Question

[DOC G.]

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When is it a good time to take the GRE? I am thinking of a back up plan in case I do not make it the first time through the application cycle and was leaning towards a Masters in PA. Does anybody agree or disagree this would be a good move?


Thanks

 

[medic170]

When is it a good time to take the GRE? I am thinking of a back up plan in case I do not make it the first time through the application cycle and was leaning towards a Masters in PA. Does anybody agree or disagree this would be a good move?


Thanks

I would not go the PA route unless you want to be a PA. Using another professional program as a stepping stone to MD/DO is usually a bad idea, unless you plan to work as a PA for a while before deciding on medicine. If you really want to be a doc, don't settle for PA and don't use PA as a stepping stone. Instead, look into a special masters post-bacc program or something else that interests you in an academic, rather than professional program.

 

[kyriacos01]

I would not go the PA route unless you want to be a PA. Using another professional program as a stepping stone to MD/DO is usually a bad idea...look into a special masters post-bacc program or something else that interests you in an academic, rather than professional program.

Agreed.

If you are planning to take the April MCAT, and are unsure of the route you wish to take for your future in medicine, I would take the GRE soon after. Always good to have a backup option; besides which, the MCAT should have you more than prepared for the GRE.

-ky

 

[DOC G.]

Thanks for the help! I really want to be a Dr. so I want be going the PA route. Thanks!

 

[ntmed]

Thanks for the help! I really want to be a Dr. so I want be going the PA route. Thanks!

We have NP and PA programs at my medical school. I know several people who went the PA/NP route, and now regret their decision. Let me explain.

There's no doubt that PA's and NP's provide an important function. Just be careful that you become one for the right reasons. If you enjoy working in an ancillary role with limited autonomy and responsibility, then becoming a PA or NP may be the right decision for you. The PA's and NP's who develop a proficiency outside the basic skills of a physician, or provide a niche service that's not economical for a physician to perform, seem especially satisfied with their career choice.

However, if you feel that becoming a PA or NP will be a shortcut to being "just like a doctor", you may be making a mistake. In whatever specialty area you work, there will always be significant limits on what you know and on what you are able to do. Of course, there's nothing wrong with having limited knowledge of medicine or a limited role in patient care. But you're setting yourself up for failure if, deep down inside, you really wanted to be a physician.