Search the Community

Hello Everyone, St. John's just sent their supps out so we can finally start completing our applications. Best of luck to everyone.

Hello, I'm a new user on this board and am in a bit of a pickle. I was originally a Pre-Nursing major, but switched my major to biology(pre-pa) before taking the TEAS for Nursing. Marywood University has a 5-year PA program that undergrads can transfer into with the only requirement being a 3.0 GPA. The only catch is that admission into the professional phase (the actual PA program) is competitive, and still requires an interview and possibly even GREs. I'm in my sophomore year and am a bit behind since I had to switch from Pre-Nursing, but have managed to finish both semesters of general chemistry, and Biology I. I was wondering if it would be worth it to transfer into this program in the Spring semester of my sophomore year and finish Organic I and II over the summer so that a good chunk of my Science pre-requisites will be finished. Any current transfer students at Marywood are welcome to chime in as well. Also, how many of you guys in the Pre-PA track were accepted into the professional phase? What was your GPA and HCE?

Starting a post for the 2018-2019 cycle for Cal Baptist University's PA program! Good luck everyone!

Hey everyone, I completed my undergrad this spring and took biochem and microbio in the summer which I received a C and a C+ (A- in the lab), respectively, which does not look on my application. I am contemplating taking pathophys and genetics or retake biochem and microbio online via UNE online. Has anyone taken these courses online at UNE? If so, how hard were they? How long did the courses take? Any insight would be helpful. I'm not really sure what I'd be getting myself into if I go in blind. Plus, the only online course I ever took was medical terminology at my university during undergrad. P.S. Should I retake biochem and microbio OR should I take pathophys and genetics? Does it matter? I want to prove that I can do well in upper level bio courses.

Hey all -- New to the forum. I'm a post-BA student with a degree in Geography/Economics, where I focused on community development and the more sociological side of things... Years after my graduation, I decided to take the plunge into the medical field instead. I currently am an EMS worker with the goal to be involved with the Global Health field in the future (main interest in water/sanitation/infectious diseases, etc.).. Given the short background, my thought process is directed at doing a P.A. program with the hopes of being able to utilize that both domestically and abroad... SO -- I suppose my main questions are: 1.) Does this seem like a good approach, given my main interest being in global health? I'm currently 29 -- so to try and backtrack at this point and attempt to go to Med School seems like an idea I'm being nudged away from... especially from physicians I've met en route at hospitals and others that I know. Additionally -- I'm wondering if there are any sorts of databases that show P.A. programs with International Clinical Elective rotations? Going from site to site to try and find my best case scenario is becoming somewhat wasteful in terms of time utilization it seems. OR -- better yet, have you heard of any programs that seem to offer this opportunity and/or are the best types of programs for this interest? May seem like a pretty broad and rounded question, but thought maybe you all could offer some insight. Thanks a ton! Michael

What is it's reputation, are they a good school? I saw they are also having a PA program in Richmond, VA. What about that one?

To all accepted, Congratulations! Join our FB Group when you get a chance! - Adventist University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Class of 2018 For housing purposes, getting to know each other, and preparing for the start of school in May! Can't wait to get to know everyone.

Hey, this is my first post! I've been in Urgent Care x2 years (poorly run and need to get out), moving on to surgical specialty. I loved my OR rotations and I enjoy doing procedures. I have two offers on the table for neurosurgery and having difficulty deciding which would be more enjoyable. They are very similar (including salary and travel) with a few big differences. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 1. Teaching Hospital. 0630-1500, M-F, no weekend or call. 17 days PTO, 10 holidays, 5 CME days PA's at teaching hospital mostly round and consult. Have to fight residents for any procedures and you get extremely little (if any) time in the OR, but you are a part of a team that is present 24/7 and I feel I can gain much knowledge concerning the field and the staff is great and respect the PAs. 2. Community Hospital. 0700-1500, M-F, No weekend or call. (Generally) 18 days PTO, 6 holidays, 3 CME days I will be sole neurosurgery provider at community hospital daily (more autonomy). Rounding and consulting, but 2 days a week in OR as first assist with elective neurosurgery cases. Neurosurgeons rotate in from nearby Level 1 trauma center (same hospital company) with a large Neurosurg ICU run by PAs 15 minutes away that gets the high acuity cases. I will have to rotate there one week every 2-3 months which may include a weekend shift (12 hr). Staff here also seem nice (but not as much of a family feel as the other) and one of the neurosurgeons teach for a nearby university so there's a sort of teaching mentality from them that seems like I can learn a lot from them as well. Basically, anyone have input on working in an academic setting vs community? Would the perks at an academic setting be enough to give up scrub time and some procedures? I do enjoy "hands on" things a lot, but also want to gain experience and knowledge for the future. Thanks a ton for any advice.

DREXEL UNIVERSITY vs. A.T. STILL UNIVERSITY I received my offers only a few days apart, ATSU before Drexel. Before any of my interviews, Drexel was my number one choice. Looking back, I had little basis for this, other than its reputation and I’ve got a friend who is a first student there who rants and raves about it. My first interview was at Drexel, so I was naturally very nervous. I had no clue what to expect, it was an all day experience and I felt brain fried and overwhelmed by the end. I thought I performed horribly during the individual interview (guess not, since I’ve been accepted), but also felt I was cut off with a lot of my answers. Also, certain tour faculty made some bad jokes, which I know were meant to be taken lightheartedly, but with my nerves, left with a tiny bad taste in my mouth. In all honestly, I felt as though Drexel was out of the question and that I would be denied or at best, waitlisted. The acceptance came as a complete shock, but a happy and grateful one. So that’s why I am in the predicament I am now. As far as my interview at ATSU, it was my favorite interview by FAR out of the 6 I’ve been on. It was my 5th interview. Extremely professional and thorough day. They made me really want to go here and I envisioned myself as a student there. It was the “gut feeling” I had hoped I would eventually find. I was sold on ATSU, it was my #1 choice, since I’d already mentally crossed Drexel off my list, but getting the Drexel phone call only a couple of days later, I now couldn’t be more confused. The gut feeling has drifted and I’m 50/50 divided. Truly. If it helps, cGPA: 3.50, sGPA: 3.43, GRE: 155 Q, 154 V, 4.0 Writing, 3 years HCE part-time (~1850 hours), 250 shadowing hours, 100 volunteer hours. LOCATION: For background, I’ve got no real geographical ties to either place. Love the heat and opportunity for outdoor/nature activities in AZ, but also love the city life of Drexel. I know that’s a little contradictory, but I could see myself in either place. I’m from the Midwest and as each year passes, I find myself becoming less tolerant of the unbearable cold weather. Philly wouldn’t be much of a change in that aspect. But, I fully understand that I’ll be locked inside a library 24/7 and won’t have much time for exploring in either place. But at least I’ll want to look out the window and be happy. With that…ROTATIONS: Drexel: First year in Philly, second year maybe in Philly and surrounding area, but I know a current student who is just starting their 2nd year and has rotations in PA, MI, NY, and SD…and is expected to pick up everything and move every 6 weeks. I know this is not unusual for a lot of programs) ATSU: First year in AZ, second year either in the surrounding Phoenix area (no relocation at all), OR relocate for the FULL year to a Community Health Center either in CA, WI, or GA. Less moving around. They are expanding their rotations, but this is a concern seeing as they were on probation for issues with this in the past. EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY: Drexel: Attention to the underserved, rather general and consistent with most other programs across the nation. Liked it, great. ATSU: Entire emphasis on serving the underserved, and practicing with a holistic approach and incorporation of patient mind, body, and spirit. I love this aspect and am sincerely drawn to underserved populations, but am weary in that I’ve never practiced as a PA in an underserved setting before. Of course, I’m not writing a contract selling my life to the underserved by going here, but you get the point. RANKING: According to US News 2014… Drexel: 13 ATSU: 40 LEARNING STYLE: Drexel: Didn’t find a whole lot of difference between Drexel and ATSU in this department, but please correct me if I’m wrong. Drexel encourages self-directed learning, but does give a lot of exams to keep the student current and in check. They will really prepare me to be a graduate level, professional thinker. My friend in the program said that the class is broken up for smaller group learning, and enjoys that. ATSU: A lot of emphasis on out-of-seat and self-directed learning too, which I like. They mix it up with group work, different modules, etc. This would keep me focused and eager to learn instead of sitting in a chair, looking at a board for 8 hours a day. What really caught my attention is that on interview day, current students told us they rarely had sit down, formal exams, but instead were tested in other ways. I trust that I will be prepared for the PANCE at either school, based on percentages. COMPETITION: This is what I’ve gathered from my interview, talking with current students at both, and from what I’ve read. Obviously, in any program, there are going to be very competitive students and those who are not. I can associate and study with whomever I choose. Probably biased though. Drexel: More cut throat and competition between students. ATSU: More encouraging environment. AFFILIATIONS: Drexel: HUGE HUGE HUGE. Hahnemann Hospital. This will be potentially life changing, with all of the doors this opportunity may open for me, the connections I will make, etc. ATSU: No hospital affiliation. But is affiliated with other programs within Arizona School of Health Sciences. Doubt that affects much though. HISTORY: Drexel: One of the nation’s oldest programs. That means something with regards to the type of PAs they produce. ATSU: ASHS began in 1995, but moved to Mesa, AZ in 2001. So, it’s relatively new. BUT, home of the world’s first osteopathic medical school. CADAVER LAB: Of minimal importance to me. I took a full dissection cadaver lab in undergrad along site medical students. I know it’s not the same training as PA school, but at least I’ve had exposure. Drexel: No dissections. Limited access to cadavers. Lab work mostly done virtually. ATSU: Use human cadavers during the first year as a lab component to go along with anatomy. There is dissection. FIRST YEAR CLINICAL EXPOSURE: Drexel: Not a whole lot. You can go over to the hospital and there is a lot of helpful staff willing to teach you things, but this is really reserved for second year. ATSU: Not a whole lot, again. But, 3x each term, there are great opportunities to clinical experiences in clinics, medical examiner offices, fire department, surgery, community health centers, etc. Factors that are also less significant in my decision making process: Cost: ATSU is more expensive tuition-wise, but living in Philly will hike up the costs. Both are relatively similar. Class Size: Drexel ~80, ATSU ~70. Similar. Grading: Drexel 71.5%, ATSU 70%. Trust me, I am not trying to just slip by and get the minimum grade possible during PA school. I take a lot of pride in my work, but do not gauge my eyes out when I don’t get 100%. I also understand that the PANCE is based on all of this info I’m learning during that didactic year, so I need to thoroughly know and retain the information. Regardless, there isn’t much difference between the two. PANCE: I hate that everyone emphasizes this so much. I’m going to pass the PANCE wherever I go. They’re both right around the national average. I’ll be okay. Length: Drexel 27, ATSU 26 Simulations: Both have great, new, state-of-the-art simulation labs. Electives: I’m not basing this choice on this. SPECIFIC CONCERNS: Drexel: I’ve heard and read that their attrition rates are super high. That the class will start out with 80 students and lose 15 due to failing anatomy. Or those students have the choice of waiting a year to retake anatomy and end up on a 3-year track. I know I cannot make my decision based on the anticipation of failing anatomy, but it caught my attention. ATSU: Probation. I know it’s no longer on probation, but I don’t want a future employer to say, “Oh you’re from ATSU, isn’t that the program that was put on probation?” I’ve read two things. One, the program was on probation because students were missing out on required rotations. Two, the program was on probation because the PANCE scores dropped to 81% in 2011. I know it’s fixed now and that at the end of the day, I’m going to pass the PANCE, since scores since then have been 94%+ (last year 96%). I would say from the gut feeling I got at the interview, my choice is ATSU. But I feel like I really really cannot pass up the opportunity at Drexel. Don’t get me wrong, I really like their program as well. Everything I’ve read says, “it doesn’t matter where you go, go where you feel best suits you, it won’t matter.” But when we really get down to it, I do believe that it does matter. It will influence who I meet in my future and future opportunities. If anyone has additional questions for me, please let me know. Also, please correct me if any of what I’ve written is incorrect! Sorry for the long post, but this is a huge decision for me here! I greatly appreciate your time and effort in reading and responding to this. Thank you!

Hello all, I am attempting to prophylactically treat any confusion that may arise due to GRU changing the name of the university again. As of today, GRU will now be called Augusta University. I hope this clears up any discrepancy that may arise. I cannot deny nor confirm this going down better with A1 sauce or any prior Australian influence, but it could be gold. Good day, HS

I don't know if this has been asked before, but I will ask anyway since I really need some advice. Long story short, I took Anatomy and physiology I at a community college the first time and received a C and I also received a Withdraw in Anatomy and Physiology II. I will be transferring to a 4-year university this Fall 2015 as a junior and I am not sure if I should just retake Anatomy and Physiology at the University where it is offered as separate courses or if I should just retake them at the same community college again while I am enrolled at the university. I asked the PA programs I want to apply to and they have no preference on where you take your courses; however I am just worried that it will hinder my application to be taking community college courses while I am enrolled at a university since it may look like I am taking the easy way out. Any advice? Thanks! - Kate

Hey everyone! So this is my situation :) I graduated from a 4 year university (UMD) where I took some pre-reqs. I now go to a community college where I am taking the rest of the pre-reqs PLUS higher level science courses. Should I complete the higher level science courses at the community college or a university? Would it make a difference? Thank you for your help! :)

The University i want to attend offers a pre-PA program and i was wondering if it's in my interest to go ahead and go to the 4 year school or attend community college and become an EMT to earn extra money and save up!?

Hey, has anyone heard back about interviews yet?

I am wrapping up my LVN program and have started to look at PA programs. I found a school in Riverside Ca ( Riverside County Regional Medical Center/Riverside Community College District) that is a community college that offers a PA program with no BA attached. The school look legit but I'm wondering how this is possible? I am 4 classes away from completing my BA (In communications) but have all my sciences done. If I can skip the 4 classes and go right into the PA program that would be AWESOME (I would of course later down the road go back and take the 4 classes). My question is, are people out there really hiring PA's with no BA degrees? Anyone know anything about this school or ever attended? Just seems to good to be true. Based on their website I meet all the pre-reqs (sciences, and 2000 hours in the medical field)