4 answers
Daisy
Student
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips for college student who is transferring, who wants to pursue a degree in medicine?
I plan on becoming a physician assistant so I was wondering if there was a way to network to get experience in the medical field? I have done some internships in my area during the summer with Kaiser but I know that I have to volunteer at hospitals and get patient care experience for Pa school. If you have any tips you recommend I will deeply appreciate it!
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3 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
231
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Daisy,
I'm a primary care internal medicine PA in my fourth year of practice, so can share some insights. The patient care experience can come from a variety of sources, and they usually (but not always) are from paid work experiences. The following article about the steps to become a PA, on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website, could be helpful for you:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Another great source of information on application requirements is the website of the PA program you're interested in applying to, because the requirements are generally similar and consistent, they usually vary from program to program. Volunteer experience typically is not required but desired, and I personally had volunteer experience when I applied to PA schools because it's something I'm passionate about.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
I'm a primary care internal medicine PA in my fourth year of practice, so can share some insights. The patient care experience can come from a variety of sources, and they usually (but not always) are from paid work experiences. The following article about the steps to become a PA, on the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website, could be helpful for you:
https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/08/6-steps-become-pa/
Another great source of information on application requirements is the website of the PA program you're interested in applying to, because the requirements are generally similar and consistent, they usually vary from program to program. Volunteer experience typically is not required but desired, and I personally had volunteer experience when I applied to PA schools because it's something I'm passionate about.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Good luck!
Hwal
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Daisy,
It’s great to see your ambition to pursue a career as a physician assistant! Networking is indeed a crucial part of preparing for your PA school application and gaining the necessary experience. One effective approach is to join local organizations or clubs related to healthcare. For example, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has student chapters that can guide you in the right direction.
Consider reaching out to your college’s pre-health advisor or department; they often have connections with local healthcare facilities and might even know about opportunities for students just like you. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of LinkedIn! Create a profile that showcases your experiences and interests in the medical field. You can follow healthcare professionals, join groups related to PA work, and even reach out to see if they have openings for volunteer positions or internships.
Moreover, I recommend setting up informational interviews with professionals in the field. This could be an invaluable way to not only learn more about the path but also to make connections that could lead to job shadowing or volunteering opportunities. Don’t hesitate to tap into your current Kaiser network; ask if you can speak to someone about more hands-on roles or volunteering within their facilities.
All the best on your journey! You've got this!
Best regards,
It’s great to see your ambition to pursue a career as a physician assistant! Networking is indeed a crucial part of preparing for your PA school application and gaining the necessary experience. One effective approach is to join local organizations or clubs related to healthcare. For example, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) has student chapters that can guide you in the right direction.
Consider reaching out to your college’s pre-health advisor or department; they often have connections with local healthcare facilities and might even know about opportunities for students just like you. Additionally, don't underestimate the power of LinkedIn! Create a profile that showcases your experiences and interests in the medical field. You can follow healthcare professionals, join groups related to PA work, and even reach out to see if they have openings for volunteer positions or internships.
Moreover, I recommend setting up informational interviews with professionals in the field. This could be an invaluable way to not only learn more about the path but also to make connections that could lead to job shadowing or volunteering opportunities. Don’t hesitate to tap into your current Kaiser network; ask if you can speak to someone about more hands-on roles or volunteering within their facilities.
All the best on your journey! You've got this!
Best regards,
Lauren Cranford
Occupational Therapy Assistant
3
Answers
Pensacola, Florida
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello Daisy,
I understand that pursuing a PA program can seem daunting, especially when considering the requirement of paid healthcare experience. But remember, this can be gained in a variety of roles such as a medical assistant, paramedic, patient care technician, or even a rehab aide. I encourage you to browse through job listings and see if there's something that aligns with your interests and skills. Generally, a minimum of 500 hours of paid experience is what you'll need. I believe in your ability to achieve this and hope this information guides you on your journey.
Best Wishes,
Lauren
I understand that pursuing a PA program can seem daunting, especially when considering the requirement of paid healthcare experience. But remember, this can be gained in a variety of roles such as a medical assistant, paramedic, patient care technician, or even a rehab aide. I encourage you to browse through job listings and see if there's something that aligns with your interests and skills. Generally, a minimum of 500 hours of paid experience is what you'll need. I believe in your ability to achieve this and hope this information guides you on your journey.
Best Wishes,
Lauren