Can I get accepted to med school if I'm already in PA school?

[Doc Oct]

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Here is my situation. I would prefer to be a doctor, but as a backup plan I have applied to PA school. Because of differences in admissions processes I was able to apply to PA school this year (to start next summer), but can't apply to med school until summer 2008 (haven't taken the MCAT yet). It turns out I was just accepted to my first choice PA school, but now I am worried. What if I go to the PA school and apply to medical school at the same time? If I got into medical school I would have to leave PA school before I finished. This doesn't bother me at all EXCEPT that it seems medical schools WON'T accept me until I finish whatever program I'm currently in. Is this true? It seems to be based off what I have been told from one med school.

So now I am stuck in a tough situation. Should I go to PA school and DELAY med school by another year (It has already been WAY more than 4 years since high school)? Or should I reject my acceptance to PA school and risk it all by hoping I get into med school somewhere? My graduating GPA was 3.6 (already have degree) and I can't take the MCAT until next April. I might have to decide before I know my MCAT score or even take the test. Is this concern even valid? Would a med school accept me even if it meant pulling me out of the PA school I would be in?

 

[ChubbyChaser]

a

 

[dd128]

I don't know your stats but you can probably go ahead and get your mcat in before next summer, and then see where you stand before starting. Honestly if you're moderately competitive I'd forego PA school if you're sure you want to be a physician. Med schools won't take a PA drop out and if you do end up going, but plan on going to med school afterward it's kind of just waisting your time.

 

[njbmd]

Here is my situation. I would prefer to be a doctor, but as a backup plan I have applied to PA school. Because of differences in admissions processes I was able to apply to PA school this year (to start next summer), but can't apply to med school until summer 2008 (haven't taken the MCAT yet). It turns out I was just accepted to my first choice PA school, but now I am worried. What if I go to the PA school and apply to medical school at the same time? If I got into medical school I would have to leave PA school before I finished. This doesn't bother me at all EXCEPT that it seems medical schools WON'T accept me until I finish whatever program I'm currently in. Is this true? It seems to be based off what I have been told from one med school.

So now I am stuck in a tough situation. Should I go to PA school and DELAY med school by another year (It has already been WAY more than 4 years since high school)? Or should I reject my acceptance to PA school and risk it all by hoping I get into med school somewhere? My graduating GPA was 3.6 (already have degree) and I can't take the MCAT until next April. I might have to decide before I know my MCAT score or even take the test. Is this concern even valid? Would a med school accept me even if it meant pulling me out of the PA school I would be in?

My medical schools will not accept a student who has not completed their current degree program. This applies to both graduate and undergradute students. The only exceptions to the above are the BS/MD students who are accepted outright and complete both their BS and MD degrees at the same time.

Length of time post high school is a non-issue in terms of acceptance into medical school. If you start a degree program, you are likely going to have to complete the program. If you PA program is certificate, you may be able to make a case for dropping out but again most medical schools do not want people who are unable to follow through.

 

[medguy83]

If med school is what you really want I'd forego the PA thing. First of all most MD programs won't accept students currently enrolled in another degree program; i.e. finish your masters, PhD, etc. first. Secondly, although it's great to display your drive for medicine and helping others through other programs (nursing, PA, LPN, tech, etc.) It might raise a few eyebrows to go straight from PA to MD without actually spending any time in that field first. I'm not too sure as to how expensive PA school is, but I can imagine it isn't cheap or easy, so going that route will cost you in terms of time, money, and energy, which will be pointless if you have no desire to do this for any length of time.
My adivce for you is to 1) study for and take the MCAT 2) volunteer for a hospital/clinic, shadow, other EC work in the meantime 3) complete maybe a 1-2yr masters program if you sincerely want another advanced degree. If you do this and do well on your mcat you should be fine.