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Looking for advice/anyone who has been in a similar situation.
Currently in my first clinical rotation (inpatient acute care) after finishing my first year of my DPT (3-year program, class of 2018). Having second thoughts about wanting to be a PT, and am leaning towards applying to PA school (2 year program, would be class of 2019).
I could quite easily make this post a novel, but I will try to keep it short.
My thoughts:
Pros of PA: (as compared to PT)
- wider scope of practice/variety of settings
- (arguably) more autonomy
- able to perform many simple medical procedures
- more variety of work schedules (i.e. I would actually prefer working 3 12's vs. 4 8's)
- more "medically driven" rather than rehab/therapy driven
- higher pay (this is important given my 6-figure student debt)
- possible career field outlook (I hear rumors of a physician shortage in the near future, PA's would fill gap = in-demand field)
Cons of leaving PT school for PA program:
- may apply and not get into PA program
- must take 2 undergrad courses to meet pre-reqs for 2 programs I would apply to
- need ~140 more hours with "direct patient care" for 1 of 2 programs I would apply to
- extra year total (finished 2018 for PT, finished 2019 for PA)
- wasted time/money/effort by attending DPT program and then leaving
Possible scenario:
Both PA programs I would apply to have deadlines of August 1, and classes would begin Summer 2017. Theoretically, I could apply (with "intent to complete" needed pre-req courses Spring semester), and continue attending my DPT program for Fall semester. Would find out if I get into either PA program sometime during fall. IF I do not get into either program, then I continue on track as a DPT. IF I do get accepted to one or both, time to make a big decision...
TL;DR: I have always been interested in being a PA, but ultimately chose to attend a DPT program. Now, after finishing my first year and getting some clinical experience, I am having second thoughts.
I appreciate any and all advice and/or comments! Sorry if I rambled.
Currently in my first clinical rotation (inpatient acute care) after finishing my first year of my DPT (3-year program, class of 2018). Having second thoughts about wanting to be a PT, and am leaning towards applying to PA school (2 year program, would be class of 2019).
I could quite easily make this post a novel, but I will try to keep it short.
My thoughts:
Pros of PA: (as compared to PT)
- wider scope of practice/variety of settings
- (arguably) more autonomy
- able to perform many simple medical procedures
- more variety of work schedules (i.e. I would actually prefer working 3 12's vs. 4 8's)
- more "medically driven" rather than rehab/therapy driven
- higher pay (this is important given my 6-figure student debt)
- possible career field outlook (I hear rumors of a physician shortage in the near future, PA's would fill gap = in-demand field)
Cons of leaving PT school for PA program:
- may apply and not get into PA program
- must take 2 undergrad courses to meet pre-reqs for 2 programs I would apply to
- need ~140 more hours with "direct patient care" for 1 of 2 programs I would apply to
- extra year total (finished 2018 for PT, finished 2019 for PA)
- wasted time/money/effort by attending DPT program and then leaving
Possible scenario:
Both PA programs I would apply to have deadlines of August 1, and classes would begin Summer 2017. Theoretically, I could apply (with "intent to complete" needed pre-req courses Spring semester), and continue attending my DPT program for Fall semester. Would find out if I get into either PA program sometime during fall. IF I do not get into either program, then I continue on track as a DPT. IF I do get accepted to one or both, time to make a big decision...
TL;DR: I have always been interested in being a PA, but ultimately chose to attend a DPT program. Now, after finishing my first year and getting some clinical experience, I am having second thoughts.
I appreciate any and all advice and/or comments! Sorry if I rambled.
