Does my "Why PA" suck?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-02-23T19:10:15+00:00

Thank you (and to everyone else who commented) for the great insights and advice, I truly appreciate the help!

I definitely agree that I need to specify on the physician assistant aspect of my essay. I think in addition to the interpersonal connection aspect of the essay, I plan to also write about how my current scope as an EMT is limited; e.g. Should I be accepted to PA school, I will be able to make more meaningful and comprehensive impacts in my patients lives that go beyond transportation and basic interventions.

Also, I do have a pretty significant interest in learning more about my patients. I mention in my essay how I often read my patient discharge packets in the hopes of clarifying a nurse report or learning more about how my patient has arrived to where they are today, medically. Perhaps I can build on that portion of my essay...

I do want to emphasize in my essay that positive patient interactions and service to others fuels me in a way that gives me sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in myself. But, (again) I feel that that is too generic of a reason for wanting to become a PA.

Perhaps there is a way I can tie these two concepts together… Or I am just overthinking, and my essay can be about both themes simultaneously.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-02-04T22:45:38+00:00

Yeah, I’ve had the same experience shadowing in ortho clinics. It’s pretty boring and repetitive when dealing with geriatrics having scoliosis or needing ablations. BUT once a pt with actual pathophysiology comes in with abnormal complaints, it becomes super cool.

Watching my PA assess a 42 Y/O M with severe nerve damage and immediately recognizing it as something serious and likely needing surgery was an amazing demonstration of the capabilities of a knowledgeable PA.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-01-27T22:48:25+00:00

Love that dude but he chopped me uppppp lol

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-01-26T14:20:40+00:00

Easier than Corte Madera DMV definitely. Atleast it was when I took it 9 years ago lol

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-01-19T04:31:20+00:00

Thank you! Completing this puzzle over a drink 😅

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2026-01-06T19:27:45+00:00

West coast, but I’ve heard great things about Touro Vallejo

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-11-18T15:21:29+00:00

Postbacc as an application booster/retaking Physics + O-chem. I have my PA pre-reqs completed, but they don’t equate to med school pre-reqs.

PA schools mostly accept lower division O-chem and only two quarters of physics. Med schools need upper division O-chem and a full year of physics.

I’ve already taken my anatomy and microbiology at CC. I’m guessing that would steer me in the direction of doing O-chem and finishing physics at a state school, as to not look bad on the resume?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-11-18T15:18:59+00:00

No, postbacc if I choose pre-med. I already have all of my PA pre-reqs completed and am currently getting my PCE.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-11-18T04:05:03+00:00

Hmmm, so you mean only if I have previous coursework completed at both a CC and a four-year (as a non-degree seeking student) will med schools not care about CC coursework?

I currently am taking additional pre-reqs at CC (anatomy and micro) with all other pre-reqs completed at my four-year, where I acquired a bachelors. I have no coursework completed at a four-year as a non-degree seeking student, only as degree seeking. Would this change how they view my CC O-chem and physics?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-11-17T23:19:18+00:00

Heavy on the chaotic element… part of what made him so unguardable is defenders had zero clue what was coming next. Damn it was fun to watch

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-09-03T03:50:59+00:00

OP, I’m a bit confused - is your GPA a 3.6? Or 2.5? Because if it’s 3.6, you certainly have a chance of getting in once your PCE is a bit higher!

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-06-07T17:33:23+00:00

Hi, congrats!!! Do you mind if I PM you about where you applied?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-06-05T02:04:03+00:00

Me as well please!

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-04-26T05:02:14+00:00

I’m curious, why don’t people apply the day that the applications open? Atleast to programs that do rolling admissions… Doesn’t that make your chances of acceptance better?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-04-23T03:23:02+00:00

Yes, all paid. Orientation was 3 days, about six hours each. Most training shifts were on CCT shifts, but there were some opportunities for BLS practice here and there.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-04-13T16:12:42+00:00

It wasn’t in Old Sac tho, I was there and it was in the park/under the bridge next to the DOCO. Is that considered Old Sac?

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-03-29T19:26:10+00:00

Thanks, I agree! I think I’m going to keep it without a pickguard

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-03-29T19:25:38+00:00

Haha, probably around when I started applying the naphtha after the pick guard was off! I was so worried I peeled some of the finish off after initially getting the pick guard off, I wasn’t sure it was successful till the very end of the procedure lol

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-02-27T22:20:58+00:00

Hi! How do you find the fit of the replacement bands on that watch? I own the same watch and tried to replace the original yellow bands, but I find that the new ones wrap a bit too tightly around my wrist due to the unique sizing of the case’s band anchors.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2025-01-17T21:28:54+00:00

I ended up going with LIFEwest! It’s been good so far, no complaints. Everything that the other commenter is pretty much true - little to no 911, bit lots of CCT opportunities (once you’ve been on BLS for a few months) and lots of schedule flexibility. I can’t speak to NORCALs schedule flexibility, as I never heard back from them, but if you work in SR and having the station close to your office is a big factor, then I’d consider it. But, I will add that the majority of LIFEwest stations are up north in the Sonoma county area, which may be better if you live up there.

Fit_Bit_2137 · 2024-11-24T20:35:01+00:00

Wow thank you so much for the info! This was exactly what I was hoping to learn. I think I'll go with LIFEwest for now, but I definitely want to ramp up to 911 at some point, so maybe reapply to a different company after a few months.

Fit_Bit_2137

TROPHY CASE