evansan Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 I'm graduating from a Texas university in August with a BS and am set on becoming a PA. I have a decent GPA---3.65 total and 3.5 science, by CASPA calculations. I spent 3 months in Ethiopia working with street kids at schools, orphanages, and HIV orphanages. I have also volunteered for organizations in my community, and have had several internships in non-health related fields. In one of the internships I directly interacted with psych patients, but it was in a counseling setting (not HCE). I'm pretty weak in actual patient care experience. I have about 80 hours shadowing experience and a great relationship with a PA that has been mentoring me, but apart from that and volunteering in a hospital for about a year, I don't have anything. The Texas schools don't require any HCE, though they do obviously look well upon it, so I've applied to a couple schools this cycle because, hey, why not? I'm going to be working on my EMT-B certification this fall, but I'm just wondering whether you guys think I might have a chance this cycle? I am really hoping to get an answer from someone familiar with Texas schools. I know they say that direct patient care is not a requirement, but I am wondering if anyone without direct patient care experience actually gets in. I am also wondering if, assuming I get an interview, they will take into account that I will have some experience as an EMT-B prior to matriculation, if they accepted me. I am taking the GRE in a little over a week, and my application won't be reviewed until after they receive my scores, and I just hate all this waiting!!! Like everyone else, ha ha. :) Thanks for your feedback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted July 12, 2012 Moderator Share Posted July 12, 2012 if you apply broadly you will likely get in somewhere in the current pa educational climate. your Ethiopia experience will set you apart from other applicants with less than 500 hrs of experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evansan Posted July 13, 2012 Author Share Posted July 13, 2012 Thanks for your response EMEDPA. I know you've expressed a strong advocacy for lots of HCE prior to entering PA school, and I think it's great advice! I'm really excited about my EMT classes. I'm hoping to land a spot in a 3 yr program this cycle. I think the extra clinic hours in the 3rd year, and working full-time as an EMT for 5 or 6 months prior to matriculation, will be a good foundation. But if I don't get in this cycle, I'll just be better prepared for the next one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted July 13, 2012 Moderator Share Posted July 13, 2012 sounds like a good plan. I really like the program at usc for those in your situation. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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