ngoctruc83 Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I'm 30 yrs old, just starting thinking about PA school. Have a B.S. in biochemistry with 3.1 overall GPA, although low GPA in science courses. Have over 10 years of pharmacy experience. How should I build my experience? I just don't know where to start as far as getting a recommendation from a doctor and getting some hands-on practices. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andreasmo Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I would read through the advice here from another women interested in going PA http://www.physicianassistantforum.com/forums/showthread.php/40420-32-years-old-and-would-like-to-start-towards-PA I think you should start by researching programs you may be interested in. Most likely, you'll have to retake most if not all of the pre reqs since most programs require they be taken in the last 5/10 years. If you need someone to shadow, the easiest thing to do is to go to your states PA association and either look up a directory of current PAs or email and ask if they can provide you some guidance. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winterallsummer Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 We have 2-3 pharm techs in our class. Don't think they had any other HCE, maybe volunteered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eplaza Posted July 8, 2013 Share Posted July 8, 2013 I'm 30 yrs old, just starting thinking about PA school. Have a B.S. in biochemistry with 3.1 overall GPA, although low GPA in science courses. Have over 10 years of pharmacy experience. How should I build my experience? I just don't know where to start as far as getting a recommendation from a doctor and getting some hands-on practices. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Hello! I too am embarking on this journey! Although you are advanced in having your B.S. Go to my thread, there are tons of suggestions that are extent helpful!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted July 13, 2013 Share Posted July 13, 2013 With no experience, I would start with figuring out why do you want to be a PA. From there, shadowing and volunteering are decent ways to get a better of idea of what's going on. Depending on the school, the trend appears to be going away from direct hands on patient care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patho Posted July 15, 2013 Share Posted July 15, 2013 I'm in somewhat a similar situation. Med Tech with 4 years experience, tired of behind the scene work, wanted to advance myself, saw a great need in healthcare for people with limited access to medicine, PA was the solution. Steps I took: 1. Planned out a year long timeline. 2. I researched some programs, saw the ones I liked; looked at the pre reqs., planned out a course of action for those classes. 3. I contacted 2 clinics and currently volunteering at both. 4. Contacted several doctors, currently shadowing. 5. Made a list of people who would write me LOR, told some of my future plans, get the ball rolling so they remember me. 6. Apply the next year and see what happens. Good Luck to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ngoctruc83 Posted July 15, 2013 Author Share Posted July 15, 2013 Thank you for all the suggestions! All are very helpful. I have my why, I just need to perfect it on paper. I know which program I'd like to apply for. Also, I'm looking into volunteering. Again, thanks everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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