Lloyd Said:

what are the pros and cons of becoming a Physician Assistant?

We Answered:

Everything the other person said... But it also depends on the job, some PAs work just as much as docs do. some docs dont work as much as other too... Depends on what your contract is.

the cons for you:
you have to go back to school. you cannot work during school. you will have to spend in upwards of 100,000 to become a pa.... my understanding is some opticians have doctorates. I've heard you have to be humble because you are not a "doc" when you are a PA.

Clifford Said:

What would be the best way for someone to get a Physician Assistant degree at night?

We Answered:

It would be very difficult to achieve this at night. perhaps you can take all the classes on line, or at night classes, but the clinicals which are 50% of the program, must be done duting the day.

Bob Said:

Career Change - IT to Physician Assistant?

We Answered:

Well, when I was in PA school I got a room mate and asked my parents for a loan and took out a loan. Don't know if that will work for you too. I also cut back on just about everything I could (no cable TV, no manicures, no movies, no eating out, etc)--will be harder for you w/ kids. Good luck!!!!

Eugene Said:

What is a better career considering job satisfaction and salary, physician assistant or physical therapist?

We Answered:

These are two completely different careers. Its like asking which is a better fruit: a blueberry or a raspberry when you like both. So it is impossible to say one is better than the other. If you go into one career, obviously that is the one you love & the better one.

A physical therapist can be very rewarding-especially if you are working with spinal cord trauma & getting them to walk again, or helping stroke victims become independent again.

A PA would examine pt's, order & interpret tests, make a diagnosis & treat....quite different. This can be a very stressful occupation. ANd is one that requires dedication to get into & complete. It is a masters and requires a heavy science set of pre-reqs as well. Unlike what the other poster said, we do not have to go back to school for a few months every few years; but like docs. we do go to continuing medical education classes (just like docs). We also do not have to be supervised at all times.

I highly recommend you follow some of these around to decide which one is more to your likely & education & responsibility.

Annette Said:

i am a homoeopath physician but looking for a career change what is my best option?

We Answered:

Well it is difficult to change profession and be successful. I think you should join an NGO, if my instinct suggestion is right. You can check out, if you are young then you can choose any profession that you like the most as hobby, like photography, video shooting, cricket umpire, etc, which is comparatively easy to establish I suppose, but if you dont have interest in meeting people or hard work then above professions are useless.

Alfred Said:

How long will it take to become a Physician assistant?

We Answered:

I am currently a 2nd year student in a surgical PA program. To become a PA...
1) major in pre-med, biology, engineering, chemistry, or sports medicine/ physiology. PA programs love a minor in Psych, so go for that, since you already started. :)
2) Get GOOD GRADES!!! Although they say you only need a 3.0 to apply, you need a 3.7 or so to get in, so be sure to take some easy classes, too!
3) Get a job as a nurse's assistant or a surgical tech, or a home health aide. You need some experience in medicine, i think 2000 hours prior to applying.

As for how long it takes after beginning undergrad? 7 years. PA school is 7 semesters after graduating college.

Nursing is a good start, but most nurses go on to be nurse practitioners, who can also write prescriptions. NP program admission is not near as competitive, and they do not have to be in grad school as long.
Hope this helps!! :)