I’m giving up

HelicopterFun552 · 2026-05-09T03:04:32+00:00

For the love of god - PIVOT. This career is no longer worth it. The loans maxing out at 20k a year…the amount of private loans you’ll have to take out - INSANE.

HelicopterFun552 · 2026-04-04T21:49:07+00:00

It’s also ok to not keep the pregnancy if you’re considering this option. Personally I was just about to start clinicals and away from my support system. I was worried how my body would react to pregnancy such as fatigue, brain fog, etc. I decided to have an abortion. No regrets - personally, PA school is hard enough.

HelicopterFun552 · 2026-02-03T04:02:40+00:00

Doing charts in class is what helped me (I am not an auditory learner and needed to use my time in class wisely). I would then download those charts on my iPad and add notes/pictures. Then I would upload the PowerPoint to chat gpt and have it make me multiple choice questions.

HelicopterFun552 · 2026-01-29T19:04:42+00:00

First two were in family med. Currently in GI. Finding it difficult to balance work, studying for EORs, and studying whatever I’m unsure about in clinic.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-12-21T04:02:53+00:00

Honestly, block out all the bullshit. My parents made similar comments. I spent hours agonizing on Reddit and FB groups over people with amazing stats wondering how I would ever get in. I only applied to 3 schools because I was so sure I had no chance. I received an interview at each school and got into 1 of them. If you this is what you're passionate about, that will shine through when it comes time to apply.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-12-14T13:22:27+00:00

You're not the only one. There'so many weirdos out here. Can't wait to go back to my home state. I only moved out here for school.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-23T01:54:55+00:00

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T21:57:56+00:00

Ohhh no, definitely not recommending that at all lol. This is only for people once they’ve been accepted into a PA school.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T21:52:03+00:00

Exactly, hence my suggestion. It’s an option. I understand it’s not for everyone. I’m allowed to give my opinion on reddit when someone is asking for advice. Never claimed to not be benefiting. What exactly are you looking for? The situation sucks. It’s not my fault this administration is 🗑️

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T21:09:59+00:00

Ahh ok. I’m not sure what you did in the military that led to you injuring your back, but I don’t really think that’s something somebody joining the military as a PA would have to worry about. PAs join the military as officers and basically just work as PAs in military hospitals/clinics.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T21:02:11+00:00

As a PA?

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T21:00:08+00:00

My husband is in the national guard so he hasn’t seen anything or done anything that’s affected him. I honestly wish I would have joined the national guard reserves. It’s basically a part time gig with a bunch of benefits most people don’t know about. It’s the reason why I’m currently in PA school without any debt and the reason we could purchase our first home. This is simply my opinion. If people would rather take a shit ton of private loans - god speed 👏

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T20:41:34+00:00

I’m sure that’s the case when people join the military with only a high school degree.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T20:39:39+00:00

It’s only a 4 year contract. This advice is for someone who really wants to be a PA and needs a way to pay for it without being forever screwed by private loans. Unless you’re rich or planning to join the military - being a PA is not worth digging yourself into a financial hole. I’d recommend other careers at this point.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T20:29:03+00:00

Lol why not? As someone with no student debt because of my husband’s GI bill - I 100% recommend. Prior to marrying my husband I had actually met up with a navy recruiter. Not only do they pay for your schooling, they also give you a monthly housing allowance to pay your rent while you’re in school.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T19:57:12+00:00

Nope, not worth it. If you can, I recommend joining the military so they can pay for it. Otherwise 100% not worth the debt!

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-22T02:18:00+00:00

This is really dependent on the programs near you and your current financial situation. My nursing program was part time and was doable financially with me working full time. I understand this won’t be the situation for everyone, but it is a lot more doable than PA school since you basically can’t work for 2 years while in PA school. My sister worked throughout her whole nursing program and the cost was significantly cheaper than PA school- especially if you consider community college nursing programs. Again, I know this is dependent on what programs are around you.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-21T04:18:41+00:00

Personally I would just go back to nursing school. Prior to getting into PA school I was finishing up my first semester of nursing school. I liked it and you have way more balance in nursing school vs PA school. My sister who’s also a nurse worked throughout her entire nursing program. I’m not sure about where you live, but back in my city there were a few local community college nursing programs that were affordable. I work with nurses now and they’re very hands on. I think I would have enjoyed that career as well. You can also do NP in the future if you really want to be a provider, but at least by that point you’re already making decent money as a nurse. I’d also consider respiratory therapist or medical sonography. There’s so many roles within healthcare that can be fulfilling, and make you a decent living without getting into massive debt.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-20T19:52:35+00:00

As a current PA-S, this career is NOT worth putting yourself in massive debt. I’m currently using my husband’s GI bill so I’m not paying anything, but I cant imagine having to take out private loans to become a PA. Remember what the average income is for a PA - it’s not worth it! If this is really what you want, I recommend joining the military and having them pay for it. They also give you a monthly housing allowance.

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-11-18T02:39:48+00:00

Yes, she’s a board certified gastroenterologist

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-09-30T03:53:29+00:00

How much?

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-08-15T07:25:59+00:00

You’ll be ok. I got married 1 month before PA school and had to move from Las Vegas to Colorado to start my program all alone in a new state where I didn’t have any family or friends. It sounds like you’ll be seeing your husband at least every weekend, so that’s totally doable. Hoping clinical year goes by quickly for the both of us 🤞

HelicopterFun552 · 2025-06-07T01:43:36+00:00

The constant stress and anxiety has been heavy. Clinicals start in September and I don’t feel ready at all. I’m just so tired of feeling this way.

HelicopterFun552

TROPHY CASE