Even since deciding to come to Ohio State, I always knew that I had an interest in the medical field. However, the more I looked into the different paths that one can take, I decided that I was more interested in following the PA track. In order to gain more knowledge and advice on what I need to do to follow this path, I talked with a second-year in HSS to see what her recommendations were and what she has done so far to prepare to apply for PA school. First, I started off by just asking her why she is interested in becoming a PA. Her response was very similar to my thought process in the way that she has always been interested in the medical field, but when she looked more closely at the difference in medical careers she decided that a PA is more fitting. Some reasons included that it is a more stable lifestyle and that a PA can do almost all of the same tasks as a physician. Next, I asked a few questions pertaining to what clubs and volunteer opportunities she has taken advantage. She said that she is involved in MedLife, Pre-Med Club, AED Fraternity, and volunteers at the Wexner Center and at a local elementary school. I look forward to looking into more medical related clubs and volunteer opportunities next year at the Involvement Fair. In addition, she also shared that she has been in a few psychology research projects. However, her one piece of advice was to make sure you are interested in the type of research because it is very time consuming and will not be as rewarding if you are not interested in it.
After asking these questions, we then talked about future plans to continue to prepare for PA school. She said that her next goal is to get her STNA/CNA certification over the summer and begin getting hours once this is complete. Furthermore, she said that when it does come time to apply for PA school, she hopes to apply to between five to ten of them. Lastly, I asked her if she had any final advice for me. She said to be sure to not slack off freshman year because PA school is highly competitive and it is important to maintain a high GPA. She also recommended that I try to take medical terminology if I have time in my schedule because a lot of PA schools require it and the class will be very helpful if you play to have a career in the medical field.
Overall, I am really glad I had the opportunity to interview a second-year HSS member and I look forward to thinking about her advice as I continue on my path of hopefully one day being a physician’s assistant.