Comments on: In Nursing School But Wants To Be A Physician Assistant?

By: MHnurseC

MHnurseC — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:20:55 +0000

You are young and you can do whatever you put your mind to. Sure, some training in healthcare is always beneficial when you are seeking a healthcare career.
PA training is very possible with good grades and provided your test scores are good. Do know, however, that these programs are quite competitive. They are generally second choices for aspiring med school students who didnt make the cut in addition to students like you. Also, once you are there, you must make the grade. One, and just one, bad mark and you are out.
Anyway, its only highschool. Continue on your present course and work your way through college as a CNA. You may find that you have a knack for nursing instead….

By: Diane A

Diane A — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:40:35 +0000

Since you have at least 4 years to go to get a bachelor’s degree, and you can get the CNA relatively quickly, I would “go for it”. You will need medical experience to get in to the PA program anyway, and the CNA could be a jumping off point. Medical knowledge is never wasted. I do advise going to a PA program that is a masters as that will probably be the normal route once you graduate anyway. You have plenty of time to further plan out this career, so take your time & get good grades and as much experience as you can. Good luck

By: Lissa

Lissa — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:21:13 +0000

You can become a CNA at a hospital, work for an RN and then move on to PA. Hospitals often give tuition reimburstments. Also they give scholerships for wanting to move up in the career ladder.

By: Go Gators

Go Gators — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:13:02 +0000

As I was reading the previous answer, I clicked on the website about PA requirements. It may be out-dated. All of the PA and SA (surgical assistants) programs that I am aware of require a college degree just for consideration of admission . A few of the best programs are at Duke, University of Florida and Vanderbilt. Another idea for you would be get your nursing degree and a year of ICU experience and apply to a CRNA program. That is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; they put surgical patients to sleep and then wake them up(a must!). They usually work under a physician, but may also ‘freelance’ on their own in physicians offices. For plastic surgeons and oral surgeons. It’s very hard work, but is very rewarding. Best of luck to you.

By: Laura in North Carolina

Laura in North Carolina — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:44:58 +0000

I can’t think of any reason why shouldn’t go ahead and become a CNA. You will learn skills that will be valuable when you study to be a PA- like taking vital signs. You will also get an introduction to medical terminology. You may even be able to do a little part-time CNA work while you are in college. That would be GREAT experience. You will learn how to communicate with patients as a CNA. That will be very helpful if you become a PA.
Here is more information on PAs: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm
Here is more information on CNAs:http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos165.htm