MediK8 Posted September 23, 2019 Share Posted September 23, 2019 I am a sophomore at a 4-year university and getting all of my pre-reqs in with plans to go to PA school. I have planned to get my certificate as a Medical Assistant AFTER graduation, and spend the next year and a half after that working as such/getting my patient care hours and then apply to PA school my second year out of college. I'm not in a hurry and would rather get some shadowing/volunteering in during my undergrad summers vs. getting my CMA now and working while attending school full time. Does anyone see this is as a disadvantage? I like the idea of focusing on one thing at a time as opposed to trying to cram everything in so that I can apply to PA school my senior year. But if this will reflect poorly on me in any way, I'd like to know! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UGoLong Posted September 23, 2019 Share Posted September 23, 2019 I see no problem with your approach if that works best for your style. You might consider sprinkling in some additional coursework in the evening to stay current with school and to add to your knowledge.Good luck!Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samson113 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 That is exactly what I did, but not by choice. I applied during my senior year with no PCE and received only waitlists and rejections. Fast forward a year the only real change in my experience was an EMT cert and 2000+ EMT hours and I’m sitting at 3 acceptances currently. I feel I am adequately prepared to start school and have some great experience to boot. It may take a bit longer, but you’ll have a much better chance of learning and having a good application if you are able to focus on one aspect at a time. I agree with above comment, sprinkling coursework will keep your head in the academic study mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MediK8 Posted September 25, 2019 Author Share Posted September 25, 2019 Thank you both. And congrats to you on 3 acceptances, Samson113! So exciting! Samson, how long did it take you to get your EMT cert? You were able to get that AND get 2000 hours in a year? The Medical Assisting programs I've been looking at are going to take me a year and then I've got to get the PCE hours after that, so I feel like I'm looking at two years??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samson113 Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 On 9/25/2019 at 9:15 AM, MediK8 said: Thank you both. And congrats to you on 3 acceptances, Samson113! So exciting! Samson, how long did it take you to get your EMT cert? You were able to get that AND get 2000 hours in a year? The Medical Assisting programs I've been looking at are going to take me a year and then I've got to get the PCE hours after that, so I feel like I'm looking at two years??? The EMT took me only a summer to get so around 3-4 months. I worked 24 on and 48 off for a while, so roughly 60 hrs a week takes 33ish weeks. All together about a year. I would highly recommend the experience, both in terms of hours and learning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjspa Posted September 27, 2019 Share Posted September 27, 2019 I been working as an uncertified medical assistant for over two years. Before spending the time and money it takes to become certified, I would look into job opportunities in your area to see if they require a certification. In my city, it would have taken one year and over $20,000 to get a certification, which is just a waste of money in my opinion if you're planning on going to PA school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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