QuirkyMedKid Posted November 16, 2013 Another daunting question I have: what could joining the air force or any military program do to help me get into PA school? I've often heard of people making a "deal with the devil" by serving in a branch of the military actively for several years and in return, getting PA school paid for. My dad even said his military PA friend said something about a military PA program in San Antonio that'd take me before undergrad! Is any of this true? Can anyone elaborate on this kind of thing? I probably don't know what I'm talking about so I figured there might be a few military PA's out there. What's this all about, guys?
newbeginning Posted November 16, 2013 All branches of the military have a scholarship program that pays for your program and in return you serve active duty for some many terms (length depends on program). If you're up to it, go for it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wet Dog Posted November 16, 2013 The military PA school is one school for all of the branches. Imagine how competitive that is and then square it. The minimum academic prereqs are low and so are the minimum hce reqs, but you're limited to that one school and competing against 10 year corpsman plus there are minimum rank and time in service requirements. I considered trying for it while I was active, but figured my chances were better in the civilian world where I could apply to multiple schools and increase my odds. The military paid for my undergrad and gi bill will pay for PA school. Sometimes you can get them to let you out temporarily to pursue a particular program. Not guaranteed, and probably tough. And I think you go back in with your same job and paygrade and have to compete for a position in your new career area. Sent from my VS840 4G using Tapatalk 2
newbeginning Posted November 16, 2013 Go for the scholarship instead of the Military PA program. That way you can attend the program of your choice and may possibly have a high chance of successfully completing the program. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted November 17, 2013 Moderator Another daunting question I have: what could joining the air force or any military program do to help me get into PA school? I've often heard of people making a "deal with the devil" by serving in a branch of the military actively for several years and in return, getting PA school paid for. My dad even said his military PA friend said something about a military PA program in San Antonio that'd take me before undergrad! Is any of this true? Can anyone elaborate on this kind of thing? I probably don't know what I'm talking about so I figured there might be a few military PA's out there. What's this all about, guys? Go look at the interservice physician assistant program (IPAP). You would have to take some undergrad courses at least, and also you would probably be doing something for the military for a few years since you have to enlist BEFORE you can apply. Get a scholarship.
Moderator LT_Oneal_PAC Posted November 17, 2013 Moderator All branches of the military have a scholarship program that pays for your program and in return you serve active duty for some many terms (length depends on program). If you're up to it, go for it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Army does not have a scholarship for PAs.
S Brake Posted November 17, 2013 If for some reason I am unable to secure an NHSC scholarship, I'd look real hard at serving in the military to have my loans paid off.
CorpsmanUP Posted November 17, 2013 This fiscal year, the Air Force is offering no scholarships and the Navy has switched all of their spots to the HSCP option which gives you pay and benefits of E6 but you are on your own for tuition costs. As far as IPAP is concerned, at lest for the Navy, you better be $#!t Hot in academics and have picked up second class or be in the special operations community as they have about 15 spots a year. As far as numbers go the Army gets the most slots a year; however, regardless of how good your package is your chain of command has a huge impact on you getting a seat and can make it DOA if they have issues with you going.
QuirkyMedKid Posted November 19, 2013 Author Thanks, everyone. I figured it was a "too good to be true" deal anyway. I'm considering completing civilian PA school while being in the reserves and then doing stuff for the military, however that works.
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