Route to Army PA

[chills31]

Hello everyone! This is my first post here, so this is a little intimidating. I have thought out what path I'd like to take to become a PA, but I wanted to run it by those who have experience and see what kind of feedback there is. I am currently going to school in Idaho for a Bachelor's in Advanced Paramedic Studies. It allows you to become certified as a paramedic, gain the HCE you need for PA school, as well as fulfill the prerequisites for PA school. Growing up I had many youth leaders who were in the military, so serving our country has always been something I've wanted and been willing to do. I am planning on joining the Army Reserves as a 68W Health Care Specialist (aka medic) for experience and the opportunity to serve while in college before entering the paramedic portion of the program. Once I graduate, I would like to attend PA school and enter the Army active duty.

 

For those of you who have experience, either as an enlisted medic or as a PA currently in the military, does this seem like an acceptable route? Would both the experience as an Army medic and certification as a paramedic, plus the experience from that, be extra beneficial or a little too much when applying for a PA program? I apologize if I seem a little naive and sound as if this is an ideal world we live in and this is exactly how it will work out. I understand if I join any branch of the military that there is an extremely high chance I will be deployed, but I have been set on serving our country in some form for the past 10+ years. Thank you!

[3GeronimoPA]

Done the medic thing and now the PA thing without a Bachelors in Adv. Paramedic skills. I think your plan is legit. Doing the enlisted thing even in the reserves will give you a better feel for the Army than applying as a civilian. You have to have 3 years of military experience (your reserve time will count, and apparently so does ROTC or USMA) before you can apply. I'd say stick with your plan, if you have to do a year or so as a civilian paramedic/reserve medic that sounds like a good year to me. This route or the traditional Army medic route ought to make you a prime candidate but the program is now looking for "academic performers". It's all about school standings and has been for a few years now. They don't care who would make a good PA, they care who will bring up test scores so we rank higher than our competition. Sad reality. Keep your grades up. Good luck.

[doubledown10]

I agree 100% with GeronimoPA. I was also a medic that transitioned to the PA route. My enlisted time was invaluable as a foundation on which to build a acumen of basic knowledge in the medical field and the institution of the Army. I'm sure that every prior enlisted medic that ever wore hard stripes will agree, it's a legit route to go. Your plan is solid and totally do-able. And Geronimo PA is right again on the current classes. My class was the first to introduce officers to the course and I got in because I was a "well rounded soldier" which is what they used to look for. Now they are looking for the 4.0 GPA and so on and I don't ever see it changing back. It used to be almost a reward for the top echelon of medics to get into PA school. And if you decide that you don't want to go to IPAP, but a normal civilian school, your time in uniform will set you apart from your peers in any capacity and give you leadership experience as well confidence. My only suggestion is this, do your medic thing for a few years, apply for a commission with your degree, and apply that way if you can't get in as a joe. But stick to your guns, man. People might try to run you around a bit, don't falter and stay the course. Every one of us on here has gone through it and made it out on the other side, you can too!!!