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PhD to PA transition programs?


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Greetings.  I have a PhD in Human Bioenergetics (cognates in Physiology and Biology) and currently am a tenured Associate Professor at a mid-level University.  For the last 10 years I have been primarily involved in research as a PI on NIH funded grants with some teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels.  I have become disenchanted with the research and academic systems and in considering a career shift the PA seems to be a feasible option.  

 

Are there programs in place to facilitate such a transition or would I need to go through the process like an undergraduate would?   I'm not sure how feasible it would be to start from scratch.  

 

My wife is a Nurse Practitioner so I know the value of non-MD health care providers and thus a large part of my interest in the PA route over a life in academia.  

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

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Most program websites indicate whether they accept "life experience" or "transfer" credits.  I haven't found any that do, but the fact that they're stating this suggests to me that someone out there has got to accept them.  That said, the fully training is only two years, with the second year being clinical rotations, so even if you get out of a class or two, you're still more-or-less stuck in a typical PA course of study.  Might be worth asking admissions about, but I imagine as you start looking into all the different programs out there, some other qualities of your target schools might override your current consideration (i.e., quality and location of rotation locations, tuition cost, PANCE pass rates, etc).  Food for thought...

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"...or would I need to go through the process like an undergraduate would?" I believe that currently this is the process for the majority (if not all) physician assistant programs in the U.S. If there are programs that grant advanced standing it should be published either on their Web site or informational literature.

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I highly doubt you'd get advanced standing anywhere but you may find a program that would waive pre-req expiration requirements based on your current career.

I've seen programs waive single courses for those with doctorates in that field(licensed pharmacist doesn't have to take pharm, etc).

it doesn't shorten the program though as everything else is required.

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