Male getting into the field, and I have questions

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Hi all,

I am a 35 year old single guy looking to change careers. I have been thinking about becoming a Physicians Assistant (PA).

Problem is I can't go to school while working my current job (M-F, 9a-5p). And I can't just quit and become a student (mortgage and bills). So I have to find a way to accomplish as much as I can before leaving my current job to transition into a new paying career.

I thought I could take night classes to become a Registered Nurse (which are available, PA programs are days only), change careers and work as an RN, then go to PA school. This will also allow me to gain the many hours of field experience needed as a pre-req for PA school.

Is this a good idea? Is there a better route? Would this give me any advantage/disadvantage to get nursing experience on my way to becoming a PA? Any thoughts?

FYI, I am also currently certified as an EMT in CT (not my current job).

Any and all help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

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Well its a valid idea ! The nursing route leaves PA and NP or nursing management or informatics or ect etc - lots of options. Do you already have health care experience in other capacities? Will you have completed all PA pre-reqs or will that take additional school time?

If you have pre-reqs and some other form of competitive Health care exp.. then I'd vote try to swing it and take some loans.. live cheap and go PA now if that is your overall goal. If you can't swing it - or you plan on working RN for several years.. then it sounds like a solid plan.. if you are just doing RN to get bare min experience and then jump to PA.. I'd say its not worth the time/money to be an RN when you could work part time as a CNA or EMT currently and go directly to PA......

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Well its a valid idea ! The nursing route leaves PA and NP or nursing management or informatics or ect etc - lots of options. Do you already have health care experience in other capacities? Will you have completed all PA pre-reqs or will that take additional school time?

If you have pre-reqs and some other form of competitive Health care exp.. then I'd vote try to swing it and take some loans.. live cheap and go PA now if that is your overall goal. If you can't swing it - or you plan on working RN for several years.. then it sounds like a solid plan.. if you are just doing RN to get bare min experience and then jump to PA.. I'd say its not worth the time/money to be an RN when you could work part time as a CNA or EMT currently and go directly to PA......

What pre-reqs would a PA course require? How many years does it take to complete this course? Is it possible to go right into a PA position without any medical experience? Thanks.

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Most PA programs are masters level degrees (there are a few exceptions). The pre-reqs vary but generally include a previous degree, a full year bio, full year gen chem, full year o-chem, psych courses, 1 year A&P - most require health care exp to be competitive.. do some searching of programs, or their accrediting body or google physician assistant forum and go visit the PA forum for some additional info.

v/r

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Specializes in Psych.

If you could get right into PA school, thats what I would do. Don't waste 2-4 years in nursing school and then another 2-3 in PA school!

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

Why do you want to get your RN and then your PA? Why not continue on to get your NP if you're going to go the RN route?

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I would do NP if you are going to go to nursing school anyways. Lots more variety in nursing. IE CRNA, NP. More freedmon as a NP also.

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If your intentions are to become a PA\NP, skip the nursing crap and go straight to PA school man, it will save you money, time, and a headache. If a mortgage and bills are a concern of yours, you could always take additional loans out to help you get through it. Think about it this way, the cost of your nursing program will probably be the same as taking additional loans out during PA school to get you through. It really depends on what your long term goals are.

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Specializes in ED.

why not paramedic? you can work on te days your not in school. its a year, im pretty sure you can find a night program near you. im going paramedic to RN. two of my former co-workers are in PA school. you can knock out most pre-reqs online. if not all prereqs

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mortgage and bills will always be there.the peak of the mountain is that you must do what's best for you and your future.it's not easy doing it alone.you may need a helper..like me i have my gilrfriend paying all the bills while i go to school and then next yr she go to school and i pay the bills.the bottom line is you must make solid decision before you go in.

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