Dichotomy

Answer: The VA

PAcali, I don't think the argument here is that of US vs Them. My direct partner at work is a NP and we get along just fine. I personally have equal respect for NPs, it is an achievement worth rewarding after all. The reality is that while PA/NP do the same things,... etc, we definitely have different training and background. Those of us who work directly with NP can testify of this to a certain extend. What we are trying to achieve here is to be recognized by our true identity, not as "an assistant" (very misleading) but rather as practitioner (which makes perfect sense), in this case Medical Practitioner. I sort of look at it as the MD/DO deal: Equal respect (... should be anyways), sort of different/modified pathways to the equal doctorate degree, but each practicing the same medicine.

To OP, I sympathize with you as a new grad myself. I can only imagine the feeling but I hope you find some much needed encouragement here. Cideous, I am equally sorry for your experience and thankful she is now doing fine. As a new grad, and having already received couple of these calls from friends and families, what would you have done differently? Others opinion welcomed.

Wow 20 years and only 113K ??--- What GS is that, and does that include locality pay? Which state is this? BTW - You aren't a failure, I think it's the federal government that is failing us. The VA really needs to review PA pay scale. I understand benefits and such is enticing but still much more need to be done for PAs $$ -

Thank you JC40. For those of you familiar with how this scholarship works, once the app is closed and approval notices sent out, can a recipient decline or negotiate their offer? (Maybe because of dislike with part of the offer package) - Or once you are selected, are you obligated to accept the contract?

Hello colleagues, Thanks everyone for their inputs. If I recently finished an MPH degree while in PA school, will this scholarship cover the loan from that degree as well? (In other words, should I also submit tuition info aka Academic Verification - VA Form10-0491 for the MPH degree) in addition to that of PA school? Thanks in advance !

Hello, Thank you again for your continuous genuine help. I would like to have your opinion on how to properly respond to an acceptance into a program. I already sent a Thank you E-mail to the admission cordinator (Thanking the committee for granting me seat). I had also sent a Thank you card to the faculty members that I interviewed with including the program director post-interview. Do you recommend sending a thank you card again to everyone or what do you recommend? Thank you

Which State are you in?

Anyone else got an update from UNMC today or am I alone?

Hello, First of all, please allow me to post here as I am a Pre-PA. Reading through the posts, I have one question for the unsatisfied/unhappy PAs. Will you please comment on your reason for wanting to become a PA at the first place. I assume you were probably asked the following question during your PA interview : Why do you want to be a PA or why PA? Can you please share your answer back then and maybe relate that to your current feeling about the profession? Acebecker, I really like your input. Most of your comment is why I personally want to be a PA. Of course there are plenty of reasons why I am seeking admission to PA school, but the most important one is "the reward of having a medical training". Being an african, I can't wait to get this medical training and make use of it, not only here in the USA but around the world wherever applicable. I like the fact that I can go to mission trip in South America for instance and help save lives or that I can respond to medical emergencies ( ie: Joplin, MO tornado, 9/11 disaster or a car accident that I witnessed) and contribute my talent/training. I have being a Phlebotomist for 7 years, and the good phlebotomists can testified of the good feeling when you get excellent feedbacks from patients. Phlebotomy isn't as demanding as being a PA, however I am just amazed by some of the positive reaction that I get from patients, their satisfaction gives me a priceless feeling as well and I look forward to be at work the next day. I will also say that some days are more challenging than others but isn't that what life is all about? I feel like, even if everything else has gone wrong, I will always look back to the "why I wanted to be a PA." Personally, it is getting that medical training and utilize it in the above mentioned circumstances; The reward and good feeling of making an impact. I could be wrong as I am not a PA yet (Keep applying), so I would like others opinions. Thanks !

Thank you!

Hi, thank you again for you time and assistance. I was recently wait-listed at my program of choice, and we were told that we will get our position (Rank) on the list in a week or so. I was thinking of sending in a letter of intent and a new letter of recommendation from an MD that I shadowed and that knows me very well (we both belong to the same parish). He wasn't one of the current writers. Here are my concerns: Should I go ahead and submit these now, or wait for the Ranking notice before sending them. Also we were not told anything about submitting a new letter if we were placed on the waiting list, so do you find it necessary to check with the program before submitting this new letter? I want to be show my "intense" desire to get in but I also don't want to come off as being annoying. Thank you!

Hello PAdmissions, Thank you for this invaluable informations. I would like to ask about alternate list. How many people on average does a program retains for the list? (Accepted student: 20) Considering that the program starts in the spring, when is a reasonable final decision day {to be accepted from the alternate list}? Finally, how does the adcom triage individual from the list? And is it normal that a school will not comment on a candidate's position on the list? If so can you please elaborate the possible reason. Thank you for your time.