Is age an issue in the PA profession?

[LaChica]

I have shadowed an MD for 20+ hours and a PA for 15+ hours. During my shadowing I came to realize that I really enjoy the PA profession, and I would actually prefer to be a PA over an MD for a variety of reasons (I'm very aware of the pros and cons of being a PA vs. MD).

However, the doctor kept saying that since I'm young and have a good gpa I should go to medical school after I graduate because PA school is usually a second career choice. Unfortunately, I'm really not that interested in going to med school.

I've been working as an EMT-b for a year, and I have been volunteering at a local hospital for about 2 years. So my question is: If I am able to get ample direct patient care as an EMT and keep my gpa up, will I have a resonable chance of getting into PA school or will the adcom scrutinize my application because I'm applying as a fresh graduate?

I'm not trying to spark a debate or anything, I'm just wondering if it will be an issue or not so I'm not blindsided when I graduate and decide to apply.

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[deleted6669]

as long as you have quality experience and good grades age should not be an issue, either young or old.
if under 30 you really should consider doing the md/do route however.
after awhile as a pa you will realize you are doing 80-95% of the work of a doc for 30% of the pay and 0% of the respect.

 

[bradt9881]

The average age of those entering school is 25.

 

[FireCloud9]

as long as you have quality experience and good grades age should not be an issue, either young or old.
if under 30 you really should consider doing the md/do route however.
after awhile as a pa you will realize you are doing 80-95% of the work of a doc for 30% of the pay and 0% of the respect.

emedpa, I like your answer.

On the topic of never too old.....

What is the oldest person you've ever heard getting into PA school?

If a 60yr old is considering completing their pre-reqs in the next few years, working as an EMT, and applying to PA school. What do you think their odds are of gaining admission at 63-64?

 

[deleted6669]

there is a guy on the pa forum who finished pa school at 70. I believe his parents are still alive and healthy so he knew he likely has a lot of life ahead of him still.
lots of folks do it in their 50's.
if a 60+ yr old had the motivation, hce, and grades( and good health) I see no reason they couldn't become a pa.
that being said I would apply to 10+ programs just to be sure....

 

[RDlv]

Hey emedpa, is that a status change or have you always listed that? Going the LECOM route? Just curious, I've learned a lot reading your stuff on various boards over the years.

 

[deleted6669]

I just started a 4 yr academic doctorate(DHSc) with a global health concentration.
it's not a clinical doctorate(MD/DO) or bridge like lecom. it will let me teach and work internationally much more easily.

 

[RDlv]

I just started a 4 yr academic doctorate(DHSc) with a global health concentration.
it's not a clinical doctorate(MD/DO) or bridge like lecom. it will let me teach and work internationally much more easily.

Cool, I know that's a specialty of yours from past posts on the PA forum. Congrats and good luck!