Check out these links for Loan Repayment Programs and Scholarships:
http://www.aapa.org/paf/annual-student.php
http://medschool.slu.edu/sfp/housestaff/index.phtml?page=fiftyrepayments
http://saaapa.aapa.org/prepa/financialaid.htm
These sites provide useful tools for budgeting:
http://www.nextstudent.com/tools_and_resources/calculators/college_budget.asp
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/special/20010425b.asp
This link is helfpful if you are thinking about borrowing from a private lender:
http://www.finaid.org/loans/privatestudentloans.phtml
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Exam)
After completion of a accredited Physician Assistant Program, one is eligible to sit for the PANCE, Physician Assistant National Certification Exam. This a a 360 multiple choice question exam that is offered at over 200 testing sites throughout the country. Generally, it takes several hours to complete, depending on the speed of the test taker and the amount of breaks that one chooses to take. Cost of the exam is $425. After successfully passing the exam, one earns the title of PA-C, signifying Physician Assistant, Certified.
When choosing a PA school, it is important to know the school past PANCE performance in order to assess how well the school is able to prepare students for the exam. Most schools will list their "first time pass rates" as well as "overall pass rates." In 2007, the national average for first time pass was 93%. Examine first time pass rates carefully, as it is the goal to pass the exam the first time to avoid frustrating and expensive future tests. The exam may only be taken one time every 90 days, or 3 times each year, whichever is fewer.
Check out this link for PANCE study tips http://www.capanet.org/pdfs/How_to_study_for_PANCE-1.pdf
When choosing a PA school, it is important to know the school past PANCE performance in order to assess how well the school is able to prepare students for the exam. Most schools will list their "first time pass rates" as well as "overall pass rates." In 2007, the national average for first time pass was 93%. Examine first time pass rates carefully, as it is the goal to pass the exam the first time to avoid frustrating and expensive future tests. The exam may only be taken one time every 90 days, or 3 times each year, whichever is fewer.
Check out this link for PANCE study tips http://www.capanet.org/pdfs/How_to_study_for_PANCE-1.pdf
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
How to get into Physician Assistant School
So you want to get into Physician Assistant (PA) School…
You have heard PA School is competitive, now how are you going to get in??
Study, study, study. The best thing you can do for yourself is keep your GPA high (above 3.5). Most schools will break your GPA down into science and non-science so you also need to keep track of your science GPA. If you need to and it is possible, take only 1-2 science courses each semester to boost your grade in each class. Keep in mind, you are not only there to make the grade – you need to learn also. Much of what you learn in your basic sciences will be revisited in PA school. Keep good notes and keep them for future reference. I recommend getting a large binder of these notes, update each semester and tuck it away for later use.
Get involved! Not only do you need to be involved around your college campus, but you need to assume leadership roles. This is a question asked repeatedly from school interviewers. Target medically related college clubs like American Red Cross, Relay for Life/American Cancer Society, and of coarse the Pre-PA club. If there is not a club established at your school – start one! This show enormous leadership capabilities and will be valuable to put on your resume.
Yes, you need healthcare experience! Though some schools are not putting as much emphasis on the exact number of hours of healthcare experience as in the past, this is still important. Find a part-time job at a local hospital or nursing home. Also, don’t overlook psychiatric, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. If you already have some healthcare experience, consider getting a job in another aspect of medicine. This will help you to look well-rounded to the school, as well as be beneficial later in your career.
You have heard PA School is competitive, now how are you going to get in??
Study, study, study. The best thing you can do for yourself is keep your GPA high (above 3.5). Most schools will break your GPA down into science and non-science so you also need to keep track of your science GPA. If you need to and it is possible, take only 1-2 science courses each semester to boost your grade in each class. Keep in mind, you are not only there to make the grade – you need to learn also. Much of what you learn in your basic sciences will be revisited in PA school. Keep good notes and keep them for future reference. I recommend getting a large binder of these notes, update each semester and tuck it away for later use.
Get involved! Not only do you need to be involved around your college campus, but you need to assume leadership roles. This is a question asked repeatedly from school interviewers. Target medically related college clubs like American Red Cross, Relay for Life/American Cancer Society, and of coarse the Pre-PA club. If there is not a club established at your school – start one! This show enormous leadership capabilities and will be valuable to put on your resume.
Yes, you need healthcare experience! Though some schools are not putting as much emphasis on the exact number of hours of healthcare experience as in the past, this is still important. Find a part-time job at a local hospital or nursing home. Also, don’t overlook psychiatric, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. If you already have some healthcare experience, consider getting a job in another aspect of medicine. This will help you to look well-rounded to the school, as well as be beneficial later in your career.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Money Magazine Ranks PA #5 Best Job in America
Again in 2008, Physician Assistant has made the Top Ten list of Best Jobs in America according to Money Magazine, filling the #5 spot! Physician Assistant is ranked #1 in Fastest-growing Fields in America!
Check out the full article: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2006/snapshots/5.html
Also ranked #5 of 2008 Best Careers to have in a recession: http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/01/pf/best_careers.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2008040809
Check out the full article: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bestjobs/2006/snapshots/5.html
Also ranked #5 of 2008 Best Careers to have in a recession: http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/01/pf/best_careers.moneymag/index.htm?postversion=2008040809
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