whickered Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Hello, I realize that this is an unusual question, but I am feeling a little stuck and I'm hoping that I will be able to get some advice here... I have mild diplegic cerebral palsy (i.e., it affects my lower body. In my case, my upper body is unimpaired) and I would like to pursue being a physician assistant. My CP does not affect my cognitive abilities; I have a 3.8 GPA at a competitive college and by the end of this semester, I will have completed the academic prerequisites that I need to apply to PA school. I've talked to admissions directors, PAs, MDs, and other healthcare professionals and they have all expressed confidence that I could physically handle PA school and being a PA. Although my gait is visibly different, I walk unaided and can sit/stand for long periods. However, I've been having difficulty identifying direct patient care experience that would be physically practical for me, given my CP. I know that the majority of PA schools don't accept scribe work, and I'm worried about the physical requirements of being a CNA/EMT. I was considering getting my CNA certification, but I don't have the balance to perform the heavy lifting that is often required of CNAs. Does anyone have any ideas or input? I would be tremendously appreciative of any and all suggestions. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuralER/Ortho Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 Medical assistant may be a good fit. Often times they are employed in offices - rooming patients, taking vitals, etc. Less physical than an EMT in the field or CNA in a long term care facility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosslyn Posted January 5, 2016 Share Posted January 5, 2016 It depends on the program, but some of the programs around me accept phlebotomy experience. I second that medical assistant is closest to the cna experience and might be a bit more something you can handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harekr Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 I actually was about to post a very similiar question. I've got an articular cartilage tear in my right knee, it's had an arthroscopy, but was a debride and clean out only. Now I'm in limbo between it's not good enough to stay on my feet more than a few hours a day(and need breaks to even go that long), and not bad enough for more major intervention How to get HCE with that much of a limit of time on feet is eluding me. I'm one class from being done with pre-reqs for most places with a 4.0 so far, but the knee is really putting a damper on things otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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