USA OPA Program

[henohenoman]

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University of St. Augustine has launched this nation's 1st Orthopedic Physician Assistant Program. A license in OPA would only allow the practitioner to work in the field of orthopedics so it takes away the flexibility of being a PA. I thought this would be more attractive to PTs who are considering going to medicine or someone with vast interest in ortho. What do you think?

 

[aggiecjg11]

Hey! This is interesting! I just went and checked it out, not sure if I could apply since I haven't taken cell biology though. I have a TON of ortho experience, and I actually shadowed an ortho PA this winter. And my dad is an orthopedic surgeon so I've been around it my whole life! Have you called the program at all to get more info?

 

[henohenoman]

I'm glad that I brought it to your attention. Sorry but no I haven't contacted them about the program because I am determined to pursue PT right now. It could be an interesting opportunity if I decide to make the switch in the future though.

Judging from your background I think you are a very good fit for it. But I would ask about the advantages/disadvantages of being a specialized PA without the ability to switch between specialties. Hope you can find out more about it from people who have more insights.

 

[aggiecjg11]

Appreciate it. Not sure about pigeon-holing myself into one area of PA, might be better to just go ahead and do the general PA to have more options. Still waiting to hear from PT schools before I make that decision though.

 

[henohenoman]

I would like to think that OPAs will have more competitive advantages over general PAs in any orthopedic setting. But I'm not sure how well OPA training and their association have been recognized by the public. I know that PAs have to pass a license exam on ALL specialties every 6 years so OPA's must have a different requirement. Maybe you could get some opinions from your dad & other surgeons.

 

[unique1]

I would caution you on the USA OPA program. Remember this is not an accredited program. The OPAs started a long time ago... I would strongly recommend you become a PA (if that is your interest) and then work in orthopaedics. You would have more credibility as a PA-C in the larger medical community and unlike OPAs, you would be reimbursed as a PA-C by Medicare and the majority of other 3rd party payers. You can find more information about the differences between PAs and OPAs at http://www.aapa.org/images/stories/...nal Issues/PA and OPA Distinctions - 2010.pdf

http://www.aapa.org/images/stories/issuePDFs/PA-OPA_Comparison_Chart_1-11.pdf

... or I found the same information at http://www.paos.org/PAC_difference.html

I'd be curious as to what you found out from USA.edu??? ... and what aggiecjg11's dad thought about the differences.


Thanks,

Unique1