3 answers
Gideon
Student
Decatur, Illinois
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I pursue a career as a pediatric physician assistant?
I am a senior at my high school, I have a GPA of 3.9 and I am involved in art club and my local church.
I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Jamaica and it made me realize that I would like to pursue a career as a pediatric physician assistant.
*Edited by Admin for clarity
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3 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
158
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I think that physician assistants are pretty wonderful, and it is a great career choice. Like all direct patient care providers, PAs need to have a solid knowledge of biology, physiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and a bit of math and physics. Also like others, it is ideal to have a broad range of experience. Your art is a great thing to continue as you learn the science.
One gets a degree as a PA - then specializes in whatever branch of medicine that interests one. You may or may not continue to choose pediatrics. Most of the PAs I have worked with as a pediatric intensivist worked in surgical subspecialties in a children's hospital. One became the wound care specialist for that hospital. PAs get paid enough that it is honestly very difficult for general pediatricians to hire them.
So... do well in college. Consider getting an EMT or MA or ED Tech certification as an introduction to healthcare that also allows one to make some money and observe care delivery directly. See if you can find other experiences such as your Jamaica trip (within the U.S. or international) to learn more and to gain an even deeper understanding of what you enjoy. Such experiences also look good on any resume.
One gets a degree as a PA - then specializes in whatever branch of medicine that interests one. You may or may not continue to choose pediatrics. Most of the PAs I have worked with as a pediatric intensivist worked in surgical subspecialties in a children's hospital. One became the wound care specialist for that hospital. PAs get paid enough that it is honestly very difficult for general pediatricians to hire them.
So... do well in college. Consider getting an EMT or MA or ED Tech certification as an introduction to healthcare that also allows one to make some money and observe care delivery directly. See if you can find other experiences such as your Jamaica trip (within the U.S. or international) to learn more and to gain an even deeper understanding of what you enjoy. Such experiences also look good on any resume.
Marcos A. Vargas, MHA, PA-C
Physician Associate (formerly Physician Assistant)
12
Answers
Flushing, Michigan
Updated
Marcos A.’s Answer
I think obtaining your undergraduate degree as a "Child Care Specialist" and becoming certified could be one path to secure your ultimate career choice.
Another path. outside volunteering in a hospital is to do an additional elective rotation in pediatrics once admitted to PA school during your clinical year. Reemember, not all PA programs have "elective Rotation slots" in their programs. So it behhoves to research this aspect when applying and considering PA School programs.
Or, see if you can find other experiences such as "Scribe" position with a local Pediatric group in your community. Such experiences look good on your resume.
Best of luck Gideon!
Another path. outside volunteering in a hospital is to do an additional elective rotation in pediatrics once admitted to PA school during your clinical year. Reemember, not all PA programs have "elective Rotation slots" in their programs. So it behhoves to research this aspect when applying and considering PA School programs.
Or, see if you can find other experiences such as "Scribe" position with a local Pediatric group in your community. Such experiences look good on your resume.
Best of luck Gideon!
Matthew Entwistle
Healthcare Consultant
1
Answer
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Gideon, a great way to start is by finding volunteer opportunities or entry level jobs within a hospital or healthcare system. I was able to advance my education at a 70% discount because I took an admin job at the University Hospital. Not only will this help with the cost of your education, but this will help you to quickly learn by immersion. My path started similar to yours, but I fell in love with the business aspects of Healthcare.
In your studies today, focus heavy on the sciences. A lot of good Peds PA's that I manage came through a community college science program, which highlights that the financial entry level is fairly low (subjective).
Other pathways you may consider as well: NP, FNP function in similar fashion to a PA and the compensation is likewise similar. They have prescriptive authority and only require high-level MD supervision, just as a PA. One of the differences is in the pathway: you can start with an associates in nursing degree and continue to work/pursue your masters level certificate or the Nurse Practitioner degree. Alternatively, when you go to PA school, you maybe able to work as a CNA or LPN, but these are challenging jobs at minimal compensation.
In your studies today, focus heavy on the sciences. A lot of good Peds PA's that I manage came through a community college science program, which highlights that the financial entry level is fairly low (subjective).
Other pathways you may consider as well: NP, FNP function in similar fashion to a PA and the compensation is likewise similar. They have prescriptive authority and only require high-level MD supervision, just as a PA. One of the differences is in the pathway: you can start with an associates in nursing degree and continue to work/pursue your masters level certificate or the Nurse Practitioner degree. Alternatively, when you go to PA school, you maybe able to work as a CNA or LPN, but these are challenging jobs at minimal compensation.