Advice on Switching Careers Eventually to become PA

U.S.A. California

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I live in the Bay Area and am a mom of 4. I've been researching restarting my career and have always had a strong interest in nursing. I was advised to get my "feet wet" by serving as a CNA, which is the lowest point of entry. I was going to take the certification program at a local school such as Bay Area Nursing College or American College of Nursing or even a Jr. College. It seems like the private schools have a much quicker way of getting the needed requirements.

Could some of you seasoned nurses guide me on what is realistic in getting into this field?

Thank you so much,

Marion

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Sorry to have to say that since you live in the Bay area, getting into the healthcare field will not be an easy accomplishment at any level. Best wishes.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

CNA would be an entry point definitely. But if you have interest in being a PA, you will not really be exposed to PA's when working as a CNA. The majority of PA's work in Dr.s offices, clinics, urgent cares, etc. I believe a Medical Assistant would be more exposed to the type of work they would do.

I also would not recommend going to an expensive trade school at this time. You may have more hoops to jump through at the regular colleges. But acquiring a lot of debt in this economy is definitely not a good idea. I went to a trade school when I obtained my LVN. At the time I did not even know that local adult schools and ROP programs existed. Had I know that I could have easily saved myself 15,000$. I would look into these programs as well before you commit to one. Good luck to you.

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Actually, some programs require some kind of direct patient experience. CNA is the perfect way to get it. Medical assistant is a bit harder to find a job...and the training is longer than the CNA. Save your energy for the PA.

You may check out the Red cross about their 22-day CNA class. I did mine there. Try the CC, or ROPs in your area to see if the have the program.

Anyway, the PA is a 2+ -years program. San Joaquin College has a great one as well as some schools near you. All programs require Ana, physi and Micro before you start.

PAs work in clinics, hospitals, Dr. offices. They can assist the doctors during surgery and prescribe meds.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Yes, most of them do require previous healthcare experience. And oddly enough they will consider medical assistants, but not CNA's at the program at Stanford University

Prerequisites - Primary Care Associate Program - Stanford University School of Medicine

Just more things to consider before you commit to a program. Normally I would recommend a CNA, but since you would have to do one of the other health care careers anyway before you entered a PA program, it seems MA would be a better fit.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, LTC.
I live in the Bay Area and am a mom of 4. I've been researching restarting my career and have always had a strong interest in nursing. I was advised to get my "feet wet" by serving as a CNA, which is the lowest point of entry. I was going to take the certification program at a local school such as Bay Area Nursing College or American College of Nursing or even a Jr. College. It seems like the private schools have a much quicker way of getting the needed requirements.

Could some of you seasoned nurses guide me on what is realistic in getting into this field?

Thank you so much,

Marion

With the climate of nursing becoming what it is I would surely go for a change to PA! This is also where new jobs will be coming at least in California. Less Dr's, increasing cost, depression, means more PA's

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