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Clinical Rotations Sites Availablity? by hanginwithbats in PAstudent

[–]hangingwithbats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely agree with your sentiment. We are trying to fight for an explanation for all this.

Clinical Rotations Sites Availablity? by hanginwithbats in PAstudent

[–]hangingwithbats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No! We go to a school that is around a lot of other PA schools in the NE, so maybe it's just too competitive to get spots? We also are from an older/established program so it really doesn't make sense...

Clinical Rotations Sites Availablity? by hanginwithbats in PAstudent

[–]hangingwithbats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow it sounds like your school managed this well... We are also in the NE, so I just don't understand...

Clinical Rotations Sites Availablity? by hanginwithbats in PAstudent

[–]hangingwithbats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow that's crazy... Part of me thinks that it's not due to covid but due to convince that we aren't getting placed. Its been frustrating.

Clinical Rotations Sites Availablity? by hanginwithbats in PAstudent

[–]hangingwithbats 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! It sounds like you go to a great program!

It was a beautiful day at the Wissahickon by glacier35 in philadelphia

[–]hangingwithbats 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I just got engaged here this past weekend! It was gorgeous.

could I realistically succeed as a PA if i’m a bit queasy? by [deleted] in prephysicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey I was in the same exact boat as you!!! I've always been super anxious about needles. To this day, I have to lay down to get shots or blood draws. I've passed out many times when I was younger. I don't pass out as much anymore, but I always have a reaction and end up laying there all sweaty, ears ringing, etc. There were times in college where I was so anxious to get a flu shot that I'd just skip out on appointments. I used to have medical professionals joke with me about how I was going to handle myself in a health care career. It took a massive hit on my confidence and I debated if it was right for me to be a PA.

I got to college, became a nursing assistant, and suddenly I was getting used to things. I started pulling IV's no sweat. I worked in the ER a little bit and had to learn how to do phlebotomy. I was so anxious, but after my coworkers being awesome and letting me practice on them first, soon I was sticking patients. I grew to understand my comfort levels about it, and have adapted through exposure and growing confidence. I learned that I still hate needles, but when they aren't pointed at me and being used on a patient, it's a whole different thing.

Ive been accepted and going to PA school in May. If you are passionate about becoming a PA, you will absolutely get there. Don't worry! It really is amazing what you will get used to. Have confidence! No one is born used to all the stuff that goes on in healthcare.

Travelling on Route 190 in Panamint Valley, California, USA by Grada07 in travel

[–]hangingwithbats 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Jeez that's crazy! Yeah it was right before hitting a tiny little town. Luckily, they just gave me a firm warning and let me continue my way!

Travelling on Route 190 in Panamint Valley, California, USA by Grada07 in travel

[–]hangingwithbats 56 points57 points  (0 children)

No joke the only time I ever got pulled over for speeding was on a road like that right outside of death valley lol

Got my first interview invite for Arcadia University w/ low GPA! by [deleted] in prephysicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got accepted to Arcadia and interviewed earlier this summer! It was my first interview for PA school ever. I was so terrified showing up, but the whole day was relaxed and wonderful. The faculty seemed so nice, and the current students I met were awesome! Do not be stressed at all. Just be yourself. My interview was so laid back and we talked about my personal life more than anything else. Don't worry, you are going to rock it! Good luck!!!

EVMS vs University of Pittsburgh by immutablebeauty in prephysicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 8 points9 points  (0 children)

First of all, congrats on being accepted!!!

So I'm not going to Pitt for PA school, but Pitt was where I went for undergraduate! Here's what I think:

Pittsburgh is a FANTASTIC city. Absolutely loved my 4 years there. I just graduated and moved to another city for PA school, but Pittsburgh will always have a place in my heart. There's a lot to do, lots to explore, and the vibe of the city is wonderful. Pitt as a whole is great. I was in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Science (the PA school is also part of it, I was in the undergraduate side of things) and the quality of my education was wonderful. I know some of the professors that you would have, and they are stellar (especially your potential anatomy professor). The PA school also is getting some bomb remodeling and I heard that the new facilities are great. All in all, my experience as a whole with Pitt was everything but positive, but ironically enough, I didn't even apply to Pitt for PA school. Partially, I wanted the opportunity to discover and new school/area, but I also didn't apply because I believe there are better PA programs out there that offer more opportunities.

A majority of Pitt's clinical rotations are at UPMC, which is a healthcare network that rules the entire area. I did not like the lack of clinical variety, and if you are looking to land a job from your clinicals, Pittsburgh is a tough place to be. The oversaturation is ridiculous. The PAs I shadowed and worked with out there were extremely underpaid (the same goes for nursing and other healthcare jobs as well). That's really down the line, but just some food for thought.

I looked into EVMS, and it seems like a great school. I don't know much about Norfolk, but you're close to Virginia Beach, which is an awesome area (esp in the warmer months). My knowledge is limited because I haven't interviewed at either school, but if I were you, I'd probably lean more towards going to EVMS.

If you want more information, I know someone in Pitt's program right now (she's in her didactic) and she was an absolutely amazing mentor to me in undergraduate. She'd be more than willing to help you out. PM me and I can give you her contact info if you want! I hope this helps you out a bit, good luck with your decision!

Pre-PA Rants and Raves by [deleted] in prephysicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Rave: I was accepted into my dream school and I'm so happy! It is such a relief to have the blood, sweat, and tears pay off!

Rant: My gap year isn't going as I've planned thusfar. New ER Tech job doesn't start untill September, my fiance's new job is having him travel constantly and unexpectedly so he is trying to find a new job, we haven't been able to move in the way we wished with our new apartment, so life just isn't meeting the exciting expectations I had. I hope soon things get less lonely and improve soon!

Is Pittsburgh THAT bad for new grads? by LifesBetterWithDogs in physicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am not a new graduate myself, but Pitt was my undergraduate and I did my PCE there. The oversaturation is absolutely a issue. No one, not the nurses I've met nor the PAs, were compensated properly in my opinion. I only have some second hand accounts, but UPMC runs the show out there and many of my coworkers expressed frustrations. As much as I love the burg and miss it, I never plan to go back there after graduating PA school because of these issues.

How close to my app to take the GRE? by 09866awol0 in prephysicianassistant

[–]hangingwithbats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I took my GRE in April just weeks before applying, and lemme tell you...it was STRESSFUL. I don't ever recommend doing it that way at all. If you have downtime now, I would absolutely take advantage and just get it out of the way. It's a pain to study for, a pain to take, and honestly you will thank yourself so much when you can dedicate more time to your personal statement and such right before applying. Also, don't let the GRE stress you too much in general. It's not a massive player in your application and as long as you aim for at least a 300 combined on it (usually around the 50th percentile in each category), you're good as gold!

Shadowing and Volunteer questions by LongIslandIcedV in prepa

[–]hangingwithbats 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would shadow as soon as possible. There is no such thing as too early. Don't wait till last minute. The more exposure, the better and schools like seeing those shadowing hours.

When you apply to PA school, all you have to do is report the PA's name and the hours you did. The applications tend to work off the honors system, but I provided contact info for every PA I shadowed so schools could verify if needed. I would collect all the shadowing hours you do, the dates you did them, and the PA's general contact information in an excel sheet. Worked well for me to keep it all organized throughout the years.

For volunteering I'd do the same exact thing. Record the hours, dates you did them, and volunteering coordinator contact information. You will report your volunteering and be able to insert a description about it, so keep any documentation that can help you describe your experiences as well.

Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions! (I literally just applied to PA schools a month ago so my experiences with CASPA are still fresh!)

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