I am 50. Is it possible for me?

[lisadrewmi]

I have been in sales for 27 years, but my first love is medicine. I volunteered as an EMT for three years; before that, I had been a nursing assistant and a medical assistant. I HATED the way nurses were treated in the hospital, and decided I never wanted to be one. Fast forward 26 years, and I am now in college (again) working on my prerequisites. I was going to get a nursing degree first, but all the schools in our area have four year wait lists, and time is not on my side. I majored in English years ago, so I have to take EVERY class needed. I love medicine, I know medicine, and I love science. I am very familiar with hospital and patient care, and I know I would prefer to be a PA, rather than a nurse, because I prefer diagnostics and being the lead person on patient care. I believe it will take me a year to get these prerequs done. Will any of these PA schools want me at my age? Nursing programs don't seem to mind, but I don't want to be a nurse. Also, how do you pay for school? I have a house and pets and would have to borrow money for both tuition and my mortgage payments. I guess what I'm asking is, is it possible for me?

[PaulK]

Sure, it's possible. Your age is a disadvantage, not a disqualifier. You need to submit a strong application that plays to your strengths - experience, maturity, dedication/commitment. If it's what you really want, and you're willing to work for it, it can be done. I suggest you apply to more programs than someone who is in their 20's or 30's. You might want to call them and ask how they feel about older candidates. Some will like them, others not so much.

Paying for PA school - PAs are a good investment. You can take out guaranteed student loans, private loans, as well as applying for scholarships. Don't worry about paying for it - concentrate on getting yourself in! The rest will take care of itself.
We have several articles on the blog about paying for PA school - just go to the "Paying for PA school" category.

[lisadrewmi]

Thank you for your encouragement. I really hope I can get into a program near home. There are 2 PA schools in Detroit; we also have 3 in the west side of the state, but those would require moving. I am about to take Anatomy and Physiology, and Chemistry, and those I feel are the toughest prerequs, besides Organic. I'd like to take pharmacology and pathophysiology before entering PA school too. I've had an "A" average since undergrad, but my with my BA, I only had a 2.8. I am just crazy enough to think I can just get in when I apply. The other thing that scares me is the GRE.

[PaulK]

All understandable concerns. Do a little long term plan of attack. Then I urge you to be linear about it: start with the first step, then progress to the next step. Try not to worry about steps you're not on, since that worry doesn't do anything but take you further off course.

[mgholm]

Is anyone familiar with programs that appreciate maturity?