tinaa Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 I have narrowed my options to two PA programs after doing some serious reflection, but am still torn between the two. Any advice from current / past students would be greatly appreciated! Option A: In-state (CA, largest "pro") 5 yr avg. PANCE rate: 94% Tuition ~80k Older facilities + classrooms, no cadaver lab 4 week clinical rotations, 11 total Clinical experience not required prior to entry 26 year old program Class size ~100, graduation rate: 98% Option B: Out-of-state (Across country in east coast, "top 5" program) 5 yr avg. PANCE rate: 94% Tuition ~87k, higher cost of living + travel expense Newer facilities + classrooms, no cadaver lab 6 week clinical rotations, 8 total Avg clinical experience of students: 4000 hours 46 year old program Class size ~50, graduating rate 97% One of my largest concerns is over being able to practice back in CA post-grad & am wondering if attending an in-state school where I do my clinical rotations will result in a significantly lower barrier to entry in terms of landing a solid first PA job post-grad in CA. Otherwise, general impression of interview day was that Option B's program felt more "put-together" and impressive (Avg. PANCE rates are same for both however). Thanks for any insight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pandaPAC Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 I had a similar situation in choosing between two programs.. but really when it came down to it, I knew in my gut where I wanted to go. It was the less practical school for me, and I know this is super cheesy to say, but my heart was very invested in the school I ended up choosing (and I definitely made the right choice). I feel like deep down you know where you need to go too. Sorry if this was not too helpful! The only thing I would say, the practical decision for you is that if you really want to practice in CA, to go to a school in CA -- because you will make so many contacts out on your rotations that could help land you a CA job.. also with that being said, I think a PA can really work anywhere in the country no matter where you went to school. I say follow your gut/heart, even if it goes against the practical decision. Best, Amanda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren R Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 Sure, you might be able to get hired from a rotation though if you choose the California school. However, you'll be able to get a job anywhere no matter where you go to school. Seriously, PAs are in demand. There isn't a right or wrong answer. Do you know anyone near either school? Honestly, it would be nice to have a support network while you're in PA school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinaa Posted January 20, 2017 Author Share Posted January 20, 2017 I had a similar situation in choosing between two programs.. but really when it came down to it, I knew in my gut where I wanted to go. It was the less practical school for me, and I know this is super cheesy to say, but my heart was very invested in the school I ended up choosing (and I definitely made the right choice). I feel like deep down you know where you need to go too. Sorry if this was not too helpful! The only thing I would say, the practical decision for you is that if you really want to practice in CA, to go to a school in CA -- because you will make so many contacts out on your rotations that could help land you a CA job.. also with that being said, I think a PA can really work anywhere in the country no matter where you went to school. I say follow your gut/heart, even if it goes against the practical decision. Best, Amanda Thank you for the thoughtful advice, Amanda. Good to hear from someone who was in a similar situation! I think I should follow what my gut is telling me as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FamousAmos Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Hello all, I am also looking for some input, as this decision has consumed me for the last two weeks. I have no doubt that either school will provide me with an excellent learning experience, and my "gut feeling" has been for both of these schools interchangeably. One school seems more practical financially and is closer to my support system, the other would give me great opportunities that I'm not sure I would get at the other program. Tuition is comparable, and both programs start at the same time. I am not sure that I will be practicing professionally near either location after graduation. Also, I am already in severe debt from undergrad. School A: Philadelphia, PA Commutable (20 minute drive, 1+ hour during rush hour =/) Commuting would save me all living expenses Associated with great Med school and hospital Clinical rotations set in University Hospital & affiliates Two elective rotations New program - First class graduates 2018 26 months 35 students School B: Washington D.C. Costly living expenses Further from support system Established program Highly ranked, successful & experienced faculty, great clinical rotation sites One elective rotation 24 months - out in the job market earlier Extensive alumni network 67 students Will likely result in an additional ~$40K of loans (rough estimate) School A is more practical than the alternative for financial and personal reasons, but as soon as I think I've made a decision I get that "what if" feeling about School B. What if I'm giving up an incredible opportunity? What if living in D.C. during such a crazy political shitstorm would be the experience of a lifetime? From an outsiders perspective, is it worth it to save the money? Are the experienced clinical rotations and faculty, and overall established program worth making the move? Am I getting caught up in my thoughts? YES! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FuturePA-S1995 Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I've also been having a similar dilemna and what has helped me solidify my choice has been the PANCE rates. 100% even compared to 94% is still a big difference so I would check to see if the PANCE rates differ and how many people of the class sit for the exam. If a class originally starts with 60 people but only 45 sit for the exam because they may have decelerated, this may be cause for concern. Also, being the first class to graduate could be a little nerve-wracking just in case the program does not get accredited. I live in Philly so I think I know which program you're talking about and since that is a big name school, they probably would get accredidation so thats something else to think about. I would also consider what specialities you want to work in. I know that I personally really like Derm and Plastic Surgery so having two electives might be better than one. I would definitely try and compare prices for not only tuition, but also living and commuting costs because a difference of $8,000 or more could be a reason to pick the cheaper school. The #1 thing that also helped me decide was which program do you feel most confident entering? Which school do you think you would be more successful at and that makes you the most confident in your abilities? Good luck, you probably cant go wrong with either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FamousAmos Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I've also been having a similar dilemna and what has helped me solidify my choice has been the PANCE rates. 100% even compared to 94% is still a big difference so I would check to see if the PANCE rates differ and how many people of the class sit for the exam. If a class originally starts with 60 people but only 45 sit for the exam because they may have decelerated, this may be cause for concern. Also, being the first class to graduate could be a little nerve-wracking just in case the program does not get accredited. I live in Philly so I think I know which program you're talking about and since that is a big name school, they probably would get accredidation so thats something else to think about. I would also consider what specialities you want to work in. I know that I personally really like Derm and Plastic Surgery so having two electives might be better than one. I would definitely try and compare prices for not only tuition, but also living and commuting costs because a difference of $8,000 or more could be a reason to pick the cheaper school. The #1 thing that also helped me decide was which program do you feel most confident entering? Which school do you think you would be more successful at and that makes you the most confident in your abilities? Good luck, you probably cant go wrong with either! Thanks so much for the feedback! Unfortunately because School A is a new program, there is no PANCE data to compare. School B's five year average pass rate (up to 2015) is at 94%. The entire class, or almost the entire class, sat for each of those exams. School A actually already has accreditation so that's not something I'm worried about, they already have a class in progress. I touched on the money situation. I would absolutely save money by going to Philly, I just can't justify basing my entire school decision on money. As far as my specialty goes, I'm not sure yet. I'm trying to keep an open mind, although I know areas in which I'm more interested to learn about. I agree two electives is more beneficial. I'm very confident in both schools, my only reservation is that School A in Philly is new and therefore may have a few wrinkles to be ironed out. School B, on the other hand, is recognized as a successful program. I agree, either way I go I won't be making the wrong decision. It's just making the actual decision that has me torn up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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