1. It’s a lot of work 2. Doesn’t matter which school you go to 3. Make time to do the things you enjoy 5. It’s stressful, it’s ok to cry 6. Know the financial debt you’ll endure when spending 7. It’s like a 9-5 job 8. Network with providers, especially during rotations
@@arias7977 as long as they are accredited by the time you matriculate you can take the pance. Most only want to know you passed that exam. I personally did go to a very well known PA school in Florida but it’s where I got accepted. I honestly would have picked the newer school but I got accepted there 2 weeks later and they started a semester later so I wouldn’t have been done by now.
#2 is so important!! It really doesn’t matter which school you go to as long as you pass the board! All schools do is provide you with the information that you need for the exam. What you do with that info is up to you! So if you can find an accredited program that’s also affordable, go for it! ((:
Thanks for another great video! I'm graduating with my bachelors in social work this year and I'm also squeezing in prerequisite's for PA school. Your videos continue to give me the motivation that I need during this process. Thanks again!
hi new subscriber here!! I’m going to be a freshman this fall and planning to work towards going to PA school I’m so excited I thought this video was so helpful!!
Loans :) government loans are number one. That’s not much school/ life balance. You’re main focus is studying and not failing out as Kendra mentioned. I went to the gym some but it went from 6 days a week before PA school, to 4 days a week first semester, to 2 days a week second semester, and none third semester (32 credit hour semester). Went back ho to 4-5 times a week clinical year. But other than that I didn’t go out or do anything. I went shopping for groceries, sometimes clothes for clinicals, etc. that’s about it.
Hey Kendra, great video - I've just finished med school in the UK but trying to learn more about PAs (Physician Associates here in the UK) and it's been really eye opening. Helpful video and hope you're enjoying life as a PA!
Few questions if you don’t mind :) 1. How long did it take you to become a PA in total like undergrad + graduate studies, 2. Are you happy as a PA? 3. Do you have work life balance? 4. Do you make a rewarding salary? (Numbers would be appreciated) thank you again for this amazing video!
I’m currently a senior in high school but plan on going into school this fall as a psych major. Not exactly sure what degree i will end up with but definitely am planning on going to PA school after! Do u think a psych major is smart? I really was trying to avoid bio major. I’m super into mental health and social work and want to be a PA working w the same kind of things..... no one in my family is a doctor/ even close to med related jobs so I’m the first one and don’t really have any guidance or someone to give me advice! TYIA ❤️💖💕
Madison Mackniak search up the schools you want to go to and look at the requirements and ask the college you attend if you’d be able to fulfill them under your psych major
Psych usually doesn't have all the required pre-reqs so you'd probably have to take classes outside of that major. But like DRZ Kid said, def look up the schools you're interested in and you'll find all the pre-reqs there and be able to compare to the classes that are in your major :) Thanks for watching!!
I feel you on this! I want to work in the psych field but under medicine (MD or PA). My school has a Pre-PA program and psych is one of the main majors including Human Biology and General Studies. You’ll need your sciences like Gen, Org, Inorganic Chm. Gen Bio, Advance A+P, Biochem, Patho etc. Like everyone else said look up the schools and look at the requirements.
I’m a sophomore in high school and I know it’s pretty early for me to even be thinking about this but I definitely want to become either a PA or an NP but I’m leaning towards PA. I’m taking AP classes and getting decent grades, my gpa is a 3.6 so I’m not all that special. I’m starting a medicine program next year (my junior year) and when I’m a senior I will continue the program to become certified to be a Medical Assistant to get my hours needed for PA school (during undergrad). Do you have any tips about becoming a PA in general? Do you have to be very smart, and you talked about how intense it was but do you at least get breaks on the weekends or anything? I just want more insight of how my schedule would be. And also how many people do they accept into PA school. For example 1,000 applicants but only 150 are accepted? What gpa do those who get accepted have? Thanks!!
Hi I’m pretty sure I’m not the person you’d like to talk to, but we’re in the same place and I’d like to contact you. I know it seems a little weird (a lot weird, I’m sorry) but I think we’d have good conversations! Do you have an Instagram?
Thank you for your input! I was wondering if you have any tips on networking? Like I always feel awkward asking ppl questions bc I don't want to encroach on their private lives too much. Second, did you need research experience for PA school? Lastly, was it hard to find a job? I heard that NPs might have more opportunities. I got my bio bachelors in 2018 and trying to decide on my next steps.
Tips on networking... go to events that will have the type of people you’re looking for. Or get a job in the hospital or doctor’s office and make good relationships with them ☺️ No you don’t need research experience prior to PA school There are lots of PA opportunities out there ☺️
Thanks for the vid! Informative. I'm currently in a Surg Tech program with the hopes of PA school after my bachelors. Quick question, not only is the tuition important, but would you also recommend one with a "friendlier" prerequisite course load? Say you meet the prereqs without a certain math or genetics or something along with a lower tuition? I'm really sleepy so I hope this is at least a LITTLE coherent. Thanks!
@@ashleykmetz7553 My cousin and other PAs have advised I major on a customizable general studies or biology. As long as the prereqs are taken care of. Also they told me the biggest thing is knock the interview out of the park.
How would you recommend preparing for PA school. Meaning course load. Would you recommend students study harder or as if the course load was larger to prepare them for PA school so they can get use to the amount of studying they will need to do per day. Some of my current professors give very little work outside of class so should I be practicing good study habits now before I graduate my undergrad program.
Great question! I definitely wouldn't study "harder" per say in college. I would try to get a good grasp of time management and figuring out different ways of studying that work for you :) In the end PA school course load is really about discipline and doing it because it's what you love! And having support along the way definitely helps :)
I am really worried by myself. I doubt myself a lot, my be I have to try many times before I get in to PA school or maybe I will fail like I failed my 1st semester in Nursing. I thought I was smart. I finished my MPA but I am not happy. Now, I always think about PA school, but all my prerequisite courses are more than 5 years now. Since, I failed Nursing, I feel like I cannot do this and If I don't try for PA school, I think I will regret my whole life. I want to do PHD but I think about spending 5 years to do PHD and not being satisfied at the end and struggling financially as well. I am so confused about what to do.
you should try! but make sure you have the money, or you're confident that you can pay off your loans. try a community college for the pre-reqs maybe :)
Hey Kendra, I’m currently a senior in HS and I am interested in aesthetic medicine, I was wondering what your thoughts were on attending community college for the first two years then transferring? I’ve been so beyond stressed out this year deciding which one would be best. I have teachers pushing me towards university but my mom thinks it’s best to go to a cc to save some money. Thoughts??
Hey I’m senior as well and plan to start with cc and transfer over. I would definitely look up the requirements to PA programs that you are interested in or close by. I have my mind set on one right now.
When you say that it is too much and stressfully, will you be a little bit specific and say maybe you have to read an entire book or chapters in a day or week?? How is it stressfully and how many books do you need to read in order to complete your assignments? Do you use the Instructor's PowerPoint notes or you have to read lot of books?? How is it too much?
It's a lot because you end up having 4-5 tests a week. This requires a lot of time studying. In college you would never have that many tests at a time. You're also in school all day long then have to go home and study more for your tests. Whereas in college, you had flexibility with scheduling your classes and having enough time to study/enjoy off time :) hope that helps. You can get through it though for sure
Kendra Lynne sounds stressful, I just want to know if you did have some sort of social life at all? I’m worried about that, I’m young but don’t handle stress all that well maybe that’ll change as I go through college
I’m a high school senior going into pre-med. I plan to go to PA school after getting my BS. I was wondering how I could get PCE hours during undergrad without having a certification? Or maybe certifications that do not take a long time to complete. I want to be able to apply to PA school as soon as I’m finished with undergrad
Omg I’m in the same boat as you, I know you can become a medical scribe without having a certification or you can become a medical volunteer at a hospital which is what I plan to do during the summer.
Hi! This was my question too before going to college. But any major is fine. But make sure you look at the prerequisites for becoming an PA make sure the major has a lot of science class's in it such as Biology 1, Biology 2, A&P 1, A&P 2, Chemistry, Psychology, and etc
Hi Kendra! I know someone already asked a similar question, but if I’m not a full time student (because I’m going back to school only for my pre-reqs and wouldn’t want to risk taking on too many hard classes) would that negatively impact my application?
I am so glad I passed my chemistry classes and math fewww thanks god. So with that being said am I done or am I going to have more chemistry and more math once I rank in the P.A. program. Someone pls tell me I left them behind now😂🙏🏼
Jessi James Collection I love biology! Biology is very interesting and fun! I would totally do a whole degree in biology! However chemistry! 😩😩😩😩😩 nooooooo
@@jessijamescollection2017 chemistry is a nightmare. I majored in bio it was much more fulfilling for me. Chem classes made me cry multiple times😂 I couldn't imagine majoring in it lol
Thanks for watching! I worked in Plastic Surgery as a medical assistant prior to PA school. Check out my how to get into aesthetics video :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BraDhy7WQ-I.html
Hi, my situation's a little different, I am currently AC Duty Navy, will be retiring in about 3 years. I just got my bachelors, I'm currently taking extra classes to fulfill requirements to get accepted into a PA. I'm considering Rosalind Franklin in Great Lakes. I'm a little nervous being so old and never working in the medical field. My job in the Navy was quite different, I am a jet engine mechanic. I am nervous because of the age factor and the amount of education and intelligence needed to complete the program. So, I guess my question is, do you think it would be beneficial for someone my age to pursue such an aggressive career option? I appreciate your most honest opinion.
I'd say go for it, ive seen so many stories of people who are older that went back to school or that went to med school and became doctors/health professionals later in life. Its never a bad thing to invest in self, dont let outside voices discourage you. Plus I always like to see black people going into the medical field 😁
The average of PA school matriculants is 27. I was 26. There were multiple students in their 30s in my class. I have seen people in their 40s and 50s go to PA school. At an older age (unsure your age) you have to also take into account the cost. I have seen some people post who are making the same they would make as a PA or even making more than they would make as a PA. It’s not all about money but have to see if it’s worth it in that way. I was making 20-25k before PA school. So making 90-100k straight out of school will be a huge jump. I plan off paying off my loans aggressively.
hi, I’m a senior in high school that’s about to graduate (virtually ofc) and I was wondering how long does it take to get pre reqs? and can you transfer schools for PA school or do you have to stay with the same university? thank you :)
hello, I am a sophomore in college and I can answer your questions! it all depends on you for your prereqs of PA school because remember, you have to take some additional classes for your major+school requirements! And you need your bachelors before applying to PA school. whether it be a B.A or B.S in biology, psychology, maths, exercise science, arts, theater. Just make sure to see which schools you want to apply for PA and take its pre-reqs! Some colleges/universities have both programs, getting a bachelors and then a pa program. which you have to apply to despite being within the same institution.
When you apply to PA school, you apply to any schools you'd like. So no, you don't have to go to the PA school that's associated with your school if your college happens to have a program :)
Kialen Smith Hey kialen! Im a junior psychology major with a biology minor in college and trying to see where i can go with this. Im really confused and not sure where my next steps at but I would love to hear where you’re at and what you have done!!
Where would you recommend you live during PA school? My campus is near downtown so I’ve been looking at downtown apartments nearby and weighing the pros/cons of a commute to somewhere more spacious or somewhere small and nearby…hard to know!
Hi! Do you know if a Bachelors in Health Sciences (major in Clinical Health) is a relevant undergrad degree to get into PA schools for postgrad studies?
It’s kinda interesting that’s she said she didn’t know what PA school entailed. In your personal statement, you have to explain why PA school or what passions drive you. I wonder which program this was. It is very intense and would not recommend it to someone without them full understanding what PA school entails and what the PA role is .
You don’t have to explain why “PA school” , but rather, what PA. You can know everything about being a PA and not much about what actual schooling is going to be like besides a didactic and clinical year
Also to add.. no matter how much you think you understand what PA school is like.. you will never fully understand till you’re doing it. I worked with PAs who just graduated. They told me it was rough and they would never do it again.. but they are glad they did it. I tell everyone that they won’t understand until they are doing it.
Kendra Lynne I guess I overly prepared and thought most people did what I did which is explore the career and classes. In addition, most programs require shadowing PAs which is where I asked a lot of questions and got a better understanding of the demands. Good luck in your program.
Lisa i guess it is just surprising because I have also worked with PAs and currently in a program. It’s expensive and you have to have a passion for it. I figured most people dove deep into exploring the career and school.
@@swtbrowneyes91 I learned about PA school in 2009. I didn’t get into PA school until May 2018 so I had been researching for 9 years. Still nothing would have prepared before the rigor of school. Kendra graduated PA school in 2016 so she’s been working for a while (and in 3 different specialties I believe). I just graduated and passed my PANCE last month.
Just out of curiosity because I'm super nervous about going down this path, I worked full time while also in undergrad full time during my last 2.5 years of college. I worked as a server so I wouldn't get out until 12 or 1 am sometimes and still had to get up early. However, I did still manage to get good grades and find free time for myself despite the heavy studying and workload. Would this experience benefit me in any was for PA school?
Just curious I know you can’t say the exact number but can you give a range within $10,000 of what you make as a PA. I really want to know what I can expect as a PA.
Damn, 3 C’s in a row and you’re out? Sounds hard I plan to become a PA in pediatric dermatology, but what are your responsibilities as a cosmetic PA? How different is it? I also learned you can switch specialties, how do you do that? is it more schooling? Also, how did you get your hours for PA school, volunteering or something else? I have a lot of questions lol
No more schooling. A lot of what we learn is on the job training. Most hours are done by CNA, EMT, paramedic, MA, nursing, or scribing. Most schools require paid hours.
Hi , I’m getting my bachelors in biology but so far I’ve gotten 2 C’s one in microbiology lecture and ANATOMY 2 lecture.. my professor were horrible 😭.. will I still be accepted in P.A school when I apply :(
i’m just a sophomore in high school but i’ve been look into my future but i thought to become a PA you just do 4 years and then another 2 years to get your master degree is there more schooling after that or...?
Their are also accelerated programs you could apply to as a senior in high school. It is 3 years for your bachelors and 2 for your masters at most schools.
Besides a thesis project (which I'm not sure if every PA school requires), is there a lot of writing/essays in PA school? I would assume it's mainly quizzes and tests, not so much writing assignments. What was your experience like?
No essays except research project at the end. Not sure if all schools require that. You’ll be writing SOAP notes and other things that actually pertain to being a PA 😁
I will be a senior in high school and boyyy I feel like I'm in a tight position.... I'm currently in dual credit and I am taking the classes necessary for my associates, I am also taking a few other classes that will help me get closer to becoming a PA (following a bit of the pre-reqs from the college I want to go to BCM) . Although, I'm not sure if what I'm doing is right, I'm not sure what to do after I graduate, what's the next step? Does anyone have any tips for me?
I’m a year late but I just graduated from high school and I also did dual enrollment and ended up getting my AA degree. I am also trying to figure out if I want to go for PA or a registered dietitian. All I can say is do not stress too much about it because most of the prerequisites for PA school is science. Since you did dual enrollment you should have already taken prerequisites needed for your AA that is also needed for PA school. Did you figure out what you want to do or are you still deciding?
They call you doctor, no matter how many name tags you wear, and how many times you remind them your a PA. When you tell them your a PA, they either say what's that, or they ask when are you going to finish your education.
Hi please please please answer my question I know you went to a different school but I need to ask you I saw one of the comments you wrote if you get three C's you are done did you mean in your bachelor degree or when you're at the PA school?
Obi Dike I’m also striving to be a PA, personally I’m majoring in health sciences (starting next year) and then I’m gonna go onto PA school, but I think that there are a lot of majors that you can choose from as a starting block before PA school
I'm stressing now, but at least this video is giving me heads up. I know that absorbing the materials is very important how do you retain the materials?
If it’s like a 9-5 job then how do you work a full time job and do full time pa school? Is that impossible? Meaning that your finances will take a hit because of it ?
It depends on the school you're at. I my school, I believe if you got like 3 C's or something like that, you were done. And I mean 3 C's in classes, not on tests :)
Hi kendra, I m a medical graduate( BAMS) from India. I'm planning to get my masters in PA. Basically, the kind of job profile it is, I had done same kind of Work last 15 yrs. So, which country u suggest, is best to be a PA. To get the job after PA masters easily, earning & of course PR? Kindly reply
@@milagrosceja6396 im not in college myself, just putting out what I’ve learned, most colleges have told me if ur looking to pursue a medical field career, to focus in on science and nutrition, seems accurate...
It is generally for newly accredited programs. Either the program has just started the program and ARC-PA has recognized they have the resources and capabilities of being a PA program.
@@greenkara09 When I applied last cycle I applied to schools that had provisional accreditation as well. I ultimately accepted a seat at an continued accreditation program because I felt it was safer. The only downside I would say from a provisional accreditation program is that they are new. I would highly recommend checking the programs website and seeing if they have stats from the first couple of cohorts that graduated. Check to see of the enrolled students, how many graduated and how many passed the PANCE on their first attempt. These can tell you how well a provisional program is doing. If they haven't graduated a class yet it is risky to accept an offer because you don't know the standards of the program yet. You can still accept the offer but its up to you if u want to take that gamble. But I just want to say not all provisional programs are bad. There are many great ones out there and I recommend checking the forums of what current students are saying about them. Provisional programs just require a little more research since they are newer. In the end, you want to accept a seat at a program that you feel comfortable in and know it will prepare you to pass the PANCE.
Yes. It’s a masters degree. BSN is bachelors degree. Check out Kaynen brown’s channel. He is only maybe a month into PA school and is talking about how difficult it is compared to nursing. Even NP, I would argue PA is more difficult. Because NPs can go to school while working full time. Most cannot work even a PRN job during PA school. No one could do full time. That would be impossible. We learn so quickly. About every 2 weeks into a different subject. We had at least 2 exams every week. Finals week was 7 exams in 5 days. Basically had 24 hours to study for a final.