PA school vs DO school

[Dowell1840]

This may be a weird question. Im not even sure I put it in the right thread so if I did not, Sorry! I was reviewing requirements for PA and DO school, ultimately I want to be a doctor I was jist considering PA school because it is a shorter amount of time and with my husband in the military it might be the more do able option for right now. However, with the way DO school calculate gpa vs PA schools , are DO schools in a sense a little easier? Im just wondering because the DO counts the last instance where I do not think PA does and I think PA schools count W grades differently. If im wrong though please let me know! It seems odd to me.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Dowell1840]

Admission wise not coursework for in the program is what im comparing here. Sorry I didnt clarify very well

 

[NontradCA]

If you're asking if PA school is more competitive than DO school in a general sense, then yes. To my knowledge PA schools do not allow for grade replacement. However, this should not deter you from applying and getting in. I tend to think that PA schools favor nontrad exmil/medic types and look beyond grades and GRE scores. That being said, the GRE is an "easier" test when compared to MCAT. Generalities of course.

 

[Dowell1840]

I mean for admission wise not coursework once in the program.

 

[jayoh]

I guess it all depends on your academic history, because DO schools allow for grade replacement but you generally will need a higher GPA. So if you have retaken a bunch of courses then that would help you.

Really hard to compare though because they're just totally different admission processes... you have to take into account the shadowing, MCAT vs GRE, etc.

A lot of the PA schools around here require 1000-2000 of documented patient contact hours and fairly extensive PA shadowing, which is definitely more than med school requires, but it's also because PA schools don't have 2 years of clinical rotations followed by 4 years of residency.

 

[jayoh]

I guess what I'm saying is that they're both hard to get accepted to, but they're very different. Looking at GPA alone, lets say your PA school calculates your GPA as a 3.3 but DO schools calculate it as a 3.5 because of a couple of retakes. This doesn't make the DO school "easier" to get accepted to, because there are so many other factors. Maybe the 3.3 is actually more competitive for that program than the 3.5 is at the other program. Maybe your GRE score is stellar but your MCAT score is meh.

 

[Dowell1840]

Thank you! I guess I don't have a ton of courses that I retook but it makes a slight difference in my gpa. Also yes I didnt take the gre/mcat into consideration but I see your point! For sure I would think gre would be easier. I just thought it was a little odd for a pa school to be slightly more competitive than do school. Not that a pa is less important or anything just because a pa is kind of a bit below a doctor in a sense. But thank you, I think I will probably apply to a pa school after graduation more likely than a do school for the time being.

 

[Dowell1840]

True! I think im just worried about my academics because they aren't the best but they are not by far the worst ive heard from other applicants.

 

[NontradCA]

I mean for admission wise not coursework once in the program.

Thats what I meant as well.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

In general DO is less easier just because of the MCAT... I took both GRE and MCAT... GRE can't even be compared with the MCAT...

 

[demayette]

In general DO is less easier just because of the MCAT... I took both GRE and MCAT... GRE can't even be compared with the MCAT...

I agree... I got into both PA and DO and DO school is more difficult to get into because of the MCAT... They are on the same level GPA wise... 3.4+ c/sGPA will make you competitive for both... Some PA schools look only at your last 60 credits....

 

[demayette]

....

 

[Dowell1840]

Thats what I meant as well.

Sorry I posted that as a part of my original msgs not in response to anyone! I just forgot to put it originally so its a separate thing and I guess it posted twice because It wasnt showing the first oneat first so I posted it again and then it showed up twice.

 

[Dowell1840]

?

 

[Dowell1840]

I agree... I got into both PA and DO and DO school is more difficult to get into because of the MCAT... They are on the same level GPA wise... 3.4+ c/sGPA will make you competitive for both... Some PA schools look only at your last 60 credits....

That's true too. I remember reading that about the sixty credit hours for some schools.

 

[demayette]

That's true too. I remember reading that about the sixty credit hours for some schools.

If your ultimate goal is to become a physician, you should not go PA... There is no bridge program from PA to DO... LECOM has a program (PA to DO), but I would not call that a bridge program since it still take 3 years to become a DO (plus 3+ years residency)....

 

[Dowell1840]

If you ultimate goal is to become a physician, you should not go PA... There is no bridge program from PA to DO... LECOM has a program (PA to DO), but I would not call that a bridge program since it still take 3 years to become a DO (plus 3+ years residency)....

Yea, that is my ultimate goal. Thank you for thw help!

 

[jl lin]

OK, but what does it matter? If you want to be a physician, comparing the two is a no-brainer. Go for what you really want to do. I mean, that's my POV. Ultimately, however, just about any MS program will be tougher to gain entrance to when looking at the big picture.

 

[jjtheairplane]

wow. whoever says PA schools is harder to get into than DO school is clueless. The only things that are similar are the pre-med courses required. But, that's true for ALL healthcare professions. Even the new, less competitive DO schools like Liberty University are probably more difficult to gain admission. Remember, DO is a physician, their obligations and training exceeds PA (not putting PA down, just clarifying the extent of each job..the higher salary, same as MD's, is for a reason.). For DO schools, you need an average/higher than average GPA/MCAT if you are not a URM. Schools like Touro have a 30 mcat and 3.5 gpa, not to mention many of those applicants come from top undergrads. In addition, they have research/other unique EC's that PA's generally don't need for acceptance.

DO schools are getting more competitive by the day, even kids with MD stats are applying to some now(look at the CCOM thread).

TLDR: Admission wise, even with grade replacement, DO's need more competitive stats. Retaking classes takes alot of time and isn't that easy to do (you must get an A)

 

[Dowell1840]

OK, but what does it matter? If you want to be a physician, comparing the two is a no-brainer. Go for what you really want to do. I mean, that's my POV. Ultimately, however, just about any MS program will
be tougher to gain entrance to when looking at the big picture.

No yea I totally get that. I was just trying to compare the two because I thought the way the gpas were calculated was weird and didnt know if that correlated somehow to a more "lenient" I guess application statistics. But im all for physician (DO) im just worried if its feasible with the amount of moving my husband does. I dont want to get two years into school then he move. I would almost for sure atay behind because I think it's important but itd just be a hassle. Thats really the only reason I was trying to compare the two and then that led to discovering the gpa calculations.

 

[Dowell1840]

wow. whoever says PA schools is harder to get into than DO school is clueless. The only things that are similar are the pre-med courses required. But, that's true for ALL healthcare professions. Even the new, less competitive DO schools like Liberty University are probably more difficult to gain admission. Remember, DO is a physician, their obligations and training exceeds PA (not putting PA down, just clarifying the extent of each job..the higher salary, same as MD's, is for a reason.). For DO schools, you need an average/higher than average GPA/MCAT if you are not a URM. Schools like Touro have a 30 mcat and 3.5 gpa, not to mention many of those applicants come from top undergrads. In addition, they have research/other unique EC's that PA's generally don't need for acceptance.

DO schools are getting more competitive by the day, even kids with MD stats are applying to some now(look at the CCOM thread).

TLDR: Admission wise, even with grade replacement, DO's need more competitive stats. Retaking classes takes alot of time and isn't that easy to do (you must get an A)

Yea I assumed naturally that a DO would be more difficult since theyre above a PA. Honestly it was just a curiosity question because of the way they calculated things I wasnt sure if that meant they were more lenient I guess. And then I got to thinking maybe I was missing something or whatever. Im sure high gpa and test scores are a must for both, even more so for DO now. Im not planning on applying for maybe a year or two so ive got more time to make sure. Thanks!

 

[jjtheairplane]

Yea I assumed naturally that a DO would be more difficult since theyre above a PA. Honestly it was just a curiosity question because of the way they calculated things I wasnt sure if that meant they were more lenient I guess. And then I got to thinking maybe I was missing something or whatever. Im sure high gpa and test scores are a must for both, even more so for DO now. Im not planning on applying for maybe a year or two so ive got more time to make sure. Thanks!

Np, I just felt I had to make that clear because nobody in the thread so far did, and If you did decide to apply to both you would need more strategy for DO schools admissions. I think the grade replacement offer has more to do with DO's grade "forgiving" nature/ not as stat-oriented as MD, to go along with their "hollistic approach".
Good luck in your application, in whichever profession you choose!

 

[Dowell1840]

Np, I just felt I had to make that clear because nobody in the thread so far did, and If you did decide to apply to both you would need more strategy for DO schools admissions. I think the grade replacement offer has more to do with DO's grade "forgiving" nature/ not as stat-oriented as MD, to go along with their "hollistic approach".
Good luck in your application, in whichever profession you choose!

No problem I appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

GPA as measurement of "how hard" is not a good way to go about it. If you're taking O.Chem, Biochem and Physics, chances are you'll end up with a lower GPA than someone taking the pre-PA courses. This discussion is like saying an Engineering student is not as diligent as a Communications student because of the GPA difference. MCAT is also a greater hurdle than the GRE.

 

[Dowell1840]

GPA as measurement of "how hard" is not a good way to go about it. If you're taking O.Chem, Biochem and Physics, chances are you'll end up with a lower GPA than someone taking the pre-PA courses. This discussion is like saying an Engineering student is not as diligent as a Communications student because of the GPA difference. MCAT is also a greater hurdle than the GRE.

I thought PA programs require organic chemistry and/or biochemistry too? Not physics though thats true. But yes mcat would also make it alot tougher.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

I thought PA programs require organic chemistry and/or biochemistry too? Not physics though thats true. But yes mcat would also make it alot tougher.

Not even. Here's USC:

http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/Ac...Assistant_Program/Admission_Requirements.aspx

Prerequisite Coursework

1. Sciences:

• One-year sequential coursework for science majors in:
  
  
  • General Biology with lab (usually 1 semester each of cellular biology and organismal biology or 3 quarters of cellular, organismal, and evolutionary biology)
    
    
  • General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters of inorganic chemistry with quantitative analysis) General chemistry with organic and biochemistry combinations are not acceptable.
    
• 3 semester units or 4 quarter units of each of the following:
  • Human Anatomy with lab*
  • Human Physiology with lab*
  • General Microbiology with lab

*Human Anatomy and Physiology may be completed by taking a 2 semester sequential course of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II or a quarter system equivalent sequential course.

2. Non-Sciences:

• Statistics, preferably statistics for psychology, sociology or biology. Introduction to Statistics offered by a math department is acceptable. (3 semester units or 4 quarter units)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 semester units or 4 quarter units)
• Beginning Spanish Language - one academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters). Must be college level credit earned either through coursework or by placement examination. There are no language substitutions or waivers.
• English Composition - applies to international applicants only. One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters; AP coursework is acceptable).

Here's Loma Linda: http://www.llu.edu/allied-health/sahp/pa/prerequisites.page?

Prerequisite Courses* (All prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited institution)
Science Courses**

• Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory (8 semester units) Must cover all organ systems
• One year of General Chemistry with laboratory or a sequence in inorganic, organic and biochemistry with laboratory (8 semester units)
• General Microbiology with laboratory (4 semester units) Must include medically important bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

General Education Courses

• General Psychology or equivalent
• General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology or equivalent
• College-level Algebra or equivalent
• One year of English (language courses not accepted)

 

[Dowell1840]

Not even. Here's USC:

http://keck.usc.edu/en/Education/Ac...Assistant_Program/Admission_Requirements.aspx

Prerequisite Coursework

1. Sciences:

• One-year sequential coursework for science majors in:
  
  • General Biology with lab (usually 1 semester each of cellular biology and organismal biology or 3 quarters of cellular, organismal, and evolutionary biology)
    
    
  • General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters or 3 quarters of inorganic chemistry with quantitative analysis) General chemistry with organic and biochemistry combinations are not acceptable.
• 3 semester units or 4 quarter units of each of the following:
  • Human Anatomy with lab*
  • Human Physiology with lab*
  • General Microbiology with lab

*Human Anatomy and Physiology may be completed by taking a 2 semester sequential course of Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II or a quarter system equivalent sequential course.

2. Non-Sciences:

• Statistics, preferably statistics for psychology, sociology or biology. Introduction to Statistics offered by a math department is acceptable. (3 semester units or 4 quarter units)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 semester units or 4 quarter units)
• Beginning Spanish Language - one academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters). Must be college level credit earned either through coursework or by placement examination. There are no language substitutions or waivers.
• English Composition - applies to international applicants only. One academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters; AP coursework is acceptable).

Here's Loma Linda: http://www.llu.edu/allied-health/sahp/pa/prerequisites.page?

Prerequisite Courses* (All prerequisite courses must be taken at a regionally accredited institution)
Science Courses**

• Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory (8 semester units) Must cover all organ systems
• One year of General Chemistry with laboratory or a sequence in inorganic, organic and biochemistry with laboratory (8 semester units)
• General Microbiology with laboratory (4 semester units) Must include medically important bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

General Education Courses

• General Psychology or equivalent
• General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology or equivalent
• College-level Algebra or equivalent
• One year of English (language courses not accepted)

Oh well thats good lol ok! Maybe I just got it mixed up my head or something. When I was looking over Nova and some others I thought it said yes but I guess I just got the prereqs mixed up. Or maybe it was under the suggested prereqs or something.