Boomers as PA's. Who was the oldest to graduate from a PA program?

[billmcc1]

This is just for fun, but I've been wondering how many of us Boomers changed careers to

become PA's. I changed from computer networking support to physician assistant. I had a head start because I'd been a medic in the Air Force during Vietnam, but I spent most of my working life in technology. So, anyway, I graduated from Barry University in St. Petersburg, Florida, at age 58. Do I hear any higher bids?

[marilynpac]

In the graduating class b/f mine the oldest was 55yrs.

[Avalon]

Inspiring story, billmcc1. Thanks for posting. Please tell me, was it worth the change?

 

I graduated last week at the age of 49. I left an academic career (yes, I resigned my tenure....) to train as a PA. I'm jobless, hopelessly in debt, and basically terrified at the prospect of practicing medicine.

 

Contrary to my parents' opinion when they attended the ceremony, I was not the "senior citizen" of my program. Two of my classmates outranked me - at ages 50 and 51 on graduation day.

[Iain1028]

Yep we had one guy that was in his mid 50s, retired park ranger from Alaska. He was one of the sharpest in the class....

[marilynpac]

I don't know if he was the sharpest in the class, but he sure was one of the nicest...

[roman6163]

Same here. I had a classmate who was in his early 50's

[bradtPA]

I was the oldest at 50....

[emfdj]

I was 57 when I graduated last year. My husband (whom I met in PA school) was 62 when he graduated in 2008.

[brookspa]

oldest male at grad 49...me

[Hemegroup]

I was 57 when I graduated last year. My husband (whom I met in PA school) was 62 when he graduated in 2008.

 

What a great story :)

[normarl]

Does anyone have any information on how difficult it was for the older students to get employed after graduating?

[bradtPA]

My personal experience was that it was not hard at all. I had a job offer prior to graduation.

 

Many first jobs come from clinical rotation sites that like what they see and make job offers contingent on graduation and passing the PANCE.

[karmicnoodle]

Wow, I thought maybe I was too old graduating at 43. Been doing this 5 years now and finally paying off the principle on my loans...

[emfdj]

I think the employers expect more of a recent grad when they are older because we look like we should be experenced. Which of course we are --just not in being a PA. And some of the residents during my rotations did a double take but usually were able to deal with it. The attendings were okay.

[tikilake]

Believe it or not one of my classmate was 67 years old when we graduated December 09. He was also one of the sharpest. He knew that he was the oldest guy to graduate from PA school in the county and he was proud of it. I am proud of him as well.

[ohiovolffemtp]

If I'm fortunate enough to be accepted into a PA program, I'll be 53 when I start and 55 or 56 when I finish. It's encouraging to hear from folks like billmcc1. I too spent a number of years in corporate America doing IT as well as working as a firefighter/paramedic.

[AlP]

My classmate was 63 yo, uc davis , graduated this year