Thinking WAY Ahead

[Anitsisqua]

So, I know I'm definitely getting ahead of myself here, but as I prepare to start PA school, I'm also thinking in the extreme long term, and I think that, eventually, I would like to settle into a teaching position.

 

I assume I'd need a doctorate of some description to make that possible, but does anyone have some knowledge of what degree(s?) would most benefit me to that end? I'm not in any sort of hurry about it, I'm just mulling it over.

 

I appreciate any wisdom offered on the subject.

[MattK]

teaching undergrads or in a graduate PA program does not require a doctorate. For both, it's possible to teach with a masters. In a traditional university, your rank and pay goes up if you have a doctorate and pursue a tenured track. Most PA faculty only have a master's degree.

[EMEDPA]

IF you want to be a director you probably need the doctorate, otherwise an MS or equivalent is fine for now...

[UGoLong]

The PhDs I know in PA programs often seem to have them in education and often seem to get them after they became instructors with the PA masters degrees.

[winterallsummer]

Most of our instructors just have their PA (MS). A couple including the director have their PhD. I think it's better to get your MS AFTER you begin teaching as some institutions will pay for your PhD.

[SocialMedicine]

Make sure to attend a masters program. May need doctoral credentials at some point esp for an advanced position. With the enormous volume of low quality schools creating a schools I foresee a lot of pa educator jobs you probably would not want and a lot of unqualified pas on the horizon. Just looked at some pa educator openings. It's scary