I'm currently a sophomore in a community college and I'm studying to become a PA and i just found out about this blog and I'm hoping this can clear things up and help me with any questions I have.
When I started college i was studying to be a dentist but then when my sophomore year started I decided to change and start studying PA, I changed majors because I think dentistry can be a bit boring. I like the rush of working in a hospital and I enjoy helping others and I like the fact that with being a PA everyday could be something new. Well, due to my change in career I had to retake some classes because I was taking some that were not the right prerequisites for PA so right now I'm a bit behind. My school has a medical program and in that program they have an associates in science (AS) for PA. My first question is what turns out better in the long run? Getting an AS or an AA and what exactly is the difference? The pay change? Does the way they choose employees change depending on the type of degree? I understand you need to keep going to school after you get that but what degree helps when getting into your next school?
I was reading forums on here about shadowing and I have been thinking about shadowing but i just never find a way to do it. And shadowing is something I would really like to do because you never know what you really like to do until you do it. You never really know if you have a weak stomach until you've seen it all, good thing so far I can see anything without a problem. I honestly have no friends or family members that work in a hospital so i really don't have any connections. So what exactly is the best thing to do to find a PA that'll allow me to shadow her.
Confused college student
Re: Confused college student
Usually AAs are liberal arts and ASs in sciences, but it can depend on the emphasis. As a biology major where I went to school there were two tracks (BA and BS). There were a few minor differences in curriculum, like physics or organic chemistry vs physics and organic chemistry, but overall it was pretty arbitrary. I graduated with a BA in biology, and I have never once regretted it. All anyone ever asks you is "what was your major for undergrad?"
As to AA vs AS, this really isn't so important. What people will see is that you have a 2-year degree. That may work as a minimum to get you in, but you'll be competing against people who have bachelor's degrees.
Have you spoken to your own doctor? Shadowing a PA is recommended, but I mostly shadowed physicians. There were PAs in their clinics, and I talked with them, so I got a feel for their work. I suggest you find a doctor and get your foot in the door. From there you can probably use your connection to him/her to find a PA who will take you one for a day or more.
As to AA vs AS, this really isn't so important. What people will see is that you have a 2-year degree. That may work as a minimum to get you in, but you'll be competing against people who have bachelor's degrees.
Have you spoken to your own doctor? Shadowing a PA is recommended, but I mostly shadowed physicians. There were PAs in their clinics, and I talked with them, so I got a feel for their work. I suggest you find a doctor and get your foot in the door. From there you can probably use your connection to him/her to find a PA who will take you one for a day or more.