CodyAuge Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 I am currently 22 and I am extremely interested in becoming a PA. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor but in my late high school years my family went through some financial issues and I had to work full time to keep our house and vehicles. Now I'm 22 starting my bachelor's in Biology and bartending full time at a restaurant. I have a 3.4 GPA now and would like to obviously improve that with my bachelor's degree. As far as PA school I need HCE hours . I was a massage therapist for 2 years but unfortunately those hours do not count toward patient care. Any suggestions as to what would be the best route to enter a PA program ? I have A's and B's on all my science courses. I love medicine and the human body.I've always pictured myself in the Healthcare field and love that a PA is so versatile and can help not only the patients at anytime but the medical team whenever you're needed as well. Thank you in advance ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
educatedblkman Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 age aint nothing but a number dont get caught up into all of that. I know society is rampant with ageism but focus on HCE and GPA. Im 38 and now attempting to enter PA school after 10+ years as a Microbiologist. HCE is the biggest thing you should worry about because many school desire over 1000 hrs. Note this as well...you probably will need to obtain a cert or another degree for your HCE. I got a CNA license recently so im looking to do hours in that. My point is that many HCE reqs will require additional schooling that could take 2 years to complete such as EMT/paramedic. CNA is grunts work for sure and you have to be willing and able; you are taking care of complete strangers and wiping buttocks, feeding and clothing, etc so it isnt for everyone. CNA however in my opinion is the best and quickest way to get your HCE. Many HCE jobs or volunteer work dont interact with patients constantly like a CNA and you need the experience to see if you like dealing with patients and their ailments and figure out if this is for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodyAuge Posted August 10, 2015 Author Share Posted August 10, 2015 Thank you for your input ! I was thinking continue bartending for now to save money then finish my bio degree. Take the 3 month emt course and work at that for a full year and get as many hours as possible . Then with the money saved from bartending and emt I can apply to PA school and have enough money saved to cover bills while attending. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diggy Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 That's a sound plan. Good luck Thank you for your input ! I was thinking continue bartending for now to save money then finish my bio degree. Take the 3 month emt course and work at that for a full year and get as many hours as possible . Then with the money saved from bartending and emt I can apply to PA school and have enough money saved to cover bills while attending. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
educatedblkman Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 ohh ok i thought EMT was longer than 3 months but I guess if you want to matriculate to paramedic sure....i did my CNA class in 2 months for $250 at a local community college. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbum Posted August 10, 2015 Share Posted August 10, 2015 Many programs like to see HCE that requires some training to do and that requires a certification. Beyond that, I'd say just pick something that interests you and be sure to make the most of it. I (and many others) enthusiastically endorse EMT. Do everything you can to protect that GPA. 3.4 is probably competitive at most programs, but will be a little below average at some. The higher you can get it, the better off you'll be. Spend some time preparing for the GRE....it's not really a hard test, but if you go in ill-prepared, it'll show in your score. Work hard at preparing, and that will show too. Learn everything you can about the programs you might be interested in attending...every school is looking for a little something different. Most importantly, check in here from time to time for information, advice, motivation, and a more than occasional laugh. The people on this forum seem to be a very helpful bunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodyAuge Posted August 10, 2015 Author Share Posted August 10, 2015 You are all very helpful thank you so much for your words of advice and motivation! I'm anxious to start this journey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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