BSCHEM_MPH Posted February 13, 2013 Hello Everyone! I know you guys probably get the same kinds of threads a million times, but I have honestly been watching this forum from a far for a great deal of time. I couldn't really find any stories that fact my background. I am recent undergrad graduate (May 2012) 3.3 GPA in Chemistry. I am a current Masters student in Public Health - Epidemiology with a present a 3.7 gpa. I also work as a Pharmacy Technician about 30 hours a week. I honestly went to undergraduate with the intention of going to medical school. I have all the shadowing hours, internships, and even a publication from research at NASA. I just decided that I didn't want to go to medical school anymore. I wanted to to opt for a shorter and more direct entry into the health field. and honestly my undergraduate institution, didn't even really know what a PA was and I didnt know anything about the field either. If i did I would have went straight this route... Honestly, I don't care about titles obviously ( Im a Pharm TECH, I dont mind doing all the work and getting the ****ty treatment and not having the title.) I just want to serve patients and help...... My question obviously is. How does someone like me who has a wealth of education and health related education, change over to become a PA without having to switch jobs and go back and get yet another certification or degree.. Thank you in advance for any response I may get..
Moderator EMEDPA Posted February 13, 2013 Moderator some programs accept pharm tech as hce. the mph also sets you apart from others. good luck.
cinntsp Posted February 13, 2013 There is tons of info in the pre-PA section so you should start there.
Andreasmo Posted February 13, 2013 Perhaps I am misunderstanding, but you do realize that you will have to get another degree to become a PA correct? Most commonly a masters degree?
PAruby Posted February 13, 2013 Are you planning on applying? Aside from all the HCE, the thing that will set you apart is your personal statement too. Use it to explain things like your undergrad GPA, courses, sciences, experiences, etc.; lack of previous exposure or knowledge about the field, and how you overcame that and explored it. If you're trying to avoid going through the academic program based on your experience, you can't and shouldn't want to - the education is totally different than anything else. There are a few certification-only and BS programs out there, but most likely you're looking at another masters... Best wishes, you'll get there if you want it!
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