How should I start?

[Zakley]

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Hi all,

I'm new to both the site and the medical community and would appreciate some advice. I'm fairly long out of undergrad and didn't take many sciences - Theatre major here. I did however take Calc and Physics in high school, not sure if that counts. Anyway, for the past 9 years I've been trying to make it as a TV writer and for some time have been looking at the Physician's Assistant profession from afar. I've decided to make a career change and tonight started looking into how to become a PA. In reading this site and others, as well as about Post Bacc programs, SMPs, etc it occured to me that the PA pre-reqs and program may be almost as lengthy for me as a post bacc and MD course. In fact, looking at the PA pre-reqs, it feels like I'd have to get about half of a second undergrad degree. I understand that there are different benefits to becoming an MD and to PA, but I am a little stymied in how to proceed. Any thoughts or suggestions would be really great.

ZAK

 

[MedicineMike]

Well, the post was a little vague so I am not sure exactly what you are looking to do. The pre-reqs are essentially the same for the MD/DO school and PA school (plus or minus a few classes). Do you want to become a dr. or a PA? I am a little confused how to help you because I am not sure what you want or what your question is...

 

[Zakley]

Sorry if I was unclear, I'd been reading the site for a few hours and felt pretty wonky. My thought is to become a PA and got really frustrated reading the requirements for applying to a PA program. It seemed like I'd need 2 years of more undergrad classes before I could qualify due to things like composition classes and others.

I think it may come down to deciding on a post bacc program or picking up classes on my own. I know there are a lot of threads on post baccs vs just taking classes. However, last night they all seemed geared toward med school. So I think my question is - how should I prepare to apply for a pa program with my limited sciene background?


Thank you

 

[MedicineMike]

well I am not exactly sure how you would need to prepare. You will have to take the science courses before applying, obviously, but not sure what else you would need. This is a Dr. forum so I would tell you to try physicianassistantforum.com they offer some good info on PA.

 

[Zakley]

Thank you for pointing me to that site.