MPH Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Greetings. I have a PhD in Human Bioenergetics (cognates in Physiology and Biology) and currently am a tenured Associate Professor at a mid-level University. For the last 10 years I have been primarily involved in research as a PI on NIH funded grants with some teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. I have become disenchanted with the research and academic systems and in considering a career shift the PA seems to be a feasible option. Are there programs in place to facilitate such a transition or would I need to go through the process like an undergraduate would? I'm not sure how feasible it would be to start from scratch. My wife is a Nurse Practitioner so I know the value of non-MD health care providers and thus a large part of my interest in the PA route over a life in academia. Thanks in advance for any feedback. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted September 2, 2014 Moderator Share Posted September 2, 2014 some programs may waive a few courses for you, but the process is the same for everyone, even foreign trained physicians who wish to become PAs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoopeda Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Most program websites indicate whether they accept "life experience" or "transfer" credits. I haven't found any that do, but the fact that they're stating this suggests to me that someone out there has got to accept them. That said, the fully training is only two years, with the second year being clinical rotations, so even if you get out of a class or two, you're still more-or-less stuck in a typical PA course of study. Might be worth asking admissions about, but I imagine as you start looking into all the different programs out there, some other qualities of your target schools might override your current consideration (i.e., quality and location of rotation locations, tuition cost, PANCE pass rates, etc). Food for thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LESH Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 "...or would I need to go through the process like an undergraduate would?" I believe that currently this is the process for the majority (if not all) physician assistant programs in the U.S. If there are programs that grant advanced standing it should be published either on their Web site or informational literature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinntsp Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I highly doubt you'd get advanced standing anywhere but you may find a program that would waive pre-req expiration requirements based on your current career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paula Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 The good thing is if you become a PA you won't have to worry if someone calls you Doc. LOL! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted September 2, 2014 Moderator Share Posted September 2, 2014 I highly doubt you'd get advanced standing anywhere but you may find a program that would waive pre-req expiration requirements based on your current career. I've seen programs waive single courses for those with doctorates in that field(licensed pharmacist doesn't have to take pharm, etc). it doesn't shorten the program though as everything else is required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPH Posted September 3, 2014 Author Share Posted September 3, 2014 Thanks for the replies. Looks like the best thing to do is contact programs directly and see what can be worked out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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