Can I transfer with an AAS in medical assistant

[Jasminsiah]

Hi need advice. I am currently a surgical tech. But my long term goal is physician assistant. But I don't have a degree. So I was thinking about getting my A.A.S in medical assistant and transfer to pursue my bachelors. I'm really trying to figure out which route to take.

[Sour Lemon]

If your goal is to be a PA, anything MA related would be a waste of time and money.

[Jasminsiah]

Thanks.

[Meeshie]

AAPA | American Academy of Physician Assistants

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Not sure where my previous post went, but will say again. Paying good dollars for any type of medical assistant training is a total waste of your time and money. Whether you want to be a PA or a nurse, go for it directly. Bypass anything advertised as MA education. That "education" will contribute exactly nothing to your eventual goal.

If you doubt the above, just check out your chosen PA school. I will guarantee that none of your credits toward an "MA degree" will transfer, other than possibly the very initial gen Ed credits.

[Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN]

This is a nursing board, and thus it would be very rare for practicing PA's to be active on here. Check out a few PA schools and look closely at the entrance requirements. I'll agree that very little of the MA requirements would 'count' in a good PA program, but that's my assumption. I recommend verifying for yourself.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I would do a BS in chemistry or biology, as a BSN does not meet the science requirements for PA programs and you would have to take additional classes just to get into a program.

Annie

[Meeshie]

Your best bet is to check out the requirements of the school you want. Some require a bachelors to get in the door. Some require up to 3 years of hands on patient experience. Some have other requirements. Decide on a school and you can aim your education/jobs at that goal now.

This link shows you all the PA schools and lets you search by requirements.

PAEA Program Directory