Endeavor

Hey @UGoLong, I appreciate the concern but that is NOT the intent of the project. The project is essentially to break down the blue print objectives they gave us. So for example internal medicine-->cardiology-->cardiomyopathy-->dilated cardiomyopathy. So for Dilated cardiomyopathy we would have several cards that included fill in the blanks for etiology, treatment, anatomy physiology etc and we would do that more or less for every topic on the blueprint. (See screen shotted imaged below for examples). Also, the Anki flash card app is designed for spaced repetition, so the flashcards would not only help for EOR exam, the PANCE, PANRE etc. but helps with attaining medical knowledge for clinical practice as well!

Hey so it's been a while! Please check out https://www.reddit.com/r/PASchoolAnki/ for updates, and available decks!

Onlinemeded.org

Cumulative GPA is on the low end. Last 60 credits are high therefore I would recommend schools that are more wholistic and will take into account your last 60 credits (see top thread for that). GRE is solid and your PCE are average...even if some schools don't consider scribe as PCE you still have 1500 hours of PT-Aide which most schools if not all would accept (and to be honest scribing is GREAT experience and will help you a ton during PA school). I would recommend asking the PA to write you a LOR. Some schools only want 2-3 (and you would have to specify on CASPA) but some will take up 4 or 5. So that way you'll cover all your bases if a school requires a PA LOR.

As a student applying for jobs, many online portals have a screening question that essentially asks if you are a licensed PA. If you check "no" you're automatically rejected, no option of explaining that you're a student graduating soon. I'm hearing mixed reviews on whether or not it's "ok" to check that box just so your resume can make it past the screening online portal and to the hiring manager's desk. What are your thoughts about this?

On top of the two mentioned above there are specialized "PA-like" programs for anesthesiology (called an anesthesiologist assistant, only licensed in several states) and pathology (Pathologists assistant). There are several programs across the nation for AA's and Pathologist Assistants.

Hearing this perspective makes me want to go back and change my vote on the name Praxician; I think it may allow the profession to keep the PA abbreviation since that's also a big issue to some.

Phlebotomy really pigeon holes you in term of experience. I mean it is experience but realistically how much medicine or medical knowledge are you gaining from drawing blood all day? Patients usually don't like it and makes it hard for a person to even gain some social skills from it. Personally, from the options you listed I think MA is great experience. You get to do vitals, take dipstick urine samples, draw blood, room patients, assist the provider with whatever procedures, chart etc. In some cases you can even learn how the provider thinks, makes for a good letter of rec aswell!

Talking to nurses interested in the PA route always comes down to the multiple pros and the understandably the biggest con. Pros: Better "medical" education. You already have good experience and the "medical" model will build on it immensely. You'll be a great provider. More lateral mobility. And stronger guaranteed clinical sites (vs most NP schools that make you find your own clinical sites) The Big Con: You won't be able to work much or at all during PA school, so it'll be a much more expensive and challenging endeavor. It usually boils down to your financial status, which most of the time includes responsibilities at home. Sidenote: CASPA averages all your GPA(s) from every single college course and populates a cumulative GPA and a science GPA. Nursing courses count as science courses. So I think your GPA will be on the average side. Your patient care experience will definitely separate you from the bunch. If you do decide PA, make sure you know how to articulate why you chose the PA route over the NP route. I think if you apply to around 5 schools you will have a good chance.

If you can withdraw with passing then go for it. Focus and finish on your other course that counts towards PA school!

If you live in/near a big city than I'd recommend Uber/Lyft. Easy to sign up and you can earn up 25-30$/hour. Mindless work, work whatever hours want

Thank you for actually answering the question!

Haha, I guess I meant those who are for it and those who are against it. Which now that I think about it might be irrelevant to the original question. Or maybe not, we're always detained by our own biases. Still would love to hear the differing opinions!

Hey guys, in your opinion how would "Medicare for All" affect the PA profession, and other medical professions (physicians, nursing, PT/OT etc.) Some topics that come to my mind include provider well-being, compensation, workload, job market, patient care and anything else you can think of. I would like to hear both perspectives if possible! Thank you.

Medical terminology is huge. I think being a scribe right before PA school is going to help you immensely, really wish I did the same. Pay attention to how/when the provider is ordering labs, imaging, consults etc. Knowing how to write an HPI will also be a huge advantage. Also, depending on your program I would review my basic systems physiology as well.