What Do You Think - PA School For A Licensed Psychologist?

Hi All,
I'm thinking about applying to PA school, to broaden my clinical work, in mental health. I'm 48, and am a clinical psychologist, in private practice and working in schools, doing assessments and therapy. I also teach intro and abnormal psychology at a community college, so I'm pretty current on neurophysiology and neuroanatomy.

I got my Ph.D. in 1990. I got my BS in biology and psychology at UCLA in 1983, and my science GPA was probably 3.2. My GREs from 1984 were: english - 750, math, 710, and analytic - 680 (on the psych I got 780).

Does it seem likely that I would be accepted to a PA school?

Thanks, RP

I can't do the "what are my chances" thing, sorry each program has different things they like to see in applicants.
I do think its a good idea for you to apply if PA is what you want to do. There is a great need for PAs in Mental Health and it can only increase.

Good luck in your future PA endeavors
LesH

Yes it does seem likelly that you would be accepted. I was a clinical social worker for 22 years, having worked in Mental Health Centers, home based programs, and having had my own private practice for years. I went back to school when I was 47. It was difficult,my classmates were much younger,etc...(There were many positives from this as well), but the bottom line is yes, you can do it. Programs vary in terms of how rigid they are if you need help, some have the ability to extend the amount of time it takes you to complete your training. Others, are more limited in what the range of your training entails(for example, I have heard of some programs which teach mainly clinical skills, and there are no surgical rotations--not what I would recommend). If you know where you want to live when you are through, look into what school is considered to put out the best graduates---it may not be the one with the greatest name recognition. It is important to try to find a program that has a bit of compassion to it. Good luck