Jump to content

Some changes in my situation - need advice!


Recommended Posts

So, my previous topic for anyone looking for a quick background:  http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/index.php?/topic/13640-too-late-to-become-a-pa-non-sensical/

 

Fast forward to now - the first ground of PA applications resulted in rejections, which was not unexpected.  I know where my weaknesses likely are, what with some science pre-reqs not completed at the time of applying, unconventional LORs, and a severe lack of clinical experience.

 

My situation now is that it's the end of May, and the fall application cycle will open soon.  I'm severely unsatisfied with my current health administration job, and there is a possibility I will be quitting if I get offered a Medical Assistant position in a private practice.  I was extremely surprised they gave me an interview, giving that I don't have a certificate or never went to school for it.  However, the business director says they are very comfortable training up individuals with no experience (phlebotomy training, IV insertion, history taking for admissions, procedure clinics, etc) and they've done it before.  Finding out whether I could survive on the hourly rate would be a question, but I am extremely thrifty ;)

 

The possible downside would be that there would be no point in applying to schools this fall cycle - I'd just be starting, would certainly not feel comfortable asking for any of their PAs or physicians to write LORs, plus I'd feel so guilty of coming across as just using them to up my chances of acceptance.  So I wouldn't apply until fall 2016, anticipate starting Spring/summer 2017, and I'd be 28.  Graduating would put me near 30/31.

 

However, the more I think about, I'm not so deterred - I WANT to get the hands on experience, and absorping this type of atmosphere for a year + would be awesome.

 

Words of wisdom, advice, get-a-grip's?

 

Thanks!  ETA, I'm finishing up my last official pre-reqs which is medical Biochemistry through UNE.  If I were to put off applying for another year, I could in theory retake anatomy and physiology to make me stronger since when I took it, it was in undergrad and I finished with a C in that course.

 

Lisa

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lisa,

 

I remember your old posts and I think I understand your situation now, but I'm not sure:

 

I assume that your last applications are from a year ago, during which time you took more classes while you kept your healthcare administration job. True? You didn't get accepted, but did you get any interviews? Have you now finished your prerequisites? Did you do well?

 

Don't know what to say about an MA job.  I still find it hard to believe that you can't use your admin role now in a healthcare system to find yourself some patient care experience on the side: nights or weekends. Heck, even your employer might think it was cool to understand the system that you're helping manage just a little bit better! ("Undercover Boss, Healthcare"!)

 

Your current job should also give you a chance to interact with physicians, PAs, etc. You might consider taking one or more on as a trusted advisor and seek their advice. As they get to know you, they might be the source of an LOR.

 

Bottom line:

 

1. Don't wait to apply again unless you really haven't strengthened your application from last year. You learn by going through the process, not by sitting on the sidelines and worrying.

 

2. Don't be too quick to get out of your job. It might be a great place to network from, either for some HCE elsewhere in your system and possible mentors who could write LORs. Not to mention for the money you'll need for the journey ahead. 

 

3. Hating your job can be a good thing if it pushes you in the right direction. Use its advantages before you discard it forever!  A cardinal principle of life is to use what you find around you to get to where you want to go next. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Lisa,

 

I remember your old posts and I think I understand your situation now, but I'm not sure:

 

I assume that your last applications are from a year ago, during which time you took more classes while you kept your healthcare administration job. True? You didn't get accepted, but did you get any interviews? Have you now finished your prerequisites? Did you do well?

 

Don't know what to say about an MA job.  I still find it hard to believe that you can't use your admin role now in a healthcare system to find yourself some patient care experience on the side: nights or weekends. Heck, even your employer might think it was cool to understand the system that you're helping manage just a little bit better! ("Undercover Boss, Healthcare"!)

 

Your current job should also give you a chance to interact with physicians, PAs, etc. You might consider taking one or more on as a trusted advisor and seek their advice. As they get to know you, they might be the source of an LOR.

 

Bottom line:

 

1. Don't wait to apply again unless you really haven't strengthened your application from last year. You learn by going through the process, not by sitting on the sidelines and worrying.

 

2. Don't be too quick to get out of your job. It might be a great place to network from, either for some HCE elsewhere in your system and possible mentors who could write LORs. Not to mention for the money you'll need for the journey ahead. 

 

3. Hating your job can be a good thing if it pushes you in the right direction. Use its advantages before you discard it forever!  A cardinal principle of life is to use what you find around you to get to where you want to go next. 

 

Hi UGoLong!

 

I hate to badmouth any job, but the admin position I'm in right now (supervising scheduling for two hospital outpatient PCP departments) is a true nightmare.  It's gotten to the point where I feel sick to the stomach every morning on the bus ride in, for multiple reasons; the biggest reason is that the whole atmosphere is very adversarial and "get ahead no matter what, sacrifice who you have to"-ish.  It's not conducive to teamwork, advancement, or anything else.  That's on my direct peer side.

 

However, I have considered before going to the heads of each department and having a frank conversation with them, and I definitely would if I put in my notice to leave.  I feel like that would lessen the initial shock if they were to understand that I've found my true passions on the clinical side, and my ultimate goal of PA school.

 

I'm just conflicted at this point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it were me, I'd parlay that job -- whether you hate it or not -- into something that would get you the experience you need. I'm not sure that a couple of months of taking vital signs and listing patient complaints as an MA could do that quite as well.

 

Leap if you must, but first make sure that you take advantage of the connections your current job might provide. It's not a question of leaving everyone smiling but of maximizing the benefits of what you have. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I won't be completing my program until I'm 32 so don't let age deter you. Still plenty of time left for a long career.

 

Definitely make sure your pre reqs are done before you apply again and your grades and scores are in line (can't remember your previous post, so they may be fine!). Aside from that you know what you can handle financially and what schools are generally looking for (hands on experience, shadowing, etc) so just do what you can to make it happen and get some interviews the next go round.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I'm not sure that a couple of months of taking vital signs and listing patient complaints as an MA could do that quite as well."

 

UGoLong - I agree, which is why right now I'd be leaning towards not applying until fall 2016; turn that few possible months to 1+ years.

 

But I'm flexible, so who knows ????

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to the Physician Assistant Forum! This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn More