Need some enlightenment

[UMDeeMan]

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Ok, here's my deal. I'm strongly considering PA school. I'm just curious as to how one goes about become a "specialist" (if there really is such a thing for a PA) in surgery, anesthesiology, derm, pediatrics, etc? I've seen info saying you have to go on for additional schooling after the PA and then I've been told that it's just chance to get into a specialty. could someone please help me out here?

also, what is the debate with NP's? How exactly are they different? Which will find a job easier? Which has the better salary? Finally, a friend of my family who is a NP told me that PA's are going to end up getting more responsibilities in terms of rural health care. is there any truth to this? thanks for your time everyone and sorry for the noob posts but i'm kinda going by the ask and you shall receive notion. thanks again!

 

[DizzyJon]

Well as far the the specialties you can visit the residency web site at appap.org which lists different residencies available.
Your other question about NP and PA I would recommend doing as much research as you can from various sources and try to form your own well rounded educated opinion about the two professions. I'm a newbie myself and have come across several threads about the two profession, but most of them end up becoming a heated debate, for reasons unknown. When I first considered the two professions I did a yahoo search and found good info.
Good Luck!

 

[deleted6669]

residencies are optional but a great experience if you have the time to do one. check out www.appap.org for info on them. you don't have to do one to work in a specialty. most folks who work in specialties get on the job training. there are some fields where prior experience is a big plus in getting a specialty job, for example:
atletic trainer//exercise physiologist/ortho tech go into orthopedics
paramedics/emt's/er nurses go into emergency medicine
surgical tech/surgical nurse go into surgery

you get the idea.
for general info about the pa profession check out www.aapa.org
for a more friendly pa related forum check out www.physicianassociate.com

 

[UMDeeMan]

thanks guys, appreciate your time. i just ask about the NP vs PA thing because I'm going PA no matter what. I'm going to graduate with a BS in exercise science. I was thinking of and still am of the dental field, but the more I think about the more i am beginning to realize i don't have the dedication for that extra 2 years of schooling. I know i want to do something in the health field, i have the capabilites to do so, but just lack the patience. i want to be out in the work force. i'm sure i will switch that opinion once i'm there. anyways, thanks again guys and i'll be around the forum.