MedWorm: Physician Assistant

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Inside PA Training — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:10:46 +0100

We would greatly appreciate it if you would take a brief survey so that we can make IPAT more useful and satisfying to readers like you. At only 8 questions, it won’t take long – promise! Click Here To Take the Survey Thank you so much! -Paul (Source: Inside PA Training)

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PA School Application Tip #4: Get Great Health Care Experience

Inside PA Training — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:57:28 +0100

After your grades, the most important aspect of your pa school application is your health care experience. PA school is a relatively brief two years. In that time you need to learn so many things – physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, behavioral health, health care policy, and so much more. The only way you can learn [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Hospital Rotations Begin: Inpatient Medicine – Day 1

Inside PA Training — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:11:41 +0100

I’ve been hearing forever about hospital rotations, but today I finally started my first one: inpatient medicine. Inpatient Hospital Rotation For the last year I’ve worked in clinic settings learning the ins and outs of primary care. But for the next two weeks I will be learning about inpatient medicine, the practice of treating patients [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

5 Questions You Should Ask At Your PA School Interview

Inside PA Training — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:45:17 +0100

Most people think of an interview as an uncomfortable exercise in being scrutinized by others. But interviews are a two-way street; you’re interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. With this in mind, there are 5 questions you should ask at your PA school interview: If I enter your program, will a preceptor [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Group Interviews: Steps for Success

Inside PA Training — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:56:05 +0100

PA school applicants almost universally dread group interviews. Intuitively, it might seem that the only thing more stressful than being interviewed is being interviewed right alongside your competition. But if you’re ready and you know what to expect, a group interview can become a great way to show your strengths and stand out from [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Epocrates Free: The One Must-Have Smartphone App for Pre-PAs

Inside PA Training — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:22:23 +0100

Epocrates Free is the one smartphone app you must have as a pre-pa student (with the possible exception of the Inside PA Training App when it is released)! It’s also available for Android phones, and online for use on your desktop or notebook computer. Here’s the skinny on Epocrates Free: Epocrates Free We’ve reviewed smartphone [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Do Physician Assistants Work Weekends, Nights, or Holidays?

Inside PA Training — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:05:01 +0100

One of the touted joys of the physician assistant profession is that “PAs don’t need to take call on holidays or weekends.” I’ve even met several people who entered PA training for just this reason. But… If you think that not having an “MD” after your name means that you don’t need to pull the [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

The Physician Assistant Insider Episode 4: PA vs NP

Inside PA Training — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:53:34 +0100

In this week’s Physician Assistant Insider episode, we cover PA vs NP. What’s the difference between the two? How are they similar? If you want to become either one, you need to know this stuff. Plus, in our reader question of the day segment, we discuss what to do with personal challenges you have experienced [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA School Application Tip #3: Think Big

Inside PA Training — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:38:58 +0100

Physician assistant programs like applicants who think big. Most applicants think small, and in so doing, hurl themselves into the pits of mediocrity, dooming their application to the “Maybe Next Year” pile. Thinking Small Thinking small is having a “thin description” or dream about your future – one that doesn’t have much detail. For many, [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Salary: The 2010 PA Census

Inside PA Training — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:17:32 +0100

Even in a down economy, physician assistant salary numbers remain strong. The American Association of Physician Assistants recently released its 2010 Census & Salary Report, a survey of approximately 20,000 physician assistants (both AAPA members and non-members) about the types of work they do, where they work, their job satisfaction, and physician assistant salary. Median [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Program Update: Fall Finals, Year 2

Inside PA Training — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:29:26 +0100

Hi, all. Rather than go a week without any posts, I thought I’d drop a line to give the skinny on the recent program and site developments. Hopefully this will tide you over until next week, when I have new posts planned: This week we have Fall Year 2 finals. Wednesday is an exam on [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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PA School Application Tip #2: Protect Your GPA

Inside PA Training — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:27:04 +0100

If you’re applying to PA school, protect your GPA. We frequently receive emails from PA school applicants who are wondering what to do about low grades when they apply. It’s understandable – sh*t sometimes happens. Maybe you had a bad breakup or a medical crisis while you were taking chemistry or anatomy or some other [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Is Being a Physician Overrated?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:51:20 +0100

Is being a doctor overrated? It is according to Careercast.com’s evaluation of the “Most Overrated Jobs of 2011.” The article summarized Careercast.com’s evaluation of professions that tend to be highly regarded, but when examined more closely have hidden costs that make them less desirable. The top 12 overrated professions identified, in order, beginning with the [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA School Application Tip #0: Have a Game Plan

Inside PA Training — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 08:04:07 +0100

I’ve made today’s PA school application tip #0 because it really should be the first, but (ironically) I didn’t plan ahead enough, and it comes second in the series. Learn from me, people! Here’s how… Why You Need A PA School Application Plan First, no one has PA school application success because they do one [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA School Application Tips

Inside PA Training — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:46:38 +0100

We’ve started a series of articles called PA School Application Tips, and the aim is to collect the best strategies, hints, and practices for increasing your chances of acceptance to PA school. Here’s an in-progress list of them so you can quickly jump to what interests you the most. New articles will be added as [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA School Application Tips: #1 – Show, Don’t Tell

Inside PA Training — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:20:23 +0100

This week we begin a new project: a series of PA school application tips that will help you put your PA school application on the top of the pile, and secure your seat in class. In the coming months, we will be adding tips, one at a time, until we have a set of cardinal [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Insider Episode 3: Choosing a Major

Inside PA Training — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:48:09 +0100

If you want to become a PA, which major should you choose? Which should you avoid, and why? How much difference does it really make? Your email: (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Washington, DC

Inside PA Training — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:54:52 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree George Washington University PA program and [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant School: How to Reinterview

Inside PA Training — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:22:54 +0100

Physician assistant school admissions are competitive, and if you don’t get in, you’ll need to prepare for re-interviewing. Today we consider how to do this. We’ve written before about how to succeed at your PA interview, but there are no guarantees. It pays to be ready to reinterview if things don’t work out the first [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Medical Humor and Medical Oddities

Inside PA Training — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:33:53 +0100

Medical humor and medical oddities are great take a break from the sometimes exhausting pursuit of a physician assistant career. Here are some of our favorite medical humor and odd distractions: Puppies as a Laxative – a totally twisted article that is about exactly what it sounds like. From our friends at the always quirky, [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

The Physician Assistant Program Directory

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 07:41:59 +0100

I’d like to share Inside PA Training’s newest feature with you: the Physician Assistant Program Directory. It’s a complete list of all ARC-PA accredited physician assistant programs in the US, organized by state. Click the link above to visit the directory, and you can choose the state(s) that interest you. For each state’s page, the [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Schools in Wisconsin

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:24:39 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Carroll University Physician Assistant Studies 101 N. East Avenue Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Waukesha, WI 53186 (262) 524-7643 Email: tbartune@carrollu.edu Website: http://www.carrollu.edu/gradprograms/physasst/admission.asp Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Marquette University Department of Physician Assistant Studies [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Wisconsin

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:24:39 +0100

All information current as of November 1, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Carroll University Physician Assistant Studies 101 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Schools in West Virginia

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:22:03 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Alderson-Broaddus College Physician Assistant Studies Program 101 College Hill Drive, PO Box 2036 Philippi, WV 26416 (304) 457-6238 Email: bolesgr@ab.edu Website: http://www.ab.edu Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Mountain State University Physician Assistant Program 410 Neville Street Beckley, [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in West Virginia

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:22:03 +0100

All information current as of November 1, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Alderson-Broaddus College Physician Assistant Studies Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Washington

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:20:23 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Virginia

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:17:29 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Eastern Virginia Medical School Master of Physician Assistant Program 651 Colley Avenue, Suite 343 Norfolk, VA 23507-1980 (757) 446-7158 Email: paprog@evms.edu Website: http://www.evms.edu/evms-school-of-health-professions/physician-assistant.html Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program James Madison University Graduate Studies in Physician Assistant Studies [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Utah

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:13:36 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of Utah Physician Assistant Program 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 581-7766 Email: admissions@upap.utah.edu Website: http://medicine.utah.edu/upap Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Tennessee

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:12:10 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Bethel University Physician Assistant Program 325 Cherry Avenue, Box 329 McKenzie, TN 38201 (731) 352-4247 Email: hammondsk@bethelu.edu Website: http://www.bethelu.edu/bethelpa/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine PA Program 6965 Cumberland [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in South Dakota

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:08:27 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree The University of South Dakota Physician Assistant Studies Program School of Health Sciences 414 East Clark Street, Julian #120 Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 (605) 677-5128 (877) 269-6837 Email: usdpa@usd.edu Website: http://www.usd.edu/pa Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in South Carolina

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:05:24 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program College of Health Professions 151 B Rutledge Avenue, Suite B-102 (MSC 962) Charleston, SC 29425 (843) 792-1913 Email: simmshe@musc.edu Website: http://www.musc.edu/chp/pa Credentials Awarded: M (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Oregon

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:02:54 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Oregon Health and Science University Physician Assistant Program 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, GH219 Portland, OR 97239 (503) 494-1484 Email: paprgm@ohsu.edu Website: http://www.ohsu.edu/pa/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Pacific University School of Physician Assistant Studies 222 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Oklahoma

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 06:01:13 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of Oklahoma – Oklahoma City Physician Associate Program Health Sciences Center PO Box 26901 Oklahoma City, OK 73190 (405) 271-2058 Email: lillie-neal@ouhsc.edu Website: http://www.okpa.org Credentials Awarded: M University of Oklahoma – Tulsa Physician Assistant Program 4502 East [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Ohio

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:59:21 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Cuyahoga Community College Physician Assistant Program 11000 Pleasant Valley Road Parma, OH 44130 (216) 987-5266 Email: craig.myers@tri-c.edu Website: http://www.tri-c.edu/programs/PhysicianAssistant Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program Kettering College Physician Assistant Program 3737 Southern Boulevard Kettering, OH 45429 (937) 296-7238 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in North Dakota

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:55:39 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of North Dakota Physician Assistant Program School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Family Medicine 501 N. Columbia Road, Stop 9037 Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037 (701) 777-2344 (866) 431-2087 Email: rhonda.mcdaniel@med.und.edu Website: http://www.med.und.edu/physicianassistant/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in North Carolina

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:54:07 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Campbell University College of Pharmacy and [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in New Mexico

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:50:09 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in New Jersey

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:48:08 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Seton Hall University Physician Assistant Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in New Hampshire

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:45:36 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Franklin Pierce University Physician Assistant Studies [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Nevada

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:43:33 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Touro University Nevada Master of Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Nebraska

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:42:02 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Union College Physician Assistant Program 3800 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Montana

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:40:06 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Rocky Mountain College Master of Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Missouri

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:38:44 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Missouri State University Department of Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Mississippi

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:37:21 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Mississippi College Physician Assistant Program Box [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Minnesota

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:35:08 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Augsburg College Physician Assistant Program Campus [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Michigan

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:33:48 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Central Michigan University Physician Assistant Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Massachusettes

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:35:02 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A= Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Maine

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:31:31 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of New England Physician Assistant [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Maryland

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:29:51 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Anne Arundel Community College Physician Assistant [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Phyisician Assistant Programs in Louisiana

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:26:43 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Louisiana

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:26:43 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Kentucky

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:24:26 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of Kentucky – Lexington Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Kansas

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:22:58 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Wichita State University Physician Assistant Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Iowa

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:21:40 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Des Moines University Physician Assistant Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Indiana

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:20:05 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Butler University Physician Assistant Program College [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Illiniois

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:18:24 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Midwestern University – Downers Grove Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Idaho

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:15:32 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Idaho State University Department of Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Georgia

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:13:27 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Emory University School of Medicine Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Delaware

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:10:27 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Arcadia University – Delaware Campus Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Connecticut

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:07:54 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program Office [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Colorado

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:05:12 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Red Rocks Community College Physician Assistant [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Arkansas

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:02:34 +0100

All information current as of October 16, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Harding University Physician Assistant Program 915 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Arizona

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:59:13 +0100

All information current as of October 15, 2011. We do our best, but we can’t be held responsible for any errors that may arise, so you should verify all information for yourself. A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Arizona School of Health Sciences Physician [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Alabama

Inside PA Training — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:51:57 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree University of Alabama at Birmingham Surgical Physician Assistant Program 1705 University Blvd, SHPB 434 Birmingham, AL 35294-1212 (205) 934-4605 Email: bdrace@uab.edu Website: http://www.uab.edu/surgicalpa Credentials Awarded: M GRE required CASPA Participating Program Application deadline: September 1 Supplemental application required. University [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physcian Assistant Insider Podcast – Episode 2

Inside PA Training — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 07:15:39 +0100

In Episode 2, I address some common misconceptions about physician assistants. Enjoy! Your email: (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant Programs in Pennsylvania

Inside PA Training — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:52:37 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Arcadia University Physician Assistant Program Brubaker Hall, Health Science Center 450 South Easton Road Glenside, PA 19038-3295 (215) 572-2888 Email: daysc@arcadia.edu Website: http://www.arcadia.edu/academic/default.aspx?id=425 Credentials Awarded: M, MPH CASPA Participating Program Chatham University Physician Assistant Program Also see Puerto [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Texas

Inside PA Training — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:07:09 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Baylor College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program Room 107 BTXX One Baylor Plaza Houston, TX 77030 (713) 798-4842 Email: cfasser@bcm.edu Website: http://www.bcm.edu/pap/ Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Interservice PA Program Interservice Physician Assistant Program Academy of Health [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in New York

Inside PA Training — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:57:25 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Albany Medical College Center for Physician Assistant Studies 16 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 4 Albany, NY 12208-3412 (518) 262-5251 Email: greenr@mail.amc.edu Website: http://www.amc.edu/pa Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program D’Youville College Physician Assistant Program 320 Porter Avenue [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in California

Inside PA Training — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:21:09 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Loma Linda University Department of Physician Assistant Sciences School of Allied Health Professions Nichol Hall, Room 2033 Loma Linda, CA 92350 (909) 558-7295 Email: pa@llu.edu Website: http://www.llu.edu/llu/sahp/pa Credentials Awarded: M CASPA Participating Program Riverside Community College/Riverside County Regional [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in Florida

Inside PA Training — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:44:38 +0100

A = Associate’s Degree B = Bachelor’s Degree C = Certificate M = Master’s Degree Barry University Physician Assistant Program 11300 NE Second Avenue Box SGMS Miami Shores, FL 33161 (305) 899-3296 Email: dparkhurst@mail.barry.edu Website: http://www.barry.edu/pa Credentials Awarded: C, M CASPA Participating Program Keiser University Physician Assistant Program 1500 NW 49th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs By State

Inside PA Training — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:05:07 +0100

Our newest offering: a comprehensive list of PA programs by state. We’ll put up one state at a time, along its address, contact information, and a link to its official website. We hope it’s useful. Click a state to be taken to a list of PA programs in that state. California Florida New York Pennsylvania [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Inside CASPA – An Interview with CASPA’s Timi Agar Barwick

Inside PA Training — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:29:44 +0100

When I applied to PA school, I found myself doing some guessing about how the CASPA process works from the inside. I thought it might be helpful to others if I were to call and speak to them to clarify a few of my questions. Their customer service representative was helpful, and got me in [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

California Physician Assistant Programs

Inside PA Training — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:14:14 +0100

There are currently 10 PA programs in the state of California, nine of which are ARC-PA accredited. The links below will take you tot their official sites. They are: Unaccredited: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Physician Assistant Program Accredited Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California Physician Assistant Program [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Programs in California

Inside PA Training — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:14:14 +0100

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Physician Assistant Programs List

Inside PA Training — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:13:26 +0100

(Source: Inside PA Training)

One Week’s Worth of Patients

Inside PA Training — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:51:57 +0100

Tomorrow I check out of physician assistant school year one, which means I need to present all my notes from patients, preceptor evaluations, etc. to show that I’ve met my PA program’s clinic requirements. Once I’ve checked out officially, I’ll be a second year physician assistant student, at which point, the pace in the clinic [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

The Physician Assistant Insider Podcast

Inside PA Training — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:49:56 +0100

The Physician Assistant Insider podcast is finally here! Some episodes will be audio versions of previously published articles, and some will be completely new material. Episode 1 summary: I introduce the podcast, the blog, and myself. We then turn to a discussion of an important question: “What a physician assistant?” Even if you know, you [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

My First Laceration Sutures

Inside PA Training — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:11:38 +0100

Today I did my first laceration sutures! I wondered for a long time just how anyone ever gets to put sutures in without prior experience. Medical school is famous for its education model of see one, do one, teach one – which medical students joke about being see one, screw one, do one. Though I’ve [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Workforce Biggest Ever

Inside PA Training — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:14:45 +0100

Here’s a new an interesting statistic on the physician assistant workforce for you: more physician assistants are practicing now than ever before. According to the recently published article written by Rene Letourneau of Healthcare Finance News, the number of physician assistants practicing in the US is double – you read that right – double what it [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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White Coat Ceremony 2011

Inside PA Training — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:30:35 +0100

If you’ve been reading Inside PA Training for a while, you’ll remember that I received my white coat ceremony just a year ago. My white coat came as part of the very first white coat ceremony at UC Davis School of Medicine’s FNP/PPA program. The event was organized and funded by the class ahead of [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Free Medical Spanish App

Inside PA Training — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:15:29 +0100

We’ve shopped around for a good (free) medical Spanish app, and we’ve found one that may be worth adding to your smartphone. Mavro’s Emergency Medical Spanish Guide is the medical spanish app that we like for the always nice price of free. EMSG uses a simple list of commonly used medical spanish questions, grouped in [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Year Two Summer Program Update

Inside PA Training — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:17:03 +0100

I thought it was time for a brief update of our program activities. We’ve now been PA students for 14 months, and we’ll be done in only 9 more. Our first year flew by, and was dominated by lecture, study, and exams (both computerized written exams and oral practica with flesh-and-blood standardized patients). We did [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA School Essay: 11 Things To Leave Out

Inside PA Training — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:49:22 +0100

There’s plenty of ground cover in your PA school essay. But it’s not all about what goes in. Here are 11 things that definitely should not go into your PA school essay. Writing about how you want to be a doctor after being a PA, or would prefer to be a doctor to being a [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Your First Physician Assistant Book

Inside PA Training — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:42:53 +0100

Knowing that PA school is intense and challenging, you may wonder what should be your first physician book. Even if you haven’t started PA school, it’s not too early to start your reading for it. For 10 or 15 bucks, you can get your first physician assistant book, and get the jump on some of [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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10 Misconceptions About Physician Assistants

Inside PA Training — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:45:40 +0100

The newness of their field naturally leads to a number of misconceptions about physician assistants. If you’ve never met a PA or been treated by one, you’re left to guess what it is that PAs do, and sometimes these guesses (though understandable), are just plain wrong. Hoping to dispel some of these, I’ve made up [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

11 Misconceptions About Physician Assistants

Inside PA Training — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:45:40 +0100

Will Being a PA Satisfy You? Worry Not

Inside PA Training — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:29:54 +0100

If you struggle with the career decision of PA vs MD or PA vs NP or even PA vs Starbucks barrista (a job I’ve long fantasized about) you’ve probably wondered once or twice, “Will being a PA satisfy me?” It’s a tough question to answer with any certainty, because to do so would mean predicting [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Applying to Physician Assistant School With A Low Grade

Inside PA Training — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:55:43 +0100

Applying to Physician Assistant school with a low grade might seem like a recipe for rejection, but this isn’t necessarily true. Of course, the best way to maximize your chances of acceptance is to have only outstanding grades, but things happen, and it isn’t always possible. There is nothing about having a low grade (or [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Physician Assistant Specialty: Cardiology

Inside PA Training — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 06:53:26 +0100

Today, we examine a popular physician assistant specialty: cardiology. I called in a favor and interviewed my good friend, cardiology physician assistant, Liz Turok. Liz graduated just over a year ago from UC Davis School of Medicine’s PA Program, and works in Fremont, California as a cardiology PA. She’s a very sharp but approachable lady [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Getting Into PA School: Paul’s Story

Inside PA Training — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:41:16 +0100

It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of physician assistant requirements. With all the exams for prerequisite classes, researching PA programs, filling out CASPA applications, chasing down letters or recommendation, and paying the bills any way you can, it’s easy for things to turn into a grind. Do you feel that way? I [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Have a Mentor? You Should

Inside PA Training — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:28:01 +0100

Do you have a mentor? If you’re a Pre-PA student (or any aspiring professional for that matter), you definitely should. When I studied career counseling for my Masters in psychology, one of the best tips they gave us for helping graduate school applicants and job seekers was to get them a mentor. It’s great advice, and something I’ve made use of many times myself, with excellent results. What is a Mentor? A mentor is a friendly person who is experienced in a field that interests you who can guide you through the process of joining that field. Pre-PA students should have a mentor who is a certified physician Assistant (PA-C). Physicians can also be good mentors if they are knowledgable about PAs and what they do (most are, but not all). Why You Should Have a Mentor...

Physician Associates or Physician Assistants?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:35:25 +0100

Should physician assistants become physician associates? Take the poll, then read the article to learn about the effort to make it happen, along with the pros and cons… View This PollMarket Research Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover struggled with titles just as the PA profession does. Unfortunately, Juliet lost that struggle in the end. But would the PA profession have better luck? The jury is still out, but more PAs than ever working to do away with their dreaded title of assistants in favor of the less less subservient-sounding physician associates. (If you haven’t already, please check out my recent piece on th...

Physician Associate or Physician Assistant?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:35:25 +0100

Should the physician assistant title become physician associate? Take the poll, then read the article to learn about the effort to make it happen, along with the pros and cons… Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2) [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Prerequisites For PA School: Four Physiology Concepts To Master Now

Inside PA Training — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 07:00:11 +0100

The prerequisites for PA School vary widely by program, but one that you’ll definitely find in every PA training program is physiology. At UC Davis, the first meaty class we take – in the summer quarter of year one – is pathophysiology, the physiology of disease. It takes physiology a step further by covering what happens in the body when things go wrong and break down – inflammation, infection, cell death etc. Pathophysiology provides an interesting foundation of medical knowledge that makes you feel like you’re really in PA school, and it sets the stage for the learning to come. But you’ll recall that PA school is generally between 24 and 30 months. There just isn’t time to review the prerequisites for PA school like physiology. What does...

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5 Habits of Highly Effective Pre-Physician Assistant Students

Inside PA Training — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:11:25 +0100

Want to be a successful as a pre-physician assistant student? Then start cultivating good habits now. If you become an effective pre-physician assistant student, before you know it, you’ll be successful (non-pre-) physician assistant student. Borrowing from things we did, saw others do, or feel are vital in PA school, we present here the top 5 habits that we think will make you highly effective. None of these items require particular expertise in science or medicine. But practicing them will cultivate behaviors that will speed your learning and make good impressions in PA school, your preceptorship, and eventually in your workplace. Some are things we wish we did back when we were pre-pa students. How cool is that for you? Our loss can be your gain! Highly effective p...

Physician Assistant Admissions Committees: What They Search For

Inside PA Training — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:59:50 +0100

Physician assistant admissions committees can be tough to please. A reader emailed us this week with a question about it: Hey, guys. After exploring your site, I’m convinced that PA is a better fit for me than MD. My question is: how does one convince a physician assistant admissions committee? Any help in the matter will be much appreciated ! It’s a huge question–one we could write a whole blog on (wait – we did!). So we tried to focus on the big picture here. What do physician assistant admissions committees see that sets an applicant apart from the crowd? Here are a couple tidbits that seem relevant to us: Most PA schools only accept applications through the CASPA, the Physician Assistant Education Association’s application wing. CASPA ...

The Pre-Physician Assistant Major: Choose Wisely

Inside PA Training — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 06:52:48 +0100

The question we are asked most frequently by pre-pa students is: “Which pre-physician assistant major should I choose?” We love hearing this question because it tells us that these pre-physician assistant students are thinking ahead. If you’re planning to attend a PA school far enough in advance of actually applying that you can consider which major is ideal, then you’re giving things plenty of thought. We’re going to tell you what we think, but first… Our Friendly Opinion Disclaimer As we say in almost every article, each PA program is different. So before we weigh in on this issue, here’s our disclaimer: make sure you contact schools that interest you and ask them specifically: “Does your program prefer any particular major or types...

PA vs MD: Malpractice, Part I

Inside PA Training — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:40:13 +0100

The PA vs MD section of our site is not intended to cover debates; rather the “vs” in the title is meant to describe the issues that crop up when a student tries to decide between the two professions. Today, however, debate at least enters into it. I’m talking about physician assistant malpractice. Better you should go into this field knowing the reality. Do PAs Get Sued? Yes. It’s a common misconception that “PAs don’t get sued because they are the physician’s responsibility.” Actually, there are three facts of medicine and law that govern who will be sued: PAs, though supervised by physicians, can and do make errors for which their supervising physicians are not responsible. This happens when the PA consults with the physicia...

Physician’s Assistant, or Physician Assistant?

Inside PA Training — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:00:15 +0100

Is the correct title for a PA Physician Assistant, or Physician‘s Assistant? Well, if you’re not sure, I can’t blame you. The confusion over the correct title for PAs is even worse than the confusion over what PAs do. So let me set the record straight here and now: PAs are Physician Assistants (no apostrophe-s in the title).* It may seem like a trivial matter, but if you want to become a physician assistant, you need to know how to say it properly. Yes, we hear people messing it up all the time – even doctors, and occasionally even some PAs! If you join this young field, prepare yourself for the reality: you’ll hear people getting your title wrong a lot. If that makes you think twice about becoming a PA, then you probably shouldn’t become one...

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Ten Awesome Things I Did My First Year In PA School

Inside PA Training — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:06:07 +0100

On June 28, 2011, I crossed the halfway mark to completing PA school. In honor of this momentous occasion here’s list of just ten awesome things I did during my first year in PA school (click the red links to read a few of them): Wrote my first prescription. Since I was still a student, my preceptor had to co-sign it, but I wrote it myself and presented it to my patient. It was for a powerful antibiotic. It read: Levaquin, 750 mg, #14. Take one tablet by mouth once daily X 14 days for pneumonia. No refills, No substitutions. Notice that I didn’t use Latin abbreviations for it, like PO for “by mouth,” or qd for “once daily.” These abbreviations are (slowly) being abandoned in medicine because they can lead to misread errors by pharmacists...

Can You Work While Going to PA School?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:33:17 +0100

We’ve been asked twice already this week: “Can you work while going to PA school?” Times are tough, and everyone wants to minimize student debt, and if you’ve been reading us for a while, you know that PA school costs anywhere from a chunk of change to a truckload. So why wouldn’t you want to work while you’re going to PA school? Well, here goes… Working While Going to PA School First, as always, it depends on your program (we know – we say that a lot). UC Davis School of Medicine (where we go) is structured so that students will have periods at school, and periods away. Despite this, they heartily discourage students from doing any work while going to PA school, because they know that your chance of failing out is vastly increased if y...

CASPA PA References: Waive Your Right to Read Or Not?

Inside PA Training — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:02:41 +0100

When you complete the “Reference Forms” section of the CASPA PA school application, you will be asked for the name, relationship, and contact information for each reference, and whether or not you waive your right to read your completed reference. should you waive this right? We believe there is only one correct answer: yes. Click here to read other articles on the CASPA PA school application letters of reference. What is the Letter of Reference Waiver? It’s a legal/procedural formality. Most students never read the letters that their references write, but it’s natural to be curious about what they say, particularly after failing to get into a PA program. According to the CASPAPA school application instructions for reference letters: Checking, “No, I DO...

Physician Assistant Specialty: Psychiatry

Inside PA Training — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 06:53:52 +0100

Last post, we learned that psychiatry is among the highest paying physician assistant specialties, if not the highest paying specialty. A reader asked us just what being a psychiatric physician assistant is like, and this article aims to answer this question. Psychiatry is the medical specialty of mental health, also known as behavioral health. In this physician assistant specialty, you will treat people with mental disorders. The list of disorders is long, and includes depression, anxiety, and insomnia, drug abuse/addition, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression), schizophrenia, and many others. Psychiatry used to rely on psychotherapy–talk therapy–but today it rarely does. Changes in the insurance industry forced mo...

PA vs NP: Salary Comparison

Inside PA Training — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:44:46 +0100

We get the question all the time about PA vs NP salary comparison. So we decided to answer in some detail. It’s a great question, but it’s hard to find good data on NP salaries because the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where NP salaries are tracked, lumps them in with the salaries of regular nurses. This is because NPs are Advanced Practice Nurses, meaning they are nurses who have had extra training to allow them to do more. So we did some digging and the result is our new PA vs NP salary comparison page. Think of us as the Consumer Reports of PA vs NP salary information. We hope that seeing accurate numbers for the PA vs NP salary comparison will leave you with a better understanding of both professions. PA vs NP Salary Comparison – All Specialties According to the...

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The One Physician Assistant Interview Question You Need to Be Ready For

Inside PA Training — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:55:59 +0100

Even if you’re passionate about becoming a PA and have readied yourself for your physician assistant school interview, there is one fatal mistake that can sink you. The mistake is failing to adequately answer the very first question: “So tell us why you want to become a physician assistant.” It probably doesn’t sound like a tough from where you sit in the comfort of your home reading. But the WHY physician assistant interview question is commonly botched. It just seems too easy, and it gets overlooked. To rise to the occasion, you need to… ANSWER THE RIGHT QUESTION Most PA school interviewees answer this question with some form of “I love the healing professions because…” or “I have always liked medicine’s combination of s...

The One Physician Assistant Interview Question You Must Be Ready For

Inside PA Training — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 06:55:59 +0100

Physician Assistant Job Outlook

Inside PA Training — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:45:36 +0100

What is the physician assistant job outlook like? When the economy’s in the dumper, everyone is looking for the “sure thing” job. And who can blame them? Job security is a commodity like any other. But finding a job that is safe for the foreseeable future and satisfying, well-compensated, and attainable is a very tall order. As we all know, there is no such thing as a sure thing – but the physician assistant profession comes close. Exhibit A: CNN Money Magazine’s 2009 (most recent data available) rankings for the 50 best jobs in America – physician assistant was ranked as #2. (Incidentally, the closest spot on the list for MDs was for general practitioners at 19th!) Read the piece at money.com piece on the best jobs in America and bookmark it to...

What is a Locum Tenens Physician Assistant?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:17:07 +0100

Wondering what your professional life will look like as a physician assistant? There are many options, depending on the lifestyle that your heart is set on. Today’s topic is another option to consider–an interesting one. I’m talking about locum tenens work. Locum Tenens is a the medical version of “temping.” Locum tenens translates roughly into “placeholder.” (for another employee). Believe it or not, physicians and physician assistants do work temporary assignments, and they can be great opportunities if your personal situation is right. Locum positions can last from a week or two to months, depending on the reason the employer needs the help. Common reasons for seeking a locum include keeping a busy clinic afloat while a PA or physicia...

Stethoscope Maintenance

Inside PA Training — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:00:10 +0100

After working the in the field for a while with a stethoscope, you’ll notice what a beating they take. That’s why it’s great to know a little about how to maintain them. Stethoscope maintenance, performed every now and then, will keep your stethoscope working well, and will help it last. The following video covers a few basics of stethoscope maintenance. Click here to view the embedded video. (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Questions to Ask While Shadowing a Physician Assistant

Inside PA Training — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:51:14 +0100

What questions should I ask when I shadow a PA? We get this question all the time, and it’s understandable. No one wants to look stupid, and no one wants to kill a networking opportunity before it even gets off the ground. But you won’t learn much if you clam up for fear of putting your foot in your mouth. Remember: you aren’t interviewing – when you shadow, you’re just checking things out. Any sane clinician you’re observing will understand that you probably don’t know much, and will likely remember a time when they were in the same boat. “Success always comes when preparation meets opportunity.” -Henry Hartman With Mr. Hartman’s sage words in mind, here are a few questions you can have ready that 1) may lead to good di...

Stethoscopes

Inside PA Training — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 03:43:03 +0100

(Source: Inside PA Training)

PA Demographics: Who is the Typical Physician Assistant?

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:22:21 +0100

If you’re trying to get a grasp of the physician assistant profession, you should probably know what the typical physician assistant looks like. I just read the American Academy of Physician Assistants’ most recent census of the nation’s PAs (2009 data), and learned a few things: The typical physician assistant is female (About 65% [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Misc. and Pay Sites

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:46:36 +0100

These sites don’t fit neatly into our categories. Some of them are for-profit websites, so beware if that’s not what you’re after. Blogcatalog – a huge repository of blogs. We’re listed there, so you know it’s good! The PA Coach The PA Path The PA Forum (Source: Inside PA Training)

Organizations

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:46:08 +0100

The Following organizations provide education, governance, and regulation for the physician assistant field. The Physician Assistant Education Association The PAEA is the national organization for PA programs. They are the The Accreditation and Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. ARC-PA vets and accredits PA programs. The American Academy of Physician Assistants The [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Pre-PA, PA Student, and Certified PA Blogs

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:45:25 +0100

The following blogs are written and maintained by PAs in the field, and PA students who are in school. Drop them a line and tell them you heard about them through Inside PA Training, okay? In no particular order: An Arizona Adventure (by an IPAT reader who got into PA school. You go, girl!) Becoming [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

10 Steps to Acing Your Physician Assistant School Interview

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:43:26 +0100

Physician assistant school interviews are daunting, plain and simple. If you’re scheduled to interview at a PA school, you are nearing the end of a long and often tedious process. But one last push remains. Preparation cannot guarantee success, but it is the single biggest factor in any interview. So how do you prepare for [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

Links

Inside PA Training — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:26:34 +0100

(Source: Inside PA Training)

How a Stethoscope Works

Inside PA Training — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:07:16 +0100

We all take it for granted how a stethoscope works: the sound goes up the tube, through the dohickey, and into your ears. But there’s more to it than that. If you understand how and why it works, you’ll make much better use of it. I’ll keep it short, since we have finals this week, [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Parts of a Stethocope

Inside PA Training — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:22:45 +0100

What are the parts of a stethoscope? I’ve had many requests, so here’s a brief video I put together to get you a little more familiar with that most important tool. Even if you already know the names of parts, you might learn something here. Then in Wednesday’s clip, I’ll show and describe how they [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Parts of a Stethoscope

Inside PA Training — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:22:45 +0100

AAPA Annual Convention This Week!

Inside PA Training — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:07:01 +0100

Hey, everybody. Things are crazy lately, with another rough set of final exams, another oral practicum (if you don’t know what an oral practicum is, my post on oral practica. This one will require me to diagnose and treat some ailment from the following list of intimidating topics: neurology, psychiatry, endocrinology, orthopedics, or rheumatology. Yes, [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Have You Checked Out IPAT’s Forum Yet?

Inside PA Training — Sat, 28 May 2011 03:23:56 +0100

Have You Checked Out IPAT’s Forum Yet?Looking to connect with others about the schools, training, and the profession in general? We have the only totally free, advertising free forum on the field. Ask your questions and have them answered, exchange ideas, and become a part of Inside PA Training! Click here to visit the forumVisit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Getting Great Letters of Recommendation For Your Physician Assistant School Application

Inside PA Training — Tue, 24 May 2011 06:36:07 +0100

So you’ve decided you want to become a physician assistant, and soon you’ll be sending out PA training program applications. Letters of recommendation can be a pivotal part of the process, so you have some things to keep in mind to maximize your chance of acceptance. The following checklist should help avoid critical mistakes. 1. [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

What Kinds of Things Can Physician Assistants Do?

Inside PA Training — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:12:38 +0100

Are you considering applying to physician assistant schools but are unsure about just what you’ll be able to do as a physician assistant? It’s understandable – the profession is young, and even though it’s growing rapidly, you may not have even been treated by a physician assistant before. So what types of activities do [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Crafting a Winning PA School Essay

Inside PA Training — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:53:58 +0100

Crafting a Winning PA School Application Essay

Inside PA Training — Sat, 14 May 2011 02:24:34 +0100

Physician Assistant medicine is a fast growing career track, and it’s not hard to see why. PAs are in great demand due to a national shortage of primary care physicians. They make a good living, are usually able to balance work and family commitments, and do meaningful work. If you’ve decided that becoming a PA is for you, writing an impressive application essay or personal statement is crucial. The following guidelines will increase your chances of acceptance. Learn about the program. Each school has its own priorities, likes, and dislikes, so get familiar with them. Go to the program’s website and read their mission carefully. Do they accept applicants from your state? Do they emphasize primary care or a particular specialty? Your essay should ...

CASPA Application, Part 2: How to Prepare

Inside PA Training — Thu, 12 May 2011 19:48:41 +0100

In our last post we started talking about your PA school application by introducing you to CASPA, the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants. If you haven’t read CASPA Application, Part1: What is CASPA? you should check it out before reading today’s post. Today, we get familiar with the CASPA application, and begin to think [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

CASPA Application, Part 1: What is CASPA?

Inside PA Training — Mon, 09 May 2011 06:00:40 +0100

If you want to become a PA, you need to know what a CASPA Application is and how it works. CASPA is the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants. Think of CASPA as a clearing house for applications to 93% of PA schools (145 out of 156 accredited PA programs). CASPA is a division of [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Learning Medicine by Remembering Everything

Inside PA Training — Thu, 05 May 2011 06:26:53 +0100

Learning medicine requires assimilating gobs of information by reading and re-reading texts, sitting through lectures, and hands-on experience with patients. But if you ask Joshua Foer, freelance journalist and 2006 USA Memory Champion, you’ll hear a different explanation for how we learn. In his book, Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Physician Assistant “PA” vs Medical Doctor “MD” vs Nurse Practitioner “NP”

Life Of A PA - A Day In The Life Of A Physician Assistant — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 21:32:03 +0100

I have received a comment from a reader about the differences between “Physician Assistant “PA” vs Medical Doctor “MD” vs Nurse Practitioner “NP” I did not ask this reader to write this comment nor have talked to this person. I just thought it was a well written view of the differences. I will NOT comment as to my thoughts, but rather provide this as a point of view. I am a PA-C. to respond to the question of the differences between NP’s and PA’s there are many. PA’s like MD’s are not required to have nursing experience although many NP programs will accept a RN into the program before they even graduate so they have no clinical experience as a RN before building on their nursing training. MD’s get 650 hrs lecture in 2 years, PA’s 610...

PA Vs. NP: What’s the Difference?

Inside PA Training — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:22:11 +0100

PA Vs. NP: What’s the Difference?Since starting Inside PA Training, there’s one question (and one follow-up question) that I’ve been consistently and repeatedly asked. What is the difference between a PA and and NP? In practice, the PA vs. NP question comes down to very little. PAs and NPs (in most states) do exactly the same kinds of work. Both [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

The Death of Solo Primary Care

Inside PA Training — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:59:37 +0100

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that America is experiencing a health care crisis. One of the bigger losses is the solo primary care physician. My father was one, and it was clear when he died that his kind of work – getting to know patients by treating them for decades by yourself, had [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

The Death of Solo Primary Care?

Inside PA Training — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 12:59:37 +0100

Think Like a Doctor (or PA)

Inside PA Training — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:53:55 +0100

Got a big endocrinology test this week, so I’ll keep things brief… Do you think like a doctor (or a PA)? If you aren’t either then the answer is probably, “Of course not.” But slow down… Thinking like a medical professional is a skill that can be learned, even if you don’t have a [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Student-Run Clinics: JVMC

Inside PA Training — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:08:27 +0100

I’ve written previously about my Clinica Tepati, one of UC Davis School of Medicine’s seven student run-clinics. This weekend, I had my second chance to volunteer my time at a different student-run clinic, and it was a blast! What is a student-run clinic? A fully operational (usually part time, e.g. Sat/Sun) clinic where patients are [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Today’s Workshop: How to Suture

Inside PA Training — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:18:36 +0100

Today’s Workshop: How to SutureSuturing lacerations is one of the fun little procedures that every PA learns in PA school. Last week we learned the basics, and it was a great time. We had been looking forward to our basic suturing workshop for months, and when it arrived, we went to town with it. To practice the techniques we [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

About

Inside PA Training — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:03:40 +0100

Inside PA Training started in the late summer of 2011 when Paul and Gabe met at UC Davis School of Medicine in the Family Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Program, and decided that it might be fun to write about their experiences. Since that time, we’ve heard from many readers (10,000+ and counting) about how [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

About Inside PA Training

Inside PA Training — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:03:40 +0100

Inside PA Training started in the late summer of 2011 when I met my classmate and dear friend, Gabe, during our first week of classes at UC Davis School of Medicine’s Family Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Program. We quickly decided it might be fun to write about our experiences. These days, the blog’s all [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

PA Student: Inject Thyself

Inside PA Training — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 07:00:00 +0100

One of the best parts of being a PA student is all the fun new things you get to do; today, we got to give ourselves shots. I know, that wasn’t what you expected, but it wasn’t that bad, and there was a point to it. Get it? A point? Wow, tough crowd… Anyway, the [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Today’s Lectures: Endocrinology

Inside PA Training — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:26:15 +0100

Today’s Lectures: EndocrinologyI figured it was time for a quick update on our current activities in the program. This week, we returned to class after two weeks “off,” during which we prepared for our EKG exam number 1. This block, we’re learning endocrinology, which is complicated, but fascinating. We took the EKG exam 1 on Tuesday, our [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Getting Your Physician Assistant School Essay Noticed

Inside PA Training — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 06:03:17 +0100

Your CASPA physician assistant school essay is your chance to make yourself irresistible to a CASPA PA school admissions committee. Unfortunately, many of the most qualified applicants don’t. Instead, these bright Pre-PA minds are rejected all the time. Their high GPAs, great letters of recommendation, and great medical experiences should leave you wondering: What are [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Becoming a Physician Assistant Forum

Inside PA Training — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:09:33 +0100

So Inside PA Training has been around for a while now, and we’ve given you scores of free articles, polls, application resources, career advice, and much more. What we’ve never done is ask you for anything, until now. Have you become a part of Inside PA Training’s new Becoming a Physician Assistant Forum? If you [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

IPAT’s Physician Assistant Forum

Inside PA Training — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:09:33 +0100

Introducing Inside PA Training’s Physician Assistant Forum. We’ve been around for a while now, and we’ve given you scores of free articles, polls, application resources, career advice, and much more. What we’ve never done is ask you for anything, until now. Have you become a part of Inside PA Training’s new Physician Assistant Forum? If [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)

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Paying for PA School Part 3 – Student Loans

Inside PA Training — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:35:09 +0100

Paying for PA School Part 3 – Student LoansIn Part 1 of this series, we talked about the costs of PA school, and in Part 2 we covered grants and scholarships. Today, in the final installment, we cover student loans. Short of borrowing a stack of Benjamins from your “friend” Sal who works in “sanitation management,” or the concrete business, this means taking [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Paying for PA School Part 2: Grants and Scholarships

Inside PA Training — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 07:39:35 +0100

In part 1 of Paying For PA School, I talked about how much PA school can cost, why cost is not the same as quality, and why you shouldn’t rely on working to get you through it. So if you aren’t going to work, and you aren’t independently wealthy (*ahem*) how do you pay for [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Paying for PA School – Part 1

Inside PA Training — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:59:45 +0100

Paying for PA School – Part 1If you’re planning on becoming a PA, you will find a way to pay for it. But let me introduce you to an uncomfortable reality: it won’t be cheap. Do yourself a favor and start thinking about how you will fund your schooling from early on in the process. Is this really important at this [...]Visit us at Inside PA Training - Becoming A Physician Assistant (Source: Inside PA Training)

Paying for PA School, Part 1: Costs

Inside PA Training — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:59:45 +0100

Paying for PA school is a challenge. So do yourself a favor and start thinking about how you will fund your schooling from early on in the process. Is this really important at this point? Won’t I figure it all out when I get there? Let me answer you by telling you the most common [...] (Source: Inside PA Training)