I am a current PA Student (finishing next year). I have spoken to a few schools about applying to start AA when I finish PA School. GPA, previous experience, and GRE scores should not be a problem.
I was wondering if there is anyone here who is either an AA and also a PA. I know there are not many around, but I was looking for a comparison in education. PA tends to have a very generalist base, with a strong focus in assessment and diagnosis, but I wasn't sure how AA compares.
I ask not because I'm interested in ease, but because I can customize some of my clinical rotations to better prepare for areas not covered in as much detail with AA education.
Thanks every one!!!
(As a side note, because I get asked this a lot... the reason I didn't simply do med school was that I am older and have no desire to complete a 5 year residency, working 80 hours a week).
Re: Current PA Student
Posted by Psteaz on November 8, 2015, 4:00 pm, in reply to "Current PA Student"
What makes you want to switch from a PA to an AA? It seems like you'll be completely dropping the money and time spent from the last 2-3 years just to do it all over again, no? As far as I know being both an AA and a PA offers very little benefit to a future career.
Anyhoo, to answer your question. AA is definitely more specified with regards to academics. They still go through A/P, Pharmacology, etc, but the large majority is airway and anesthesia related. Feel free to compare your education to something like this: