Intro - Almost 32, gpa 2.49, retake prior non science or start with science only?

[research.me]

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Hello!

My name is Ashlee, I'm 31, almost 32 years young and I have my heart set on a career change. I'm pretty set on Surgical PA and want to try my hardest to work to support myself through this.

I struggled to complete my BS in business and information systems. I'm quite stubborn so it took several times of failing before I realized I indeed needed to address my health to continue. I have 2.49 cumulative gpa. No science gpa. I know it's really bad, but I know I am capable of As moving forward.

Before I apply to special masters or post bacc, would you adviss I retake classes from previous program to boost overall GPA, or should I try to just start hacking away at the classes I need at local community college? I wanted to apply to pre health program for continuing/non trad students at UNH, since I'm close by.

Thank you for taking the time.

Ashlee

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

The past is the past and your sGPA is ultimately more important. I'd start with the most basic sciences you can, like 1000 level stuff. In my experience, the prereqs classes are generally 2000 level. You want to make sure you can hack it before you blow your chance at reinvention by failing prereqs.

You will also need to get significant clinical experience. Most PA programs require a minimum of 1000-2000 hours from what I understand. You'd be well served to have over the minimum since your cumulative GPA is going to suck regardless; it may be a good idea to find a full time position as a medical or nursing assistant or similar role. I don't know if PAs care as much about volunteer experiences as MD/DO but some volunteering experience couldn't hurt too.

Note, all this is probably going to take you close to 4 years if you're going part time. Slow burn, friend. Good luck.

 

[PandaBaer]

You only need to focus on pre-reqs, non-science courses are not important. Don't repeat any course that isn't an admissions requirement. Demonstrate you've figured out how to succeed academically and you'll have a good shot at being accepted somewhere.

 

[research.me]

Thank you all!

Do you think I should consider community college nearby for entry level science? I'm concerned if I want to be taken seriously, maybe I should go to the university but I am compelled to save money. I have zero family help. I'd be the first entering medicine in my family.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

I did all mine at a CC but a uni is prob better for upper level electives if you can swing it.

 

[research.me]

Thank you! Maybe I'll start with the lower levels at CC, I noticed some night classes available this fall. And then I will feel confident to apply for the program to prepare me to apply to my dream program. It's a process but I can do it!


I am curious if anyone has obtained master of health along the way, or if most do that after. I am in the process of starting a local non profit to improve the lives of those impacted by endometriosis and I think I could do a lot more with a combined public health degree. I have help with this and plan to grow so that I can keep focusing on education.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Seems like a reasonable plan 🙂

The MPH is nice if it's something you want to do but apparently doesn't move the needle much for admissions from what I've seen adcoms post here.

 

[picklelittle]

Thank you! Maybe I'll start with the lower levels at CC, I noticed some night classes available this fall. And then I will feel confident to apply for the program to prepare me to apply to my dream program. It's a process but I can do it!


I am curious if anyone has obtained master of health along the way, or if most do that after. I am in the process of starting a local non profit to improve the lives of those impacted by endometriosis and I think I could do a lot more with a combined public health degree. I have help with this and plan to grow so that I can keep focusing on education.

It is up to you about the MPH. I had mine before I applying but I had also applied previously. I got it because it was my back up plan for if I never got into medical school. I know I love Maternal and Child Health so I went for it. I also looking in to becoming a doula and lactation consultant at that time too. I don't think it helped me get into medical school.