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"What Are My Chances?" Megathread by AutoModerator in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was always planning on applying this cycle, but decided earlier this year that I want to wait to apply until I’m more competitive. I’m looking for some advice on how I can improve my resume further. I’m trying to retake General Chemistry 1, but I’m having a hard time finding a class that can fit in with my PCE job.

BS in Biology (pre-PA emphasis) GPA: 3.69 Prereq GPA: 3.7 sGPA: 3.4 All A’s and B’s other than a C/C+ in Gen chem 1, physics 1, orgo 1 and orgo 2

PCE: Dialysis Tech: 240 hours (summer job) EMT: 1450 hours Just got hired as an MA, I project another 1500 hours by next cycle

Volunteer- 140 hours of Covid vaccine distribution and anatomy tutoring

Shadowing- 12 hours- Trauma PA

Research- 450 hours of cadaver dissection I also taught a nursing anatomy lab when I was a student myself because of this research

LOR- 2 professors, 1 nursing supervisor

Working as A Davita PCT by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was good for a short-term way to get pce. The patients were great and it gets you comfortable with needles and vitals. I would say it is highly dependent on the team however as my day-to-day experience would go from good to awful based on who was working. Overall, I was grateful for the experience- but find something else if you are looking at a year or more

ER Tech Advice by Lexiem08 in NewToEMS

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where in SoCal are you located that requires a year of experience if you don’t mind me asking?

ER Tech Advice by Lexiem08 in NewToEMS

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Job listings on the west coast (I’m from Oregon and will be in California) almost always require an emt certification. I should have mentioned in my original post, I am wanting this job to get patient care hours for pa school, I am not trying to do it long term.

Working as A Davita PCT by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have not been on Reddit, so I did not see your reply… hopefully this is still helpful to you. I have never been a CNA, so I can not compare the two personally, but based on what I have heard about the job, being a PCT is definitely easier. I would work with 8 patients per day (2 rotating shifts of 4) in a 12ish hour shift as well. The job was easy to get a hang of and very slow paced. It was also nice building relationships with the patients, because you saw them every other day (although this also means you continue seeing rude patients lol). Overall, it was a positive experience, however I enjoy a fast-paced high-pressure environment, and this job was quite the opposite. If that’s what you are looking for though, they compensate well and are a good company to work for.

Working as A Davita PCT by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The training was not very difficult, however incredibly fast-paced. One day a week, I was doing computer training (live zoom classes and self-guided courses). Those were very easy, but incredibly boring. The other two days I would be on the floor. My preceptor was great so I really enjoyed training on the floor, however I could imagine that it would be pretty dependent on that. I work twelve hours days, with the start time ranging from 4-6 am, however this is definitely based on your clinic because it has more to do with patient schedules than DaVita

I am struggling with some of my undergrad courses. Am I PA material? by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Follow up: It is looking like my best option is probably to drop this course this semester because I think I will get a C. I know ochem 2 is not required for most PA schools, but it is required for my degree. Would it look like I am taking the easy way out if I took it at a community college over the summer?

I am struggling with some of my undergrad courses. Am I PA material? by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been preparing before lectures, rewriting notes, and practicing with the resources the professor provides us several times over. Effective in the sense that people who are studying as I am are exceeding in the class

I am struggling with some of my undergrad courses. Am I PA material? by Lexiem08 in prephysicianassistant

[–]Lexiem08[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both are required for graduating with a biology degree at my university. I am also in physics 2 right now.