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

Should I go to PA school? .... Inception to Realization

In two short months I will graduate and be on my way as a physician assistant. I can tell you that it is possbile. I went from a finance business managment degree, working as a loan analyst to now a PA-C.
The job offers have been numerous and I haven't even graduated yet. Excellent locations and envirnonements that pay a new PA over $100k a year. A career that allows you to be actively helping people and taking care of others that are desperate for good advice, communication, and health care management. In clnic 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 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 $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

How to get into PA school

Please click on the link below to have access to my e-book which was created with step by step instructions about the process on how to get into PA school. There are six pages of information....

Dozens have purchased the ebook and have thanked me for their help... Let me know how you are doing and keep me informed. Ebook is only $3.


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

Lessons Learned

Yes I am still in PA school. I will graduate this summer and I can't wait to finish. The second year has been focused on clinical skills learned by direct "hands on" type learning. Each student has a primary physician (preceptor) who works with us and is given the task to facilitate the teaching of how to be a medical provider. These physicians have agreed to teach and are not compensated. The typical routine is for the student to shadow for a bit and get to know the office and the procedures, followed by seeing patients by yourself. After seeing a patient you discuss the visit with the doctor and make your suggestions of an assessment and a plan. The doctor will then return and see the patient and let you know if there are things to do differently and remind you of what is most important. In some ways it is a win-win situation. The doctor is able to receive free work by letting you see patients and moving the patient flow at an increased rate and the student is learning how to be a provider beyond what the books tell you.

The second year has been focused on this type of learning in a primary care location and also we are spending time in surgery, geriatric medicine, pediatrics, ob-gyn, psychiatry, in-patient, and in the ER.

We continue to study our notes and read the textbooks as we are continually tested on pathology, decision making, assessments, and physiology.

The learning has been rigorous and stressful. I feel myself constantly in uncomfortable situations where I don’t quite belong or rather in someone else’s territory. Patients look at me with dubiousness, wondering if I can help them. This anxious and stressful learning is over-the-top at times but it is part of the process. After going through the process again and again it is nice when you recognize the progress. It is amazing to think that only a few short months separate the initial task I set out on so many years ago and successful completion. There are many jobs available and offers have already been extended.

If you are reading and want to know how to get into pa school…. Check out the ebook that I wrote on the process 

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

Physician Assistant School - Clinical Exam

The patient exam
(Oral Practicum)


The misdiagnosis - learning to lead with your heart

There is so much to learn in PA school in a short amount of time. It has been referred to as medical school packed into 2 years - an analogy of drinking out of a fire hose.

Beyond testing the learning of each organ system and the associated disease processes and presentations, we are occasionally tested based on an actual patient encounter. An opportunity for our teachers to improve our bedside manner, communication with patients, and review our diagnosis and thought processes. Our program has a faux medical clinic which appears everything like a real office. From the waiting room to the patient rooms it appears like a typical new medical clinic. Our patient experiences are filmed, reviewed, critiqued, and ultimately made available for us to watch. The patients are paid actors who are given instructions to follow. Charts are on the front door and we aren't aware of the chief complaint until we get to the door. After the encounter we have a professor (doctor) available to whom we present the case as typically done in the medical field.

Yesterday I completed my second patient encounter exam. I made one key error in the diagnosis of the patient and realized the mistake immediately. I was so frustrated with the partial misdiagnosis... I know better. However if these tests are really supposed to be learning experiences I think that it was a success as I learned. There are a few mistakes that I would never do again based on this patient encounter.

This type of test is a difficult test to prepare for. The limitless possibilities of potential chief complaints and associated pathologies eliminates the idea of cramming to prepare. Consistant study and knowledge prepares you. The key advice I would give is to think clearly. Avoid regret by thinking clearly about what you are doing. You know what to do, trust you knowledge, trust your feelings and make the appropriate decisions. Look at the patient, use appropriate learned techniques for a physical exam, and don't be fooled by obvious possibilities but rather be confident and clearly think about what is wrong and what you are doing. You are always allowed to step out of the room while seeing a patient. As you step out of the room I recommend stopping and thinking about the complaint, the situation and quickly making sure you are thinking everything through. A good time to step out of the room is when you ask the patient to change into a robe and sit up on the exam chair.

I could go on for a long time but again my advice is this: USE YOUR HEAD BUT LEAD WITH YOUR HEART!! I believe as you do this you will have clarity and wise decision making.

Landing the perfect job as a physician assistant (PA)

I have recently been working on a class project that asked me to research the national and state perspectives of the role of physician assistants in locations such as: skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric facilities, home health care, outpatient care, and education. I began by doing some research and I have become facinated with the diverse roles that are needed and can be chosen as a physician assistant.

There are so many choices and fields of medicine that physcian assistants can choose to pursue. I have decided to continue my research on the different areas of profession and find out the barriers of entry and needs that exist. I am also trying to research the best approach to land a great job with limited experience and knowledge. What steps should you take as you are in school, after school; who do I talk to?; what experience opportunities are availabe?; what are job employers looking for? etc....

I have come across a great site that is designed for mid level clinicians such as physician assistants to find jobs. It is called pagigs.com. I thought it was a great site and shows that there are many possiblities of employment after graduation. I decided to put a link to the site on my blog. Check it out.

Start a health clinic as a Physician Assistant

It is possible as a Physician Assistant to run and own a medical clinic. The possibilities seem very exciting and as one can imagine the limitless possibilities are intriguing. I am not an expert in this area and I don't have much time currently to investigate and learn and so I decided to bring this up as a post. Please feel free to leave comments on your experiences or knowledge....

This topic has my attention as I have been approached 3 times by 3 physicians to discuss the possibility in creating a partnership in starting a clinic after graduation. Our class has also received 2 lectures from PA's who work in a partnership with a Physician and they are business owners in their medical clinic. One of the presenters spent much time on describing how he decided to start his own clinic and the benefits and successes that he has had. Obviously if the clinic is succesful the income potential is very large. There are also the obvious stresses and risks associated with starting a businesses...

I believe the laws are different in every state and should be researched. If a PA is interested he must have a supervising physician as a partner in the business. The physician is required but the partnership doesn't have to be 50/50. There are PAs who give a very small percentage to the physician as the physician is "supervising" but not really associated with the business.

Anyway it is an intersting subject. I will spend time before I graduate learning and researching. I am not sure if I will take on such an endeavor but if I continue to be approached I would at least like to know the possbility and understand if the arrangement is fair and promising.

Studying for physician assistant test

To answer a comment on a previous post I wrote the following about how I study for tests:

Well everyone has their own method of studying.... I approach it like a puzzle; I start with the edge pieces and complete the outer border. I follow this by working on an area and moving on one area at a time until I have worked in each area. Finally I spend time and concentration on the last few pieces.

So to interpret this, the outside border = beginning by looking over what I need to know and writing it down (I use a small white board in my office). I then read with a pad of paper and take notes on the areas I think are important. I then use supplemental information such as study guides, my notes and other texts to better understand key areas and convert this to note cards. Before the test I study with my note cards and go over and over them making sure I know the areas I chose to focus on. Several times it has occurred that there have been questions on the test that I never studied. I realize that I cannot cover everything and I sometimes miss a few areas as I omitted them while deciding what to study in the beginning steps. This happens but sticking to a plan and following it I have found allows me to study with less stress and helps me feel prepared come test time.

I know some students use charts and graphs. Some students like to review and study with applications and online tools. Some read every chapter in the book. There are many approaches that fit the many different personalities.

The end of a semester in PA School

Actually our program uses the quarter system... but we just finished our second quarter in our PA program at UC Davis. I decided to write about the feelings and details involved in ending classes in pa school.

Finals were stressful!! We had comprehensive finals so everything was fair game on the final, which was an enormous amount of material. Coupled with the fact that there were 4 finals over 3 days with the 2 hardest finals being back to back; before lunch then after lunch. What stress! It is over now and I passed my classes so I can take a deep breath and enjoy a few weeks of time off and have a good Christmas and New Years.

The main areas we covered this quarter were ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology, hematology, oncology, and respiratory. The nuances and details can be complex and remembering all of the associated diseases, the associated treatments, specific drugs (along with first line, second line) was especially difficult for me with my limited background experience. However; I feel that I learned an incredible amount and I am so pleased that I passed every test and can continue to the next sections.

On a certain final many of us felt the test was very difficult with poorly written complex questions, questions in areas we never covered, and questions in areas we were told not to study.... As you can imagine many people were upset. My feelings after the test were frustrating more than anything. I had the feeling that I knew I passed the test but the many questions that were foreign to me left an uneasy frustrating feeling. I wondered what my feelings would have been like if the test was simple and I answered every question correctly. Would I be positive and excited? Why would I have different feeling if ultimately I would know and have learned the same amount of information? Its funny what a test can do to you... an easy test doesn't mean that I know any more about the subject; my studies dictated how well I learned the new material not the questions proposed by our professor. I really want to become a competent and knowledge filled PA and I realized that my studies, learning techniques, and thorough reading will determine how much I learn and prepare myself... then ultimately solidify and expand my knowledge after graduation while in the clinic.

One crazy scholarship - Physician Assistant - PA

I have mentioned before but I received a scholarship from the National Health Service Corps. I recently returned from a 3 day conference in New Orleans which provided guidance, information and an outlook to our lives with the service corps. I walked away with a new and increased appreciation for the cause and have taken on the role of an ambassador for the program; to increase awareness and help where I am able to help.

As a scholar the service corps pays full tuition, expenses, and provides a living stipend to help pay for housing. In return the scholar agrees to work in an underserved primary health care facility. For 2 years of scholarship I am required to work for 2 years in such an environment. Ultimately the corps would desire the individual to internalize the commitment and decide to make a career commitment to working in underserved communities.

I will have several other post about the scholarship program as there is too much to say. At the conference there were 200+ recipients out of 3000+ applicants. Medical Students, PA students, Nurse practitioner students, Nurse mid-wives, and dental students are the individuals who received the scholarship. The trip was all paid for with great food, great hotel, and great environment to have a good time. nhsc.hrsa.gov for more info

A video glimpse of our class group

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-wlbAaVQMk

The video was made specifically for our class after we had a frustrating week. It was a new experience for me using the imovie application.

PA school = 2 years of leaving/neglecting relationships as you are submersed in reading assignments, reviewing lectures, studying new material, refreshing on basic anatomy and physiology, exploring pharmacologic options and reasonings, etc.... unless you are the naturally brilliant who do what they want then study two days before a test and pass with ease (urggg to you know who)

The biggest wild card when selecting a program is not knowing the individuals that you will be spending these two years with. Luckily for our program we have a great group.

the week of tyranny

Well this week was an interesting week. Stress and frustrations boiled over and the class came together in frustration. The consensus was that the professors were not providing adequate communication, quality prepared lectures, and helpful information worthy of the university name and worthy of our tuition payments. We were given an opportunity to express our concerns and feelings about the program and we didn't hold our tongues. Some expressed frustrations more than others but overall the group was very disappointed with the program. We are constantly told to "trust the process" as hundreds have come before us and represent some of the most qualified and productive pa's in the state and country; however we are the program now and we represent the class graduating in 2013 and we deserve the best education. The program is in flux with new leadership and new direction as the program moves into a masters program. The week brought all of us together, gave us the opportunity to communicate and strengthen relations. Frustrations and frowns were converted to optimism and hope as we received quality lectures and direct communication. Our voices were heard and the faculty and leadership were made aware that we will not accept mediocrity. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

We may not have changed the world but we changed our path in the program.

Studying, Studying, oh yeah and more studying in PA school

I have said this before but it shouldn't be any surprise that you study a lot in pa school. After two years you are expected to be a primary clinician so yeah you better know your stuff = a lot of studying.

I just wanted to give a quick update on what my life is like right now. The UC Davis pa program is a unique program where they give you the amount of information that you will need to know for a test and ultimately you are left on you own to figure out the information. We have an extensive book list and available resources to help us but ultimately it is the individual student that must find a specific studying technique and system to be prepared come test day. We are a distant learning education where we go to school for a few lectures every few weeks and then we return to our communities and break out the books and study, study, study. As we progress in the program we will have clinical experiences in our own communities and rotate in different medical arenas in our home communities to ultimately provide us with good contacts, experiences, and stability to become a primary care health provider in our own community. Everyone has there own opinion about the format but that is not the point.... The point I am trying to make is that I have been relentlessly studying material, watching videos, researching topics from sun up to sun set, taking a few minutes every now and then to make sure my family knows that I am still alive.

So anyway the books are piled high, note cards are being made, the computer is warm and exhausted but the brilliant thing is that I am learning and understanding medicine, disease and health care.

White Coat Ceremony - Physician Assistant

The white coat ceremony for the class graduating in 2013.... Yes I survived the first semester of pa school and was allowed to receive the white coat and continue my education. For those that don't know the history of the white coat, well research it, there is a unique and interesting history of the practitioners white coat. It began not too long ago in the era when individuals began to realize the importance of cleanliness in health care. One can also view their white coat and remember the oath and commitment to quality health care and keeping patient information confidential and starting with a clean slate every time you open the door to see a new patient....

I remember when I first started to research the role of a PA and I saw pictures of a group of students in Georgia receiving their white coats and its hard to believe that I am now an individual in this type of picture. It was a terribly difficult journey to arrive and realize my goal but I am so completely and overwhelmingly happy that I chose this path. There were some great words spoken during the ceremony and I have forgotten most of them, ( I think that I should keep a notepad with me to remember the many great words and feelings I receive as I often forget them), but one indiviudal mentioned that with the white coat you are now looked at as someone that knows everything.....mistakes will be made and a lot is asked of you.....The best thing to do is to keep putting the white coat on and TRY YOUR BEST. Good luck to everyone on their journey to receiving entrance into school and obtaining a white coat. Read my ebook (only $2 on scribt.com- link is on blog) any I will answer any individual questions that you may have.