Career questions tagged pre-pa
Are there any ways you can get patient care hours prior to PA school if you don't want to work as a CNA?
I want to become a pediatric PA, and I've learned that patient care hours are a really important requirement for getting into PA school. I know that the most common route to gaining these hours is through becoming a CNA, but I am really not interested in working in a nursing home or any other similar environment. Are there any alternative routes I could take that don't involve becoming a CNA?
Is being a PA worth it or rewarding as someone that has wanted to be a doctor but doesn't want that commitment?
I've wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 but now I'm not so sure. I know it's a lot of work and I don't really want to be in school that long, plus once in that field I know it's not a lot of flexibility (looking at being a surgeon or pediatrician as of right now). However, I still have a strong interest in medicine and have a desire to help people through that. I also still have plans of traveling, starting a family, etc. in the future. I've been thinking about being a PA as opposed to going to med school but I'm not sure and I don't know if I should pursue pre-med or pre-pa in college.
What is the best way to become a certified MA or Phlebotomist for pre-health undergraduate students ?
I am an undergraduate student that is Pre-PA. There are a lot of parts to pre-PA including prerequsites and Paid patient care experience. The most common way to get those PCE's is to work as a MA. Is it worth it to pay for a $3,000 program or can I get certified by a doctor? Is there a better and more worth it option? #Spring25
how to navigate competitive pre-health community?
I'm a 2nd year bio major just joined prehealth route and I feel behind in my extracurriculars. It's hard not to compare myself knowing that I will have to compete with them when I do my pa school application. I'm trying to improve my stats and will meet with an advisor soon to discuss my options. I thought about joining prehealth frats or organizations to learn more about it but even those are too competitive/toxic. How have your experiences been with a prehealth career? what supportive communities were u able to join and how did you find them?
How can I contact professionals to shadow/interview?
I'm a 2nd year bio student and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to pursue. I've been thinking about becoming a physician assistant or medical social worker, but I want to learn more about it before deciding. I volunteer at the hospital rn, but I don't get to interact w any professionals (just the hospitality personnel) I'm not sure how to reach out or who to ask to learn more about their experiences #fall2024