Degree Options

[uli2000]

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Hi, I got a question or two. Im a RT and am getting ready to apply next year to PA school. I know the proffession is moving towards post-bac education, but there are many batchelor's and even still a few associate's degree programs. I currently dont hold a batchelor's, and was looking at a batchelor's level program. By doing so, am I limiting my potential as a PA? Will I have a harder time getting a job or residency because I dont hold a masters. I figured it would be so if I went the associates option (community trained PA), but will I be stuck comming out of school with only a batchelor's?

 

[deleted6669]

As an rt you have a great background for pa school. get the bs now then do a postgraduate masters program. there are several that can be done in 1-2 years while working full time. all the np's(the compettion) now have an ms degree, so it is best to have one as a pa because many jobs are posted as pa/np and you don't want to give them an excuse not to hire you because you don't have an ms. university of nebraska has a postgrad ms program that costs around 3k that can be done in 1 year. good luck.

 

[jeffdowjones]

i worked in a rad dept for 2 1/2 years, and knew of one angio tech who is going on to become an RPA-RADIOLOGY PRACTITIONER'S ASSISTANT (not rpa as commonly seen-Registered Phys. Asst.). i think the school's in vegas, but he can do all his clinicals locally, and take classes online, and only have to be out there once a month or something. he even has a private practice funding this (2 yr program i think), AND they already have a job waiting for him when he's done!! obviously as a PA you can do anytning in medicine you want, but as a Practitioner's Assistant you have to stay in radiology. however i do believe you get to do more IN the scope of radiology. for instance, i know a PA who's in angio who only does central lines and picc's, but i think this guy, when he becomes a Pract. Asst. will be able to do angiography, peg tubes, etc. maybe even some stenting. check it out. you have to be an RT for a few years to qualify, but if you want to stay in radiology that might be the ticket!! good luck! peace -jd

 

[uli2000]

Thanks for the ideas. I should have been more specific though Jeff, Im a respiratory therapist, not a radiation technologist. I forgot we have been downgraded by everybody as RCP now instead of RT like it used to be.