Foreign pre-PA student

[marwhitson]

Hi guys! This is gonna be my first post here so I hope I'm doing this right. 

 

So I am an incoming college junior majoring in biology but I study in the Philippines. My cousin, who is currently undertaking PA school, introduced me to the PA profession and as I looked into it, the more I wanted to become one. The problem is I am not from the US nor do I have any type of permanent residency or citizenship. 

 

I really want to push for this dream but I am worried about several things.

 

1. I am not sure if there exist PA schools that accept foreign college graduates.

2. I don't know if the classes I am taking now can be credited by US PA schools.

3. With the lack of opportunities to shadow or volunteer in any way over here in my country, I won't be able to stand a chance against more involved applicants (especially considering the fact that most applications require letters of recommendation from people in the profession). 

 

I am open to applying to any school in any state because I'm truly interested in the profession. I still have some time to catch up on shadowing opportunities in the US this summer though so I haven't completely given up on my 3rd dilemma. But my main question is, do you think it is still possible for me to apply to a PA school and eventually practice? 

 

Sorry guys, I didn't know who else to ask but any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!

[MT2PA]

First you need to find out if your courses will be accepted here.  I"m not familiar with the process, but check any PA program's website and under the pre-reqs there is usually a blurb about international applicants.  That should get you started.  

 

EDIT:  A few that I've looked at briefly are requiring at least some courses (and usually the pre-requisites) to be completed IN the US.  That might be your biggest issue.

 

If your courses translate, and you have the grades, most programs will accept applications from foreign graduates - but you have to meet all the requirements and be competitive just like all the US applicants.  

 

A summer of shadowing might be fine, but most applicants are expected (or are most competitive) with at least a full year of health care experience.  If you don't have that, you will likely need to start figuring out how to make that happen.  I would consider this the greatest barrier for you.

[Jayzeem]

Also, do you have any capacity or ability to obtain a study visa, and if so, can you remain in the United States after graduating in order to work? If you are planning on returning to the Philippines, does the US PA program hold validity? 

[jlumsden]

I did a quick Google search for "volunteer in the Philippines", and found dozens of links.  I would be surprised if there were no opportunities to volunteer in the Philippines.  You can also try www.idealist.org.

[marwhitson]

Also, do you have any capacity or ability to obtain a study visa, and if so, can you remain in the United States after graduating in order to work? If you are planning on returning to the Philippines, does the US PA program hold validity? 

 

 

In the Philippines, the job description for PA already falls under "doctor" so unfortunately, there is no such thing as a PA over here. If I can't push through with PA, I will most probably pursue medical school.

 

A student visa is possible but I worry that if I invest my time and money in PA school and am forced to go back home because no US hospital chooses to sponsor my citizenship, the Philippines won't be able to credit the program so I would have no job to return to.