Hello!
Currently I am a high school student (far away from PA school unfortunately) and I'm curious of what I can start now to make me more well rounded when the time comes. I've been volunteering at the community hospital (400+ hrs) but they only allow high school students to volunteer in the gift shop, admitting desk/taking patients to their rooms (which I am at), maternity, etc. None of these fulfill HCE hours. Also as a high school senior, we have capstone projects where we need to pick a field of interest, and shadow/and be a mentee to someone in that field. I chose a Physician Assistant! This has been an amazing experience for me, and I've even been able to see a couple surgeries and get a "fake" cast. Back to my point, will these experiences, even though they are not super advanced and do not require certification still help for PA school? Also I am looking into a Phlebotomy program so I can get hours in the future. The problem is getting certifications are expensive when I've heard from PA's and medical students that it is possible to find on the job training opportunities... Haven't found them so far. Am I getting too ahead of myself?
How to look more well rounded!
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Sarahbellum
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- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:56 pm
How to look more well rounded!
Last edited by Sarahbellum on Fri Dec 23, 2011 11:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
How to look more well rounded!
I don\'t think I\'d say \"ahead of yourself.\" You\'re thinking ahead, and that\'s more than most people do - so good for you!
Yes, I think these experiences will help, for two reasons:
1) you learn plenty about hospitals and medicine just from being around them. You learn how the place works, who does what, etc. Some call it \"learning by osmosis.\"
2) you will make contacts that (if you stick around) will turn into opportunities.
Ways to become more well rounded:
1) travel - not Switzerland, though - go somewhere that needs help, and provide it. I highly recommend Amigos de las Americas. High school students can volunteer with them and can provide health education, give vaccinations, etc., all while learning Spanish! Priceless experience. Which brings me to...
2) learn a foreign language. Again, learning Icelandic may not help as much as learning Spanish or others that are well-represented in the US. Haiti still needs plenty of help - they speak French there, so that might work too.
3) work/volunteer in different settings (ER, mental health, primary care, x-ray, surgery, Rockmed, etc.) I assume that once you are 18 or 21 you\'ll be able to do more of this.
4) Shadow different types of PAs. \'nuff said.
5) Take, do well in, and become a TA for a community college anatomy/physiology/microbiology course. Most community colleges need tutors in these subjects.
Be ambitious, but be patient too. Preparing for a PA career takes time, and that is on your side. Put in the time, and avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. You\'ll be glad you did.
Keep us posted!
Paul
Yes, I think these experiences will help, for two reasons:
1) you learn plenty about hospitals and medicine just from being around them. You learn how the place works, who does what, etc. Some call it \"learning by osmosis.\"
2) you will make contacts that (if you stick around) will turn into opportunities.
Ways to become more well rounded:
1) travel - not Switzerland, though - go somewhere that needs help, and provide it. I highly recommend Amigos de las Americas. High school students can volunteer with them and can provide health education, give vaccinations, etc., all while learning Spanish! Priceless experience. Which brings me to...
2) learn a foreign language. Again, learning Icelandic may not help as much as learning Spanish or others that are well-represented in the US. Haiti still needs plenty of help - they speak French there, so that might work too.
3) work/volunteer in different settings (ER, mental health, primary care, x-ray, surgery, Rockmed, etc.) I assume that once you are 18 or 21 you\'ll be able to do more of this.
4) Shadow different types of PAs. \'nuff said.
5) Take, do well in, and become a TA for a community college anatomy/physiology/microbiology course. Most community colleges need tutors in these subjects.
Be ambitious, but be patient too. Preparing for a PA career takes time, and that is on your side. Put in the time, and avoid the temptation to take shortcuts. You\'ll be glad you did.
Keep us posted!
Paul