Should You Get A Master’s Degree Before Attempting To Become A Physician’s Assistant?
I have been asking a lot of questions that range from CNA, Phlebotomy, Nursing, Nurse Practitioner and Physicians Assistants these last couple of days. My ultimate goal is to start off as a CNA, and get certified in Phlebotomy since Phlebotomy interests me.Maybe get a job as a Phlebotomist for a while if I can and work my way thru nursing school.I plan on first going to a 2-year nursing program and then doing a bridge over to bsn online. From then I would like to become a physicians assistant but I was not sure if I would need to get my master’s degree in nursing first or not? I keep looking at websites but none of them seem to specify whether you need a master’s or not. Also is it easier to get into medical school if you are working as a physicians assistant as opposed to nurse practitioner?
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I would also say yes, get your master’s degree and go from there. It will be tough, don’t kid youself, and very expensive…so be sure this is what you want before you even begin.
It all depends on what school you want to attend. I just graduated High school, and am attending drexel university in the fall. I have to do 3 years of undergrad work, and then apply to the PA program. So, currently, I am pre-PA. Experience is very good, but some schools require a lot, and some require none. While I am in school, I will work as an EMT (For 3 years). This will give me experience, and put me ahead of all of the other entry level applicants. The things you named are really expensive. If I were you, I would pick one thing such as an RN, etc, and stay in that field, and then apply to a PA school. The average applicant has a bachelors degree, and four years of medical experience. Also, i would NOT become a PA just to go to medical school. What a waste of time. Do what you want to do, and pursue it to the fullest.. PA’s are not second rate people. Im not going to PA school to become a physician. Physicians are great, and have worked hard for what they have. So have PA’s. So, pick what you like, and stick with it. Dont spend 2 years becomeing a CNA, then 2 more years for an RN, and then 3 more years to become a PA, and then 4 more years for med school, then 5 more years for a residency/fellowship. You will be 50 years old by the time your done. Pick what yoou want and chase after it. If you want to go to med school, go straight to med school. If you want to go to PA school, Pick a field, get some experience, and then apply to PA school. I would really reccomend checking out http://www.thephysicianassistantforum.com
there very helpful, and would help answer any questions you might have. Good luck with your decision!
Yes, you should get your Masters especially if you are planning on attending Med School.