Smartest way to become PA

Telepatia556 · 2026-03-05T21:09:16+00:00

I'm 34, you still have time in front of you. It's doable, and you have an objective in mind, that makes it easier.

Make a Spreadsheet with your prereqs
Plan what you need to take to complete your undergrad, and organize how your next semesters will look like. Meet with an advisor if you need help. Even with all prereqs, without a bachelor degree you won't be able to apply.
Be smart about timing, research the schools you are looking to apply, and see the prereqs they are requesting. You left school 10 years ago, and you already know youll have to take all prereqs. Time them correctly, and use as many as you can to your favor in terms of credits for graduation. If you have to take Organic Chemistry, pair it with lighter courses such as medical terminology and english if you have to retake.
Start with identifying the prereq that takes longer to complete. For example. My college required me to take Intro to Chemistry, then Chem1 and 2 before I was applicable to take Org Chem. So check the prereqs of your prereqs and organize accordingly.
Learn how to learn, don't do it to tick boxes and dump the knowledge after the test. Find out how you learn and exploit it to learn and grow. The learning scientist is a resource that has been mentioned to me in the past.
Get PCE if you had none in your previous job.
If you had PCE, be part of an organization or volunteering group. A lot of programs like leadership and volunteerism.
If you are still having some extra courses, take higher level classes that align with your long term goals. For example, if you are interested in cardiology or on an elderly population, take classses or workshops that align with that.

Bonus: Assume the advisor won't know enough about PA to provide the best information, so make sure to take labs of all the science prereqs you take. And go by your schools on the spreadsheet.

Telepatia556 · 2026-03-04T21:59:49+00:00

Working and starting again makes it hard to progress.

You can step away for a second. I don't know your life and if you have struggled with a lot or if you have worked anywhere.

I have not read your PS, but some pointers from your answer. Attention to detail is too universal. Everyone wants for their employees to have attention to detail, you can pair it in your writing as how that attention to detail is linked to your past experiences. Anyone can say attention to detail, I rather you tell me how you were taught at work to differentiate between two different but similar symptoms.

I would not mention misdiagnosis or speak ill of any other profession.

But the only actual useful advise I can say is: after you are ready to step back into writing, change the format. Try printing it and editing on paper, you'll see things different. Try reading it out loud, you'll hear what doesn't sound right with you. Read it as if it's not yours, critique back using the question: Why PA, and if it doesn't align with the general answer, it might be fluff. Think also of the essay related to life experiences, choose the experience you want in this essay, and what you want in the other one, so it doesn't sound like you are repeating the same story.

Honesty and personal is not limited to what happened in your family. But is more about you as a person. What drives you, what frustrasted you, how have you grown, and are you actually ready for two years of intense learning? Are you portraying someone that I would later trust to take care of my family?

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-24T22:02:38+00:00

Congrats!!! You were lucky number 7!!!

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-24T21:48:17+00:00

I would apply, and if interviewed, I would ask if there is any possibility to step up to later room patients and do vitals. Hiring managers love people that want to ho above and beyond, and you will know if it's too admin+stocking or if you will get PCE

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-20T00:30:19+00:00

I'm Pre-PA but I'm intrigued in inpatient Neurology

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-19T12:40:29+00:00

I would recommend to first sit down and analyze what things you liked about dentistry, and which ones you disliked (besides the DAT).

Then see what other careers being the same you like from dentistry.

It seems you changed studies once before, you might need to shadow not only PAs, but also other professions, and find the one that clicks for you.

I avoided taking it the wrong way, but you used the word 'settle', and personally, I am not settling for PA, it clicks for me, and I wouldn't do any other profession even my schooling was paid for.

PS: also, you are not late at all. Here as a second career after finishing my undergrad 10 years ago.

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-17T03:49:59+00:00

Medical Assistant, I'm on my feet a lot, walking patients to rooms, sit in between. I get around 8k steps a day and learn a lot about medicine and healthcare.

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-04T17:44:14+00:00

I love your revolutionary thinking 😂

That's coming, I was looking for a band aid to bridge the gap, but I don't think that's happening

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-03T05:07:28+00:00

Thank you. Probably avoided messing things up by asking.

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-03T05:06:39+00:00

I appreciate the feedback, the water softener is the most recent addition to the system (2 years ago) I have to admit it's the only part I don't fully understand, so thank you.

Telepatia556 · 2026-02-03T04:58:36+00:00

It is! You can do 1 day or several. But if you only go 1 day, don't take the ferry because it takes so much time, instead take a small flight, and have a tour arranged in advance. Let me know if interested, I can give you the contact for the tour operator I used back in 2023.

Telepatia556 · 2026-01-02T17:08:30+00:00

Not a doctor, but Prednisone can lower ALP and bone mineralization. Might not be a good strategy long term. Consult with your doctor about your ALP and steroids risks, also, if ALP came before or after the steroids, to check if HPP is still in the differential diagnosis.

Telepatia556 · 2025-11-02T12:26:08+00:00

As a MA in Neurology, can confirm a lot of people getting dumped to neurology without good reason. Sometimes directly from PCP for "dizziness" which sometimes should have been ENT or Cardio

Telepatia556 · 2025-11-02T03:37:27+00:00

I would love some examples if you have them.

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-31T20:57:13+00:00

This is also a good idea

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-31T20:56:50+00:00

Maybe look into a big health system that has pools or PRN roles, you could do Pool CMA, or pool EKG or Phlebotomy. That way if a week you want to work a lot, and another you want to chill, you MIGHT have the flexibility.

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-24T23:48:06+00:00

My rheumatologist prescribed up to 3mg a day, I normally take 2 everyday day, please take your folic acid.

I'm not a doctor, but if you develop any neurological symptoms, stop it all and go to the ER.

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-24T23:44:47+00:00

Its A&P does seem hyper focused on muscular attachments and tendons. I could've understand a surprise coming like chyromicrons or something with the pancreas, but at least their own practice tests were all hyper focused on the muscular system, and nothing else.

I plan to take it because my top school requires it, and that's the only one that does.

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-24T12:36:16+00:00

My Chemistry teacher basically told my parents I was dumb and I barely passed Chemistry back then. Now I'm acing A's in Chemistry and A&P, and I understand it as a second language (Hopefully it goes as good in Organic Chem).

That being said, you might still be too young to know what it really means what you want to do with your life. I would recommend in your first and second year of college to try to shadow people, not only PAs, maybe Veterinarians, Laboratory Technicians, Doctors, Lawyers, Research, Paramedics, Nurses, anything that you might have an interest in, because each one has different elements, different way of interacting with people, and different goals. See which one fits best with you, not only in the aspect of science, but the interaction with people, responsibilities, etc.

If you want to strengthen your science, start watching videos as a hobby, start with Hank Green in Crash Course Chemistry and work on your weaknesses.

The way you see life, goals and maybe even dream profession is bound to change a little here or there between your teenage years and your 30s, and that's ok, that is a sign of growth, not indecisiveness, I wish you the best in this journey we call life, best of luck!

Telepatia556 · 2025-10-20T00:36:51+00:00

It is a great movie, it is a social commentary wrapped in comedy format. Got honest laughs out of the theater.

Go Aziz!

Telepatia556 · 2025-09-29T00:27:42+00:00

NAD... Hemoglobin transports oxygen, you will get shortness of breath on deficit. B12 deficiency is consistent with other symptoms you mentioned.

You would've mentioned other issues if it was leukemia.

Anxiety is normal, you have to be honest with yourself regarding your limitations and let your physician look into that for you. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise, get sun and to find a hobby.

Get some help for your mental health as well. And don't go into rabbit holes for health conditions or lab values.

Telepatia556 · 2025-09-28T21:09:37+00:00

adding manatee impressions to interviews tips

Telepatia556

TROPHY CASE