freshman in college looking for guidance! (NPA)

[RaeRae02]

I decided way back in my freshman year of high school that the health field is what I wanted to get into. I've always loved helping people, it's my passion! I would have loved to be a pediatrician, but I didn't like the idea of 11 years of school and all the money it would take. So as I was looking for what career I thought I would enjoy, I came upon a Neonatal Physician Assistant. The thing is is I don't know the first thing of becoming one..I stumbled upon this site while looking on how to become one and it's been helpful so far! I was just wondering if anyone knew how to become a Neonatal Physician Assistant. Requirements, what I should get my BS in, basically the whole game plan of how to become one. I'm clueless! If anyone can help me, that would be awesome! Thanks!

[PaulK]

Get your bachelor's degree with great grades
Get your health care experience anywhere you can (don't worry about neonatal yet)
Apply to and complete PA school. You may have elective opportunities to work in pediatrics and if so, do as many as you can.
Get your PA license
Apply for jobs. You will most likely need to start in either: pediatrics, but GYN might also get you there.
As you develop critical care and pediatric experience, you will become a better candidate for neonatal jobs.
Apply for and secure a neonatal job
That's pretty much it! (not that all that will be easy - it will be hard work).

[RaeRae02]

Thank you, this helped a lot! I knew it probably wouldn't be that easy, but hey, it will pay off in the end! Well, thanks again!!