PA School...?

[bgrant]

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Anybody have any thoughts on the career of a Physician Assistant vs. Optometrist?? Pros and Cons of each?? I have just been accepted into Optometry school, but during this waiting time I have become interested in the PA profession. I am weighing the options right now and am curious to what great advice the SDN forum could provide on the subject....Thanks!

 

[JPink82]

Anybody have any thoughts on the career of a Physician Assistant vs. Optometrist?? Pros and Cons of each?? I have just been accepted into Optometry school, but during this waiting time I have become interested in the PA profession. I am weighing the options right now and am curious to what great advice the SDN forum could provide on the subject....Thanks!

I think there are cons and pros for both professions. I have also thought about PA school in the past, in fact, I was accepted into several schools before I changed my mind about optometry. Optometry gives you the autonomy I really like, whereas PA's do not have the full autonomy as optometrists. I still like the PA profession, but I also like the fact that I will have a focus in the eyes (of course, PAs can choose to have a focus too, but most PA schools focus on general practice without giving you an option to specialize). However, the reason why I first thought about the PA school was because I did not want to spend so many years in Med school; PA school allows you to start working and making money right after 2 years of schooling, and you won't have as much responsiblity as the doctor --- plus, it won't be so hard to get a job with a PA certificate these days. Anyways, my choice in choosing optometry as mentioned above, in addition to the fact that optometry is one of the most comfortable job (physically, mental stress, etc. ), and my genuine interest in the field is what made me change to optometry. Hope this helps.