ThownAway8 Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 I need help. I got into 2 programs and im really excited, but I cant choose. Both had cheap seat deposits so I just paid them both to be on the safe side and give myself until the end of march to decide(both are summer start programs). I have no undergrad debt btw. here is my dilemma: program 1: highly ranked PA program, 24 months, in new city where I have no friends/family, seems like a great school, overall cost including moving would be around 100-120k worth of debt, Class doesn't seem to diverse/worried I may be on the outs since im a minority, weather in area is TERRIBLE in winter, cheaper tuition, 24 month program, seems like the school does everything in its power to make tuition and cost of books as free/cheap as possible, emphasis on interpersonal skills but also seems to blend health equity into curriculum program 2: new PA program from established medical school, cost would be 87-97K, I can live at home, strong support network here, stronger professional network here, not sure about PANCE rates since i would be in the 2nd class ever, not sure if I want to stay in this city/state for the rest of my life, wouldn’t have to worry about being a minority, my whole family wants me to go here, huge cultural prestige if I do go to this school, cost of living is slightly cheaper in this area if I do decide to move out, base tuition is 12K more expansive, 28 month program, seems like school wants me to buy a lot of expensive equipment before I start, emphasis on health equity Both schools start dates are like a 7 days apart so there isn't much of a difference there. I also have a cat to consider when it comes to moving. The sagittarius in me is telling me program 1 because its a new and exciting city to explore. My brain is telling me program B because it would be cheaper to live at home and I would have an established support network here. Ive already lived in another city by myself before and though it was tough- I eventually made friends and had a life. i have a good month before I have to make a decision, but I need some guidance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiovolffemtp Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 Key piece of data to get: job placement by recent graduates. That 1st paycheck is the real goal. As long as grads from each program are having good luck finding the jobs they want, go with the lower cost program. Your real learning comes from your 1st job, PA school just gets you ready to be a beginner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeBuyAndSellJunk Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 (edited) As much as programs and students seem to chalk up PANCE pass rates to how well a particular program may educate you, a whole lot more of passing the PANCE is self directed. You will pass if you can keep up with the studying and grind. The people who coast are the ones I see failing. I agree with the poster above too. Are both programs getting people in to good clinical rotations and in the areas where they would generally like to be? I would worry a lot about a new program in that regard. Rotations are really tight and hard to secure right now. You learn a lot of stuff during a good clinical rotation too that you will never see on the PANCE. You also get job offers and make connections that way. Financially, you may save money being at home, but not if it cost you 30-50k in lost revenue because you have to spend 5 months finding a job and pay to move across the country to start. Edited February 12, 2020 by printer2100 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThownAway8 Posted February 12, 2020 Author Share Posted February 12, 2020 H 26 minutes ago, printer2100 said: As much as programs and students seem to chalk up PANCE pass rates to how well a particular program may educate you, a whole lot more of passing the PANCE is self directed. You will pass if you can keep up with the studying and grind. The people who coast are the ones I see failing. I agree with the poster above too. Are both programs getting people in to good clinical rotations and in the areas where they would generally like to be? I would worry a lot about a new program in that regard. Rotations are really tight and hard to secure right now. You learn a lot of stuff during a good clinical rotation too that you will never see on the PANCE. You also get job offers and make connections that way. Financially, you may save money being at home, but not if it cost you 30-50k in lost revenue because you have to spend 5 months finding a job and pay to move across the country to start. how do I go about finding if people are getting hired? Should I DM current students? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WeBuyAndSellJunk Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 Ask the program director. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.