alght Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 Hi. I am new here and I apologize if this has been asked elsewhere. I am a senior undergrad student full time, and I also do biomedical research as a part time job. I recently (days ago) rejected my previous career aspirations, and now hope to attend PA school. Thus far, I do not have any HCE that is patient care, and I do not have any certifications. I am looking for schools that I can apply to this cycle, and hopefully knockout the HCE requirement between graduation and matriculation. Thanks for the help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSG2PA Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 I would start by doing some research and leg work on my own. http://www.arc-pa.org/acc_programs/ check out each school to see if you meet their specific pre-reqs (courses, GPA, degree and HCE req). Then I would apply from there. Also, if you don't mind me asking, what was your "previous career aspiration?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatorRRT Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 I hate to be "that guy"; but you're starting to get late in the game, considering that CASPA starts firing out applications in June to programs. Do you have your LORs together? Those can sometimes take months to get from your selected reviewers. Since you just decided to take the PA path, I'd suggest you wait a year. Reason being, you need to find out what a PA is (not just according to that USA today article), shadow PAs in various settings (since you have no HCE), attempt to get even some low level HCE, gather some awesome LORs and write a great narrative. No joke, it takes months to put together a solid PA school application. Good luck on your new path. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 Thanks a lot for your respectful yet honest reply. I've gotten bashed on SDN a bunch of times. I hate to be "that guy"; but you're starting to get late in the game, considering that CASPA starts firing out applications in June to programs. Do you have your LORs together? Those can sometimes take months to get from your selected reviewers. Since you just decided to take the PA path, I'd suggest you wait a year. Reason being, you need to find out what a PA is (not just according to that USA today article), shadow PAs in various settings (since you have no HCE), attempt to get even some low level HCE, gather some awesome LORs and write a great narrative. No joke, it takes months to put together a solid PA school application. Good luck on your new path. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 @gstinson thank you very much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvi1kd Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 You should apply next year and learn about the greatness of the profession and have a reasonable amount of time to obtain some HCE. It is getting late in the game and CASPA and everything takes time and preparation. If you get an interview you don't want to say that you decided you wanted to be a PA a month ago...that would probably be an auto-reject. The PA profession should not be viewed as a "back-up plan". Good luck on your journey! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 In a perfect world, if I felt I could get into med school and survive, I'd do it. I mean no disrespect to anyone who is a PA or Pre-PA however. I began college with my heart set on optometry school. Those aspirations got derailed when a professor introduced me to biomedical research, and convinced me that it was a more fulfilling path. The professor also helped me get in to a research program that has provided thousands upon thousands of dollars of financial support for my undergraduate education. My heart was never in research, but I felt obligated to commit to it, due to the financial support. However, the more I learned about the field, the more I realized that it isn't right for me. I returned to my previous aspiration of becoming an optometrist, and one day last week it dawned on me that it isn't what I really want. I've also heard a lot of talk from professionals that the field is not handed in a favorable direction. For me, the challenges of optometry school are just not something I am up for. That was kind of long winded, but I hope you don't mind. lol I would start by doing some research and leg work on my own. http://www.arc-pa.org/acc_programs/ check out each school to see if you meet their specific pre-reqs (courses, GPA, degree and HCE req). Then I would apply from there. Also, if you don't mind me asking, what was your "previous career aspiration?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 I get it. I wouldn't be so silly in an interview. lol You should apply next year and learn about the greatness of the profession and have a reasonable amount of time to obtain some HCE. It is getting late in the game and CASPA and everything takes time and preparation. If you get an interview you don't want to say that you decided you wanted to be a PA a month ago...that would probably be an auto-reject. The PA profession should not be viewed as a "back-up plan". Good luck on your journey! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 If anybody else wants it, I have begun to compile a list on my own. I started with schools in Pennsylvania. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Arcadia University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program Brubaker Hall, Health Science Center 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3295 (215) 572-2888 Email: dryer@arcadia.edu Website: http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?id=425 Credentials Awarded: M, MPH CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] A minimum of 200 hours of patient care experience. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Chatham University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program Woodland Road Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (412) 365-2988 Email: admissions@chatham.edu Website: http://www.chatham.edu/departments/healthmgmt/graduate/pa/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] PA Shadowing Experience Requirement – One PA shadowing experience of at least four hours is required for admission to the program. The shadowing experience must be documented in the "Health Care Shadowing" section of the CASPA application. Shadowing a physician or nurse practitioner will not satisfy this requirement. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]King's College[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Department of Physician Assistant Studies 133 North River Street Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 (570) 208-5858 (888) KINGS-PA Email: jamesanderson@kings.edu Website: http://www.kings.edu/admissions/index.htm Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Candidates must complete 500 clinical hours of health care experience by the CASPA application deadline. The hours may be voluntary or paid. Of these 500 hours, a minimum of 300 must be direct patient care while the remainder can be indirect. In addition, a minimum of 20 hours must be spent shadowing a Physician Assistant. Please read the document fully describing clinical hour requirements. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 432 Railroad Street Lock Haven, PA 17745 (570) 484-2929 Email: asmith7@lhup.edu Website: http://gradprograms.lhup.edu/pa Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Health care experience, while beneficial, is not a requirement for admission. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Misericordia University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program Physician Assistant Program 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612 (570) 674-3047 Email: dpasquini@misericordia.edu Website: http://www.misericordia.edu/misericordia_pg.cfm?subcat_id=108&page_id=990 Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Submission of a letter of recommendation from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, PA, or NP) [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]*Department of Physician Assistant Studies 4190 City Avenue, Rowland Hall Philadelphia, PA 19131 (215) 871-6772 (800) 999-6998 Email: PAadmissions@pcom.edu Website: http://www.pcom.edu Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Have documented through CASPA 200 hours of direct patient contact experience in volunteerism or employment in the health care industry. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Philadelphia University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]*Physician Assistant Studies Program 4201 Henry Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144 (215) 951-2908 Email: paprogram@philau.edu Website: http://www.philau.edu/paprogram/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] At least 3-6 months/200 hours patient care experience- health care or human service, paid or volunteer must be completed and documented on the application. This experience should be hands on patient care activities. Any experience in which you participate in, or observe, the hands-on care of sick people will count toward our requirement. Some applicants have backgrounds in such areas as nursing, nursing assistant, medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, PA shadowing, and volunteer experiences. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Saint Francis University - Pennsylvania[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Master of Physician Assistant Sciences - Graduate Admit 117 Evergreen Drive Loretto, PA 15940-0600 (814) 472-3020 Email: pa@francis.edu Website: http://www.francis.edu/BEAPA Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Health care experience not required, but considered in review of your application material [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Salus University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 8360 Old York Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 (215) 780-1515 (800) 824-6262 Email: admissions@salus.edu Website: http://www.salus.edu/physicianAssistant/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Acquire a minimum of 100 hours of direct patient care experience within a health care related field (may be volunteer and/or employment). [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Seton Hill University[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]*Physician Assistant Program One Seton Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 830-1097 Email: france@setonhill.edu Website: http://paprogram.setonhill.edu Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Prior to beginning study in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at Seton Hill, all prospective students must: have a minimum of 300 hours of health care experience, and have completed three physician assistant shadowing experiences in different medical or surgical specialties. (Physician Assistant Shadow Online is a free resource that helps students find physician assistants to shadow, and physician assistants to find students to mentor, nation-wide.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chowdhury.t Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 I have a question, I heard that AAPA described the typical applicant to a PA program as having 4 years of HCE, how true is that claim? Also to becoming a EMT of CNA you need to take time off to get certified, so is there any other options to gain HCE? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvi1kd Posted September 3, 2012 Share Posted September 3, 2012 Arcadia looks like a spectacular program! I applied this cycle and everyone that I have heard talk about Arcadia has nothing but awesome things to say about the program! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 I finished up New York as well. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Daemen College [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 4380 Main Street Amherst, NY 14226-3592 (716) 839-8563 Email: physician_assistant@daemen.edu Website: http://www.daemen.edu/physicianassistant/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 120 hours of direct patient contact experience [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Hofstra University [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Studies Program 113 Monroe Lecture Center 127 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY 11549-1270 (516) 463-4074 Email: paprogram@hofstra.edu Website: http://www.hofstra.edu/pap Credentials Awarded: B, M combined CASPA Participating Program [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] The program requires applicants to have from 50-100 documented hours of healthcare experience. Many types of experience will qualify, and the experience ideally includes direct observation of a practicing physician assistant ("Shadowing"). The experience may be paid employment, such as working as a paramedic or EKG technician. The experience may be as a volunteer in a hospital or other healthcare facility. Supporting documentation should be on letterhead from an appropriate source and must certify the hours completed. Applicants who have accumulated more than the minimum hours of experience will have a stronger application, but the quality of the experience is also important. Shadowing a PA in clinical practice is one of the best ways to understand the physician assistant role in modern healthcare systems. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]New York Institute of Technology [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]*Physician Assistant Program Riland Center, Suite 352 Northern Boulevard, PO Box 8000 Old Westbury, NY 11568-8000 (516) 686-3881 Email: pa@nyit.edu Website: http://www.nyit.edu/pa Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] a minimum of 100 hours of verifiable direct patient care experience in the U.S. healthcare system [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Pace University – Lenox Hill Hospital [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 163 William Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10038 (212) 618-6050 Email: paprogram@pace.edu Website: http://www.pace.edu/paprogram Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Documented 200 hours of volunteer or job related health care experience [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education at the City College of New York/Harlem Hospital Cent [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 160 Convent Avenue Harris Hall, Room 15 New York, NY 10031 (212) 650-7745 Email: paprog@ccny.cuny.edu Website: http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/paprogram Credentials Awarded: C, B [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] Volunteer/Shadowing hours are not required. [TABLE] [TR] [TD]State University of New York Downstate Medical Center [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 1222 Brooklyn, NY 11203 (718) 270-2324/5 Email: admissions@downstate.edu Website: http://www.downstate.edu Credentials Awarded: B [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 1. A minimum of 225 hours of health-related experience - Work experience as a nurse, nurse's aide, corpsman, medical laboratory technologist, respiratory therapist, emergency medical technician, counselor in health care setting or direct patient care experience obtained as a result of clinical training in the health professions, volunteer direct patient care experiences and shadowing may also be used towards meeting this requirement - Non-clinical experiences completed in a hospital setting such as candy stripers or any other such experiences cannot be applied towards meeting the requirement for the minimum health-related experience. 2. A minimum of 150 hours non-clinical volunteer work (Community Service). Please visit these and other applicable sites to acquire socially responsive non-clinical volunteer hours, if needed: [TABLE] [TR] [TD]Touro College Manhattan [/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD]Physician Assistant Program School of Health Sciences 27-33 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 463-0400 Email: ngraff@touro.edu Website: http://www.touro.edu/shs/pany Credentials Awarded: B, M CASPA Participating Program [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] · Documentation of a minimum of 200 hours of direct patient contact health care experience, either volunteer or paid (patient contact form can be found in the Supplemental Application). · Documentation of a minimum of 20 hours "shadowing" a physician assistant (shadowing form can be found in the Supplemental Application). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 3, 2012 Author Share Posted September 3, 2012 Okay, this should be the last of what I've found for schools that require little or no patient care experience. I hope this will help someone else. University of Alabama at Birmingham University of South Alabama Arizona School of Health Sciences Midwestern University Glendale Harding University Samuel Merritt University Touro University California University of Southern California Western University of Health Sciences University of Colorado Yale University School of Medicine Barry University Keiser University Miami Dade College Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale Nova Southeastern Univ Jacksonville Nova Southeastern University Orlando Nova Southeastern University Southwest Florida South University Tampa University of Florida Barry University - St Petersburg Georgia Health Sciences University Georgia Health Sciences University South University Idaho State University Meridian Idaho State University Pocatello Malcolm X College Midwestern University Downers Grove Northwestern University Rosalind Franklin University Indiana State University University of Saint Francis Wichita State University University of the Cumberlands Louisiana State University Our Lady Of The Lake College Anne Arundel Community College Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Bos Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Wor Northeastern University Central Michigan University Augsburg College Mississippi College Missouri State University University of Nebraska Touro University Nevada Franklin Pierce University Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Manch New Mexico - University of New Mexico New York - CCNY Medical School at Harlem Hospital New York - Cornell University New York - D'youville New York - New York Institute of Technology New York - Rochester Institute of Technology New York - St John's University New York - Wagner College New York- Hofstra University Ohio - Cuyahoga Community College Ohio - Kettering College of Medical Arts Ohio - Marietta College Ohio - Mount Union College Ohio - University of Toledo Oklahoma - University of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City Oklahoma - University of Oklahoma - Tulsa Pennsylvania - Duquesne University Pennsylvania - Gannon University Pennsylvania - Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania - Saint Francis University Misericordia University South Carolina - Medical University of South Carolina South Dakota - University of South Dakota Tennessee - Bethel University Tennessee - Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medic Tennessee - South College Christian Brothers University Texas - Baylor College of Medicine Texas - University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas - University of Texas - Pan American Texas - University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Texas - University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston Texas - University of Texas Southwestern Virginia - Eastern Virginia Medical School Virginia - Shenandoah University West Virginia - Alderson Broaddus College University of Charleston West Liberty University Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin - La Crosse University of Wisconsin - Madison Washington D.C. - Howard University Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crystaltide Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Not sure about some of these...Rosalind Franklin I thought was 800+ hours, Northwestern 1000+, and Northeastern close to 2000, and that's just a first glance at the list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigk Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 How do you know that PA school is right for you? Your now on your 3rd career track and I guess I'm just wondering about any experience or background with following or talking with other PA's. I understand in this world of "I need everything now" mentality that the thought of waiting on something is almost unheard of, but can yield some amazing results by just postponing our goals for a short amount of time. A little background on myself I guess is in order. 19 years as an ER nurse exposed me to many different mid level providers and these encounters directly influenced my decision to pursue PA school. When I decided it was what I wanted to do I then formulated a plan to give me the best chance to succeed which was take 2 years to prepare for school for the financial burden of not working during school. My HCE and edu requirements were already satisfied with the exception of 2 science classes that I repeated because I had a C in each. Take the time to get your house in order before trying to jump into something that may or may not be a good fit for you. Shadow several PA's and get a clear understanding of what it is that we do and the expectations of the profession. Remember, min HCE requirements are only a suggestion, my school min HCE was 2000 hours and I think my class had 8000 hour average so don't assume that the min HCE will get you in. Good luck in your goals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 So besides being bashed on SDN, what has steered you away from med school? For what it's worth, the posters of SDN live to bash. They would bash Ghandi himself if he asked a question there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest carolanimal Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 In a perfect world, if I felt I could get into med school and survive, I'd do it. I mean no disrespect to anyone who is a PA or Pre-PA however. I began college with my heart set on optometry school. Those aspirations got derailed when a professor introduced me to biomedical research, and convinced me that it was a more fulfilling path. The professor also helped me get in to a research program that has provided thousands upon thousands of dollars of financial support for my undergraduate education. My heart was never in research, but I felt obligated to commit to it, due to the financial support. However, the more I learned about the field, the more I realized that it isn't right for me. I returned to my previous aspiration of becoming an optometrist, and one day last week it dawned on me that it isn't what I really want. I've also heard a lot of talk from professionals that the field is not handed in a favorable direction. For me, the challenges of optometry school are just not something I am up for. That was kind of long winded, but I hope you don't mind. lol So out of the blue you just thought..."Oh I'll just apply to PA school at the last minute...no biggie." Right? The people at SDN are right to give you a hard time. You are not ready to apply this year and maybe not for awhile until you do some serious self-examination over what you want to do as a career. You need to shadow a few different professions it sounds like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEM-PATC Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 So out of the blue you just thought..."Oh I'll just apply to PA school at the last minute...no biggie." Right? The people at SDN are right to give you a hard time. You are not ready to apply this year and maybe not for awhile until you do some serious self-examination over what you want to do as a career. You need to shadow a few different professions it sounds like. I'd also question why you think you're not up to the challenge of optometry school, but would be up to the challenge of PA School!? PA school is hard. Period. There are some aspects of it that are harder than med school (pacing) and some that are easier (less depth on physiology and general sciences), but I have a hard time believing it is easier that optometry school. Just a perspective of a current PA Student. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marvi1kd Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 You tell em' carolanimal and MEM-PATC! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIPPER Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 Darn Iphone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIPPER Posted September 4, 2012 Share Posted September 4, 2012 As a PA, husband to an Optometrist and brother-in-law to a few others I'd say I have a pretty unique perspective here. If you're vacillating between these two professions, you're a fool. They are not alike, offer little in practice similarity across the spectrum and are Didactically not too similar. There is no equivalent to Optics in PA school. IMHO optometry school is a different animal. Assuming a student can do either is a mistake. I'll tell you this, mark my words, if you're heart isn't in it, don't do it. You'll be sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 @crystaltide RE: Rosalind Franklin http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/Degreeprograms/PhysicianAssistant/appNeeds.aspx Prior direct patient-care related medical experience and/or shadowing PAs in clinical practice is strongly recommended. Coming into the program, successful applicants typically have at least 1,200 hours of direct patient contact and PA shadowing experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 @crystaltide RE: Northeastern http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/pa/prerequisites.html evidence of significant direct hands-on patient care experience is required in order for applicants to have a basic understanding of and comfort with patient care as well as a minimum level of clinical maturity. Strongest preference will be given to applicants who have approximately 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to applying to the program. Applicants with less than 2,000 hours may also be given consideration depending upon the strength of their entire application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 So besides being bashed on SDN, what has steered you away from med school? For what it's worth, the posters of SDN live to bash. They would bash Ghandi himself if he asked a question there. I'd never get in. Even if I did, it'd be lengthy and during that time I'd have to deal with being in the competitive environment that is med school. It was never a realistic consideration or goal for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alght Posted September 4, 2012 Author Share Posted September 4, 2012 I'd also question why you think you're not up to the challenge of optometry school, but would be up to the challenge of PA School!? PA school is hard. Period. There are some aspects of it that are harder than med school (pacing) and some that are easier (less depth on physiology and general sciences), but I have a hard time believing it is easier that optometry school. Just a perspective of a current PA Student. The optometrists I've shadowed told me that optometry school is harder than med school. But that's besides the point. I never said that PA school is more or less challenging than optometry school. Optometry school is not a challenge that I'm up for, that's it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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