Should I go to PA school? Idea inception to realization

Should I go to PA school? Idea Inception to Realization

This is an update to one of my first posts made on this blog. It’s been over five years since I posted about graduating PA school. The idea of being a physician assistant began just like that, with an idea. I had my eyes set on another path but I considered the idea of becoming a physician assistant. I researched the process, understood the career choice and went forward down the path to become a PA. The idea was realized and now I look back on the path and help others who were once where I was.

Questions: Am I too old to be a physician assistant?  What do PA’s do? How can I get accepted into a physician assistant program? How much money will I make as a PA? How long will it take to be a PA? Can I take classes at a local community college? How long does it take to graduate?

This is a career that allow you to actively help people.  Taking care of others that are desperate for good advice, communication, and health care management. In clinic I am often humbled and so thankful when patients express their true concerns and longings to be whole. The trust they place in me and the thanks they give me is very rewarding. My point of this is that the work it takes to achieve the degree of physician assistant is worth it!! You can do it if you feel it is the right choice for you. It takes time and a solid and sound approach. On the website smashwords I put a 6 page instruction manual on how to get into PA school. I was constantly asked how the transition to this career was established. Please go to the site and find the document.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

The document is under $3. Well worth the money. I can then help answer individual questions that you may have. I was accepted to my top PA school choice after being accepted to a handful. I was awarded a scholarship that paid full tuition and gave me monthly money for living expenses. I resourced and met great providers that took me under their wings to act as mentors and teach me many things. I accepted a wonderful job, with great providers surrounding, much autonomy, high salary, and very nice benefits. Anyway get started today

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

BACK TO CALIFORNIA- PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Arizona-> Alaska-> and now California.

Jobs are plentiful as a physician assistant and options are endless. As mentioned in my last post I went to work in rural Alaska for a 6 month contract. What an experience and opportunity to grow as a primary care provider. Rural Alaska, hundreds of miles from any hospital or city. I worked on an island with a small population - primarily fishing community. In this environment, as a provider, you had to be able to do all medical jobs of a health clinic. Triage, registration, vitals, blood draws, immunizations, intravenous lines, emergency medical care, medevac protocols etc.. was required. There are no nursing, no medical assistants. There is a small office staff and small clinical staff.

I now returned home where it all began. Working in a typical suburban primary care facility is much different than the rural jobs I left behind.

Working as a Physician Assistant is great and a wonderful calling to help many people in need. Check out the e-book about how to get accepted into a program.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

Looking back

The First Post "The Rise and Fall in Life"
I just took a moment to read my first post and my mind began racing as I remembered the struggles, stresses, sleepless nights, prayers and hopes... (this was over 4 years ago).

Hello Everyone!,

About 3 years ago my life as I knew it changed forever. Approaching the age of thirty and establishing a family and rooted life... I lost my job. I experienced every emotion imaginable but especially an overwhelming constant concern of WHAT TO DO NEXT!

"Life is a storm. You will bask in the sunlight one moment and then be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout, do your worst, for I will do mine."

This blogs' intent is to outline the steps I took to become accepted to a physician assistant (PA) program, describe & display my life in PA school, and ultimately my life after PA school. I hope to assist those desiring to follow this career path through my experiences and also encourage all to find the best path for them to take in this journey through life notwithstanding what "storms" come their way.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

New Footprints

As I mentioned in the last post I have accepted a job in Alaska.  Currently I am still in Arizona but I only have 2 more days in the clinic here... then its off to Alaska. Bittersweet. I am very excited for new opportunities and experiences but it is always difficult saying goodbye to people you enjoy being around.

So I have learned a lot about changing jobs as a PA that perhaps I can pass on. I have had the opportunity to work with some great providers that have worked here in Arizona under contract through locum agencies and they have passed on some information to me. But with taking this job in Alaska I have gained some understanding of how it works also. 

First of all as I mentioned there are so many opportunities. I have received options to work in every state, even areas such as Guam and Puerto Rico. I have also received emails about New Zealand, England, Egypt... Many different jobs from Primary Care to Cardio-Thoracic surgery and most things in-between. 

The biggest hurdle with taking the new job in Alaska is getting the state license to practice. I turned all of my application documents 3 months ago and my license is still pending. This can be frustrating if you are in a rush to start working. For me it has worked out well as I wasn't in a big rush to leave and get to Alaska. So my advice would be to get state licenses in every state that you are considering. The downside is that you pay the fee for each state license (200-600$) but the advantage is that if a job comes up, you have a license, and don't have to wait months before you can start working. 1 day of work pays for the entire license...

I really do love being a PA. Its great having a job that provides a service that people need. Its great when you get a thanks or a hug from a caring patient. As I have told patients that I am leaving the clinic and heading to Alaska I have had so many patients say amazingly nice things to me. People begging me to stay longer. 

If your on the path don't give up- 

If you are debating the career as a PA or have read the posts on this blog please check out the e-book
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

Changing Jobs

After 1.5 years of working at a rural family practice and urgent care, I have felt the pull to go to another rural area for new experiences. Off to Alaska to an area of high need for health care providers. I am excited for a change and to begin a new chapter in my career as a physician assistant. I have enjoyed my time here in Arizona and have grown a lot in developing practical skills and techniques to provide better health care.

I have mentioned many times that one of the greatest things about being a physician assistant is the high demand and endless amount of options for work. Going to Alaska is a small example of these opportunities. This career in the short year and a half has been very rewarding. My life for my family has great outlook and many opportunities.

If you are debating the career as a PA or have read the posts on this blog please check out the e-book


https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

Primary Care PA-C

It has been 8 months since I moved to Arizona and began working as a PA-C.  Looking back on the last few years it is pretty amazing how I arrived at this place. I have had several people call me and email me recently wondering about my experiences and if I am happy with what I am doing.. Would I do it again if I had the chance to start over?.. My answer is an unequivocal Yes.

The job has its ups and downs, frustrations and stresses, good days and bad days; however, it is a great career that I enjoy. I continue to have amazing opportunities and experiences.

If you are considering the idea of becoming a PA, I suggest looking at the e-book I have on scripd and email any and all questions you may have.

Career Change Complete

Changing Careers Complete. What a great decision! I completed my training, passed my exams, and accepted a job working in a primary care outpatient clinic and also in a hospital for the same company. The stress, worries, anxiety, and struggles were all worth it as I now find myself working daily in an atmosphere that I love and with paychecks that don't disappoint. If you are interested in the career choice and are wondering how to get started, please check out my 6 page road map


https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218