be a psychiatrist. Could...

Hey everyone! I'm in the midst of looking at PA schools to apply to this cycle, but would love some guidance on specific schools that I may be competitive for. I just graduated this May. Stats: Cum. GPA: 3.78 Science GPA: 3.64 Public health major, but I've taken all prerequisites with either an...

Hello all, First-time post for me here and I would really appreciate some input into my conundrum. All my life I have known I wanted to work in the field of medicine. At first, I wanted to be a doctor but after 4 years of Bio Pre-Med and shadowing/hearing stories from actual doctor's I decided...

Hello all, I am new to this website. I thought it would be helpful to hear from people who maybe have experienced similar situations, or at least understand the pathway of medicine. I am 20 yrs old and a junior in college pursuing a Biology degree. I had originally planned on becoming a PA but...

Just need some advice into a very scary chapter in my life. I have read some very scary things about pharmacy field that have made me rethink my course. I have been working towards a pharmacy career and been working as a tech for the last 3 years, but now want to switch to physician assistant...

Hello all, This is my first post so pardon me if I am asking the wrong people the wrong questions, just in need of some enlightenment. I am currently a biology major at UTA, I transferred in with a lot of credits from a community college to save money on school, about 60 credits in total. I've...

What does it mean by "prior to marticulation?" Does it mean prior to the start of class. For example, if classes begin on June 1, and I am required to submit school official transcripts "prior to marticulation," does it mean that I have to submit these transcripts prior to June 1 which is the...

Hello I was wondering if you need a masters to become a PA. I know that many PA's get a masters to be qualified faster and get into medical training quicker but is that mandatory? My question is really if it takes 4 years or 6 years because I'm in a program that is covering for my school and...

Hi, I recently accepted a position as a full time Medical Scribe that will require me to work 4 times per week. I am graduating from undergrad next month and I plan on applying to PA schools this time next year. I still need a few classes/I am planning on retaking one or two. I have been...

Hi all, I will try to keep this brief. From high school until recently (I am currently a second semester junior), I have told myself that I would work in medicine (specifically orthopaedics) as a Physician's assistant or Physical therapist. I've always been infatuated with science and the human...

Hello, my name is Maylily7! I really want to become a PA and apply to PA school upon graduation. What I would appreciate is advice to secure an acceptance and the likelihood I can get into one of these programs. Also, if you have any personal admissions stories I'd be happy to hear them! I just...

Hello, everyone! Last night for my microeconomics class, I had to look up BLS data on pharmacy. I couldn't believe how oblivious I was for not noticing the absolute saturation and decrease in demand for the field until last night. I really need some input on what other fields I can do with a...

Hi, I'm a current upper sophomore in undergrad majoring in Psych, minoring in Biology, and minoring in Neuroscience. I plan on going to school for my PSYD in Clinical Neuropsychology. So far I don't have any clinical experience, but I was a researcher's assistant last semester and got promoted...

Hello! I need some help! I know what I want to do (I have since high school), I want to work in a psychiatric unit and help others, I want to be able to talk with them, help them with their progress, be a part in planning their treatment, and (if need be) be able to prescribe medication. This...

I am completing my first year in MPH now. I love the program but I was always a pre-med major in college and had always planned on medical school before I decided to take a different route. Now I feel like I miss some of the clinical experience because I think that public health and medicine...

Hey guys, so I am in the process of setting up a hospital based pain practice and have a question regarding your setup and "midlevel" providers versus scribes to increase your throughput. My question is how have you integrated PA's and NP's into your system, and at what length do you become...