Path to getting PCE hours!!??

[mickeyoh8]

Hi everyone! I am really struggling to figure out my path to getting PCE as pre-PA student (I have zero experience!!)

I was initially planning on getting my CCMA certification online at USCI this summer while working as a PT aide. But, I didn't realize that the CCMA cert needs to be renewed every 2 years. I am currently finishing up my sophomore year of undergrad, and was hoping to start working full-time as an MA once I graduate. By that time, though, my certification would need to be renewed.

My other option would be to try to find a summer MA job next summer that would let me work per diem during the school year. But, I am not sure that that is worth it.

While working as a PT aide, I was considering taking Medical Terminology this summer to get it over with? Or should I study for the GRE? Or should I still just get my CCMA certification?!

Any advice at all is appreciated! I am just really struggling to figure out what would be the best/most efficient path for me!

[TeddyRucpin]

Plan to take off time after you graduate to focus on good PCE. A strong GPA won't make up for 0 to lightweight PCE at any of the good PA programs. MA/scribe/equivalent are not good PCE, IMO. Quality PCE requires training/licenses, recertification, and education. If it sounds easy to obtain and where you patient care responsibilities will be minimal, it's not that good. There's a reason why there's tons of applicants to PA schools who are scribes and MAs and not medics or RTs.

Explore the EMT route. Many places will train you for free in exchange to volunteer. Agencies are hiring like crazy too these days. It's a good way to rack up hours without paying for some faux-online certification.

[EMEDPA]

1 hour ago, TeddyRucpin said:

Plan to take off time after you graduate to focus on good PCE. A strong GPA won't make up for 0 to lightweight PCE at any of the good PA programs. MA/scribe/equivalent are not good PCE, IMO. Quality PCE requires training/licenses, recertification, and education. If it sounds easy to obtain and where you patient care responsibilities will be minimal, it's not that good. There's a reason why there's tons of applicants to PA schools who are scribes and MAs and not medics or RTs.

Explore the EMT route. Many places will train you for free in exchange to volunteer. Agencies are hiring like crazy too these days. It's a good way to rack up hours without paying for some faux-online certification.

This! I could not agree more strenuously. 

[Aimeeperryn]

I started by getting my CNA license through my local community college (7 week summer program $1500) and started working at the hospital. It was not the best PCE but it was adequate and a collogue of mine got accepted (it also allowed me to find shadowing/Letters of rec). After a year I transferred to the emergency department where I get great experience, I place IV and Foley catheters, draw blood for labs and cultures, CPR and EKGs. This is the best experience I could ask for, although many of the people in the ED are trained as EMTs so I am not sure if you can start here directly as a CNA. 

I agree with the above comment about focusing on school if you can because GPA is equally as important as PCE if not more!

Good luck!

[VarsityMed]

Do not let renewing a certification or license deter you. Even as a PA you will need to keep up with continuing education every year and license renewal. While I agree that an MA may not be the most hands on, it very much depends on the job. 

Definitely focus on your GPA in college and work more after. But if you're able to obtain an MA/CNA/EMT license in undergrad, it will help you find a job post-grad. And all of those will require continuing education and renewal. That's true for every role in healthcare.