Taken some time off. Competitive for professional program

[azngi16]

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I've taken my first freshman class in the fall on 2003. I've taken my last class in the winder of 2008. It's now 2011, will this hurt my chances of getting accepted to a professional program. I was on the premedical route, but recently decided that perhaps PA would be a better choice, given my age, soon to be 26. The reason why I have gap years, was due to my undiagnosed schzoid paranoia. I'm a 3.7 student at University of Michigan - Dearborn. Was going the premed route, now switching lanes. What are my options given my background.

 

[LifeTake2]

I've taken my first freshman class in the fall on 2003. I've taken my last class in the winder of 2008. It's now 2011, will this hurt my chances of getting accepted to a professional program. I was on the premedical route, but recently decided that perhaps PA would be a better choice, given my age, soon to be 26. The reason why I have gap years, was due to my undiagnosed schzoid paranoia. I'm a 3.7 student at University of Michigan - Dearborn. Was going the premed route, now switching lanes. What are my options given my background.

Your age, and your grades won't be a problem.

However, I never say anything is impossible but you need to accept that your mental health issues will likely prevent a career in medicine. You may be able to work in certain aspects of nursing; but you will have trouble getting licensed. Sorry 🙁

 

[azngi16]

Your age, and your grades won't be a problem.

However, I never say anything is impossible but you need to accept that your mental health issues will likely prevent a career in medicine. You may be able to work in certain aspects of nursing; but you will have trouble getting licensed. Sorry 🙁

I feel fine most of the time. But I have trouble concentrating. Not the same as how I used to be, which is why I was afraid of applying to medical school. Are you familiar with schizoid paranoia ? How will it make it hard to get licensed.

 

[FightinUruKai]

Honestly, a good portion of everything comes to what are your personal skills and what you excel at.

The only thing I can think of that would be a potential problem with the schizoid paranoia disorder is how it might affect your patient interactions and your ability to work as part of a medical team.

As for the differences between PA, NP, and MD/DO, you should try shadowing, or even just getting them on the phone or answering emails. Ask questions. We can give you advice all day long, but, at the end of the day, it's going to come down to which you enjoy the most. Take notes about the daily lives of each of these professionals, and compare, seeing what would be the best for you.

Try to examine your reasons for why you are pursuing a career in medicine - which aspects are most important? Providing a useful service? Interest in disease/the human body? Research? Patient Care? How important is being in charge? Do you work well with others? Would you be happy being part of a multilevel team?

Essentially, you can do what you want, but you have to decide how badly you want it. You can ask how much work it would take to get you into each path by getting in touch with the admissions offices at different schools. Give them a quick rundown of your stats/background and see how they respond. Don't give up until they say "Absolutely not, under any circumstances"