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Thought I'd start a 2020-2021 pa forum for this cycle. I was verified on 5/14. Good Luck everyone!

Hi everyone, just wanted to start a thread for this cycles WSU applicants. Please join in on it and update us... dates, stats, etc. do we have to fill out a WSU grad school application along with CASPA?

Good evening all, I am just starting out my career as a physician assistant. I have been in the military for 10 years as an active duty corpsman and I’m planning on doing 10 more as an officer and physician assistant and retiring. Whilst in, a goal is to attend an emergency medicine fellowship and get my doctorate. I have had the CIA and State department (US embassies) on my mind for a while now as career paths once I finish my time in the military. I am wondering if anybody has any input, personal experience, or recommendations for me. I have a pretty good understanding of how each system works. I am looking for more specific information, comparison of the two agencies, paths to build myself while still active duty, things to make myself more appealing, a way to get a foot in the door while I’m still in, a personal contact with experience. These kinds of things. Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I appreciate any responses, Chris

Please help me make a complete list of Pros and Cons of being a PA vs Physician. Pros___________________________________ Physician Assistant: Shorter School Less expensive Work Life Balance Lateral movement in career Doctor: Greater Pay More Autonomy Cons__________________________________ Physician Assistant: Lower Pay Less Autonomy Doctor: Longer Training (residency) Limited to one medical specialty

Hello! i am a sophomore in college and set to graduate in May 2020. I am having troubles finding health care hours. Every job i’ve seen is full time, and i can’t do that with 18-21 credits every semester and two kids. The only job i’ve found is a Direct Support Professional. These people work with disabled people, kids and adults. Working with kids means watching them, giving them their medications, taking to therapy etc, and adults live in group home settings. So feeding, medications, etc. I was wondering if this would count for HCE? The program i’m looking into just says a list of some jobs and says “not limited too” and I emailed the program for help and they didn’t clarify anything.

Hello! I have had a really hard time finding shadowing opportunities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, especially because of COVID restrictions. I'd appreciate the opportunity to gain experience by shadowing a PA or MD. Any specialty. Thanks!

Hello everyone, starting a thread for the new Canisius College PA program. I am currently applying to the program and wondering if anyone has heard about the program overall, or professors/admin. Anyone else applying and nervous about the provisional accreditation? Hoping this program turns out well! Starts January 2021.

Hi! I was recently accepted into a program that I didn't think I would be too fond of, but I ended up falling in love with the program! I am interviewing at my original top choice on the 13th, and I have been having a hard time deciding what school I would choose if I were to get in to this other program as well. I would love to hear what current students think. School A (the one I have already been accepted to) is a 1 hour commute, ( I can't afford to move or get an apartment, I am lucky enough to live with my boyfriend who pays the mortgage). This is the biggest downside to this school. I don't know how commuting an hour both ways, 5 days a week, will work with the course load. School B is a 30 minute commute. School A is also about $15,000 more expensive. The reason I justify price is that this program is 28 months, which is 4 months longer than school B (where I am interviewing on the 13th). I love that the clinical rotations are 5 weeks, instead of 4 at school B. There are also 2 elective clinical sites and school A, as opposed to only 1 at school B. They are both very new programs so they're pretty comparable when it comes to everything else that I've looked into! So my questions are: 1. If you have a long commute to your PA program, do you regret it/how do you like it? 2. Will 1 additional week in each clinical site and 1 additional elective make a difference/ is it worth the $15,000 additional? 3. Will I get to the 24 month point at school A and wish that I went to school B so that I could be finished already? Thank you so much for any input you all can provide!!

Hi! Does anyone know of any programs that once required the GRE and are now no longer requiring it this year due to COVID? I wanted to apply to a few more schools but haven’t taken the GRE. Thanks!

I am looking for online or in person (not hopeful for this at the moment) shadowing opportunities in the La Crosse area. Anywhere in Wisconsin would be amazing as well.

Hey good people! I hope you’re all well and healthy during this COVID-19 outbreak. Just wanted to start this early and see your progress on the 2020-21 PA applications!

Should I go back to Medical school AFTER becoming a PA?Specialties interested in: Internal or Emergency MedicineHere are my personal thoughts:I don't like to disparage my profession, but the way we learned medicine was through memorization of algorithms and buzz words. We were not taught the basics of science from a molecular level working upwards. We basically skipped step 1 and went straight into step 2 clinical knowledge. Doctors can see and understand things we cannot. And make connections that we cannot. I think this is what I am craving for. To be that kind of an “expert.” To understand medicine at that level and solve complex cases. I think the funny stereotypical word for this is “mental masturbation” or “intellectually stimulating” haha. I have the personality type of being the best in whatever I do. I feel limited in that sense as a PA.Financially, I would say I am kind of lucky. I wouldn’t normally tell this to people, but just to give you guys an idea of my situation. I actually don’t have any loans or interests at the moment after PA school. I paid out of pocket. But I was given some personal loans from close families and friends. I do have to pay them back eventually, but there is no time limit. And they would understand if I decide to pursue medical school. I would still have to take the MCAT, apply, do interviews, and then start the following year (this could take 2-3 years; here I could work as a full time PA and save money for medical school). The medical schools in my state are $100k for 4 years. Which is not bad compared to the crazy $200-400k type of other medical schools.For family life, wouldn’t it still be possible to have? Instead of working 8 hours a day, I would be studying or going to lectures. And then spend time with my family. Especially since I am not a typical pre-med student. I will be entering with a stronger background knowledge from PA school. However I do understand that the residency years will take a huge toll on my work/life balance for 3 years. (My mom or future wife would still have an income during the 4 years of medical school).But at the end of it all, won’t I truly be knowledgeable in a field of medicine, from basics to advanced. With the reward of earning a higher income and becoming a doctor (not what I’m going for, but still a benefit). I will be done around age 35 and can work 30 more years until 65. Won’t the money gain as a doctor in that time cover any expenses I had? And then be able to teach the next generation as well, confidently. I have a desire to teach as a professor at PA or MD/DO programs. And precept as well.This is my current thought process, BUT if you guys think that I am delusional or crazy, please call me out on it! Give me reasons why staying as a PA from age 26 will be better for my life in the long-run. And to not make the mistake of going to medical school for 7 years, with unnecessary stress. I want to hear both sides and arguments really well.How different is the autonomy in internal or emergency medicine between PA and MD/DO? Can I learn step 1 on my own while working as a PA, and be just as knowledgeable and happy? Or is the in-depth training of medical schools and residencies unmatched? And no amount of clinical experience as a PA can ever replace that? (I have my own thoughts of course since I have done clinical rotations, I just want to hear from what you guys think). ***Here are some more of my thoughts that I just private messaged someone:*** Thank you so much for replying, I really need guidance in my life. I am confused and don't know WHAT path is actually WORTH taking. I love medicine. I have grown super passionate about it. I also love academia. I watch a lot of medical school vlogs and wish I went through the rigorous schooling like they did. PA school felt like a joke to me. It was mainly memorizing buzz words, without understanding the "why's". Now, I know I can learn the why's using third party resources on my own - like sketchymedical, boards and beyond, pathoma, premade anki decks, etc. However, if I am going to do that, why not do it through medical school and get rewarded with prestige, money, and autonomy? But that does come with its cons - such as a losing lost income as a PA, family time, and basically life. For 7 years. I am interested in Internal medicine (hospitalist) or Emergency Medicine. What I want to really know is if there is a huge difference in autonomy, day-to-day job/tasks, etc. Because if it's 90% of the same job, then I am not sure if 7 years of medical school is worth it for me. I know people recommend PA to MD if you want to go into either surgery or a specialization of some sort. Basically, is 7 years of medical school worth it for me (I am single and 26 years old; I only need the MCAT to most likely get into this DO program in my home city; this way I can be with family and friends and not miss out on life events). It seems like a fun journey to me, something that I would look forward to. But there is this other easier, more convenient, and relaxing path - which is to remain as a PA and practice medicine. Earning a six figure salary. Living life. And also studying step 1 material with the resources I mentioned earlier. *sigh* Do you see my dilemma here. Like what is the right path for me - in terms of happiness, life, money, etc. If I were to redo my years of schooling, I would 100% choose medical school. But because I finished PA school and am interested in specialties that might not be that different as a doctor, is it worth it? Because I do realize I will have to go through numerous standardized examinations - MCAT, Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3 CS, and residency boards. Also the stress of interviews, applications (both initial and for residency), research papers, etc. Or will I always regret not going back for medical school?

Hello all! I’m relatively new to this site and it’s my first time posting. I recently submitted my applications and I received an email yesterday from a school about my grade in Orgo 1. I got a C- (ugh. I know) and they said that they couldn’t substitute Orgo 2 for that requirement. They asked if I would be interested in retaking the course which I am interested in doing if it’ll increase my chances of getting in. My question is: how do I go about adding that to my application if I’m not taking the class until the fall? Should I call each program I applied to and tell them my intention of retaking it or should I just add it to my transcript on CASPA saying it’s in progress even though it won’t start until August? Thanks in advance!

Hey does anyone know if you can apply to LIU before you take the GRE?

Hello, I am having a lot of trouble trying to narrow down schools to apply to. Where I currently live, most of the schools nearby I cannot apply to because of my stats so I am seeking out of state options. I am ending my sophomore year so I still have another year before I can begin applying (and another year to continue to boost my GPA). Any help would be appreciated! GPA currently: 3.426 ( My last semester has not been added in still and my science GPA would be similar) I am not taking Ochem 2 or biochem but I have planned/taken genetics, cell bio, microbio, ochem 1, 2 semesters of general bio and 2 semesters of general chem, med term, med ethics, anatomy, physiology, and most other pre-reqs. My main issue is that I have AP credit for statistics that my university accepts for my BS degree but I have noticed that there are some PA schools that do not accept that. I am also extremely involved and by the time I apply, I will have a high number of service/leadership hours (President of my schools Pre-PA Association, chapter correspondent and philanthropy committee for my sorority, recruitment chair for the universities Relay for Life, and involved in other orgs). I have worked as a nursing assistant at the city's major hospital for over a year and I am seeking another job as a scribe in the ER. I have not begun shadowing yet because of COVID affecting my summer opportunities. If you have experience in applying or likes/dislikes of literally any schools, I would appreciate it! I am not trying to decide on a school right now, I am simply trying to gain insight on potential schools to apply to since the ones near me are not options (Ohio/Michigan area). I have started a detailed list of schools I have researched, but I am struggling to find realistic options and those that I would be able to apply to. Thanks!

New program pending accreditation. Good luck to all the prospects that are applying!

I had to retake one class my freshman year, and I really do not want to waste a few sentences in my personal statement to speak about it. Although, I also understand it is best to address it somewhere. Is there another place on CASPA to discuss shortcomings on your application? I do not see a place, but I want to make sure I am not missing something.

Hi, I was looking around on google and couldn’t find any direct information, but I was curious if anyone has a comprehensive list of schools that have waived the GRE due to the current situation afflicting our nation? Any information would be great. Thanks!

I didn't see a thread yet for the 2019-2020 cycle. Good luck to everyone applying!

Hi everyone, I am hoping that someone will be able to point me in the direction of some hospitals or private practices that have preceptors who are willing to take PA students in the scottsdale, mesa, Glendale, chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Phoenix area of Arizona. I am currently a first year PA student at Hofstra university in New York and we are getting ready for rotations this year. For my program, we are allowed to do two rotations out of state so I hoping to go to Arizona. However, we are responsible for finding the preceptor and giving the information to Hofstra. I will be staying in Scottsdale but I am willing to drive!! Any information will be helpful as I am not really sure where to begin looking or who to contact. Thank you SO much in advance!!! Hunter

New thread for the 2019-2020 cycle. Best of luck everyone!

Hello all San Diego PA's! I'm looking to shadow a Physician Assistant of any specialty here in San Diego County/Temecula area . I am studying pre-PA coursework at a local college for pre requisites and have been an EMT in San Diego for 8 months.I am professional, passionate about medicine, and inquisitive. I would be very grateful for any opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to reading my post.

Volunteers from the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SURGICAL PAs, the first PA professional organization to host Pre-PA events, will be hosting an engaging and informative PRE PA COACHING SEMINAR in TAMPA FLORIDA WHEN JAN 18 2020 4-9:30 PM WHERE: USF CAMLS center https://camls-us.org/ Faculty, students, and lecturers from Cornell University, USF, Stony Brook University, Loyola Marymount, Touro, and others are all presenting or planning to attend. Opportunities for mock interviews as well as critical CASPA essay reviews available You can not miss this seminar...amazing admission tips, mock interviews, essay reviews, cutting edge PA news, and networking, shadowing, and volunteer experiences! WOW!You will:*meet PA leaders & admission advisors*learn first hand tips and tricks to become a successful PA Program applicant.*Understand the amazing & rapidly growing PA career field. *Get new info on CASPA! *Earn a certificate of attendance, great on a CASPA application! This event is hosted by AASPA and given by Surgical PAs, PA school faculty members, and admissions experts! All volunteer their time to give this seminar. Come and learn amazing admissions tips & tricks! Understand the process from the inside and find out why PA school has become so competitive to get into and what admission committees look for.CNN, Money Magazine, US Dept of Labor list the PA profession as one of the fastest growing & highest paid careers.AASPA is proud to be THE FIRST PA organization to offer Pre-PA seminars, which have become more and more popular. *Seating is limited*Dress is casual, but not too casual (you may meet a future PA school interviewer!!)This amazing seminar will include:-Overview of the PA Profession-PA Profession news that all applicants need to know-Essentials of academic prerequisites-Health care/patient care prerequisites-How to deal with CASPA-PA-wanna-be essays-How to stand out as an applicant-Tips for the returning student-One on one and group Q & A session-and much more!Registration/donation ($25): aaspa.com Since AASPA is a non-profit and the faculty are volunteers, it makes a great tax-writeoff! **For groups of 5 or more, you save $15 on each registration, email ceo@aaspa.com for info!!**QUESTIONS?? aaspa@affinity-strategies.com or Corrine Marconi, Executive Director corrine@affinity-strategies.comHOT TIPS*On the same day, Saturday January 18, AASPA is hosting an ultrasound workshop with SPOCUS...volunteer opportunities to be an ultrasound model ...what a way to build your CASPA application. *BRING YOUR RESUME, BUSINESS CARDS, AND SAMPLE ESSAY! To volunteer to be a POCUS model: aaspa@affinity-strategies.com*Discounted hotel rates will be available for Friday and Saturday nights for those flying in and/or volunteering at the ultrasound session. AASPA.COM for info (coming soon) AASPA Pre-PA FLyer 2020.pdf

Hey all, Been reading a lot about applicants who have taken a biology/health-science/etc. masters program in an effort to improve their GPA or to "show" PA schools that they can handle tough, upper level coursework. I was wondering what you'd consider the "cut-off" to be for when you should or should not pursue a masters? Anything less than 3.7? 3.6? 3.5? 3.4? Quite frankly I've been considering this myself (I'd be happy to provide my stats). I know a lot of factors obviously go into a decision like this (trends, cGPA, sGPA, pre-reqGPA, HCE, shadowing, the application as a whole, etc.), but just kinda wondering what peoples inclinations are on this. Thanks!

HI! I am a current student looking to gain clinical experience as a medical scribe but am not sure where to start! I have tried to do my own research but every site I find seems to offer jobs once I am certified ( which I am not) . I want to make sure I take the correct steps and having someone I could come to with questions would be extremely helpful! thanks in advance !