Can I become a Physician Assistant?

[eurasiangirl]

I would like to go to school and become a Physician Assistant. However, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English (writing is something I'm really good at it).

Can I still become a Physician Assistant? What must I do to get into this line of work?

I've noticed that the PA field is VERY popular in the US.

[bestknightmare]

I would like to go to school and become a Physician Assistant. However, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English (writing is something I'm really good at it).

Can I still become a Physician Assistant? What must I do to get into this line of work?

I've noticed that the PA field is VERY popular in the US.

Currently, the education program is still being developed in Canada. Their requirements sounds too good to be true, and most successful applicants are already clinicians in other health related fields. The application procedrue will actually ask you how many clinical experience hours you have. Your BA English doesnt really put you at advantage. I have a friend that is also interested and she is in her Masters of Science right now.

their roles are also uncertain yet, but it is in trial
The end result is a Bachelor in Health Sciences (PA)

Yes, the States' PA program are much more further developed and recognized. In Canada, the Nurse practitioner's sort of replaces the PA's role. Sort of an equivalent position.

Why do you want to change career? or did you just recently graduated with your BA?

[eurasiangirl]

Currently, the education program is still being developed in Canada. Their requirements sounds too good to be true, and most successful applicants are already clinicians in other health related fields. The application procedrue will actually ask you how many clinical experience hours you have. Your BA English doesnt really put you at advantage. I have a friend that is also interested and she is in her Masters of Science right now.

their roles are also uncertain yet, but it is in trial
The end result is a Bachelor in Health Sciences (PA)

Yes, the States' PA program are much more further developed and recognized. In Canada, the Nurse practitioner's sort of replaces the PA's role. Sort of an equivalent position.

Why do you want to change career? or did you just recently graduated with your BA?

I graduated last year and can't find a job right now. :*(
So, I've decided to go back to school and upgrade my skills.

Do you know what schools are developing the Bachelor degree for Physician Assistant in Canada?

I used to work as a lifeguard and have certification in the field. Can this count as clinical experience?

If things don't work out, I guess I could always become a nurse.

[shannn]

Do you know what schools are developing the Bachelor degree for Physician Assistant in Canada?

McMaster university is starting the program this year

[eurasiangirl]

Will my BA degree help me in any way?

[bestknightmare]

McMaster university is starting the program this year

actually 2008 was their first entry year with 21 students and 500+ applications

[shannn]

Will my BA degree help me in any way?

Here, check this out
(http://fhs.mcmaster.ca/physicianassistant/prospective_students.html)

Whhoops, and yea, bestknightmare is right, it started last year

[eurasiangirl]

Thanks for your help guys :)

500+ applicants? Oh jeez...
Why so many people?

I've heard from friends that York and UofT are developing their own PA programs, since they have the resources. Is this true?

[bestknightmare]

Thanks for your help guys :)

500+ applicants? Oh jeez...
Why so many people?

I've heard from friends that York and UofT are developing their own PA programs, since they have the resources. Is this true?

not sure, hopefully will by this year

[kasianman]

Thanks for your help guys :)

500+ applicants? Oh jeez...
Why so many people?

I've heard from friends that York and UofT are developing their own PA programs, since they have the resources. Is this true?

York isn't, but UofT is.
One of the requirement for UofT's PA program is to work AT LEAST one year with direct patient contact as a registered/licensed health care professional such as registered nurse, registered respiratory therapist...

500+ applicants and rejected people include foreign medical doctors.

[bestknightmare]

York isn't, but UofT is.
One of the requirement for UofT's PA program is to work AT LEAST one year with direct patient contact as a registered/licensed health care professional such as registered nurse, registered respiratory therapist...

500+ applicants and rejected people include foreign medical doctors.

foreign MD? wow...

do you know when will the UT program be accepting applicants?

[CSK'sMom]

There is a large thread on this subject in the career forum currently...

[NoTime]

What's the difference between a Physician Assistant and a nurse?

[bestknightmare]

What's the difference between a Physician Assistant and a nurse?

PA can diagnosis and prescribe drugs
RN cannot, but NP can

[petergriffin]

Thanks for your help guys :)

500+ applicants? Oh jeez...
Why so many people?

I've heard from friends that York and UofT are developing their own PA programs, since they have the resources. Is this true?

500+ is actually not a lot compare to the # of applicants for the other popular healthcare programs. Many of them have at least 1000+ applicants each every year. I think there were about 250-ish applicants to the Mac PA program last year, the # is small because the program just got started & there're very few people who know it exists/what a PA is.