Too old to do this

Wow. How did this convesation make a turn for the worse? I know . . . someone decided to insult people for making spelling and grammatical errors on a forum. How mature. Maybe it's the age difference ;-)

To the above people that were insulted: do your best, don't worry about what other people say, and join physicianassistanforum.com

You know, I have made a few spelling errors, but I am starting PA school in June after I graduate in May with my first Masters degree. Bottom line, you are just insulting people to make yourself feel better.

YOU ARE RIGHT.I FEEL BETTER NOW.YOU HAVE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT MY AGE AND MADE ME RECONSIDER WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE AT FOURTY-ONE.YOU MIGHT BE YOUNGER,BUT I HAVE LEARNED MORE LIFES TRIALS,THANKS FOR YOUR OPINION.

Casey, my comment wasn't directed toward you. Actually, I was trying to stand up for you and Ann. Sorry for the confusion. Good luck with all of your future endeavors. 41 is still young enough to pursue your dreams!

I agree with Apres ski..serioiusly..can Shari be more wrong??? I mean, really....who would ask another memebr if English is their first language, etc??? As ApresSki said....good luck Casey..follow your dreams!!!

I had been a physician in India before I migrated to the US in 1996. Due to financial and family reasons I could not take the USMLE board examinations for many years. To survive, I became a high school science teacher. I received the Permanent resident status last year which made me think of getting back to medicine.Actually I am not happy teaching high school. I passed the USMLE I & II exams but the marks were not good enough to get into a residency program of my choice. Also I am now 51 yrs old. It seems that becoming a PA will be a good choice for me.I am wondering if my board exams will be good enough to get me credits or if I need to go through the whole 2 yrs course work once more. Also, I am now 51 yrs old and wondering if I will be employable? Thanks for your attention and kind advice if any.

SHARI - Your rudeness towards Rosario is completely unnecessary.

Colorado in Overland Park, Kansas said: I agree with Apres ski..serioiusly..can Shari be more wrong??? I mean, really....who would ask another memebr if English is their first language, etc??? As ApresSki said....good luck Casey..follow your dreams!!!

I think that we need to get over it. Right??

tlg15 said: I think that we need to get over it. Right??

The comment was made 7 months ago, so I think everyone is over it by now....well, maybe all but one? Weird. So Apre, how's the weather in CO? U in school yet? What is school like? I just had an interview 2 weeks ago and have another one next week, one in January!

Roberta in Rochester, Minnesota said: I am 48 and have an interview for PA school tomorrow. I don't think I am too old at all :)

I did apply in 1999 after finishing all the necessary prerequisites. At that time I did not have the "hands-on" experience that the programs were looking for. I decided to attend nursing school instead and am very happy that I gained all the knowledge and experience that I have as an RN.

I would suggest shadowing PAs and getting a job in the healthcare field to gain the experience that most programs look for.

Roberta how is it going? Did you get into PA school? I would love to talk to you furthur because my dream is to attend PA school but I am 40 with no medical background and I dont know where or if to start...

Hi All,

I have read all of your posts and I am slightly encouraged about pursuing my dream of becoming a PA. I say slightly because I still have the voices in my head of all of those in my family who demean me by telling me that I am too old, not cut out for PA school, would be making a impractical decision etc. I am 40 years old and have an 11 year old daughter. I made the mistake of graduating with a completely useless BA - Linguistics and then went on to get my MA in teaching which I have been doing lackluster for the last ten years. Currently I am unemployed because I cannot find a position. I know that we should all use our internal compass to guide our thoughts but I am so scared, like a child, at the thought of even contemplating PA school at 40. Where do I start? How in the world do I even balance all of the pre reqs with being a single mother when I have NO support! I want this soo badly, yet I dont whether to get a nursing degree first, or what to do. I know ONE thing, I have to make money as I have been out of a job for six months now. Could anyone please give me some advice? I know that you have all buyoed each others spirits regarding age, I guess I just need to hear it personally directed at me. Really...is 40 too late to start and just what are my odds of getting in anyway? That is what really worries me, also the lack of patient care. I could volunteer at a hospital but when I hear that schools admit nurses into their PA programs I think that I would not be good enough compared to a 25 year old who has been working on this since high school.
So please, I would greatly appreciate encouraging words! Thank you all!

visit Physicianassistantforum.com

Very cool site with a lot of advice. You are not the first to ask this question. Good luck

paamick in Lincoln, Nebraska said: Ok everyone...I have yet to see anyone too "Old" for PA school. Life experience counts for so much when applying. I had a gal in my class who had been a rad tech her whole life. She started PA school at 54. She was the top of our class!! It was nice for her because her kids were grown and she had a husband to help with the finances. Please do not let age stop you. Being a PA is the thing I am most proud of. Every day I look forward to going to work. (Ok, almost every day ;-)

Thank you for this. I'm new to the forum and I'm in the middle of a Biology degree but I, too, am 48 yrs old. Some days it feels like you just don't want to gnaw through the leather straps...LOL. I'm doing very well so far but often wonder if I'm crazy doing this at an older age. However, this forum is sooooooo inspirational. Thank you all for sharing that it's not too late to attempt to get into PA school because that's what I want to do. I've been around medicine all my life and was a counselor in social services for eight years. My husband is a disabled vet and social security disabled as well with multiple issues so if they want *experiend*, I can give them experience just because of being there for him through surgeries etc. for years and years. My mother and grandmother were nurses. I never thought I'd go into the medical profession but I dunno...something clicked in the last few years plus my husband pushing me. I figure if I have to live at a hospital or doctor's office, I might as well be the PA and get paid for it...LOL. Renee

Greta Neely in Los Angeles, California said: Hi All,

I have read all of your posts and I am slightly encouraged about pursuing my dream of becoming a PA. I say slightly because I still have the voices in my head of all of those in my family who demean me by telling me that I am too old, not cut out for PA school, would be making a impractical decision etc. I am 40 years old and have an 11 year old daughter. I made the mistake of graduating with a completely useless BA - Linguistics and then went on to get my MA in teaching which I have been doing lackluster for the last ten years. Currently I am unemployed because I cannot find a position. I know that we should all use our internal compass to guide our thoughts but I am so scared, like a child, at the thought of even contemplating PA school at 40. Where do I start? How in the world do I even balance all of the pre reqs with being a single mother when I have NO support! I want this soo badly, yet I dont whether to get a nursing degree first, or what to do. I know ONE thing, I have to make money as I have been out of a job for six months now. Could anyone please give me some advice? I know that you have all buyoed each others spirits regarding age, I guess I just need to hear it personally directed at me. Really...is 40 too late to start and just what are my odds of getting in anyway? That is what really worries me, also the lack of patient care. I could volunteer at a hospital but when I hear that schools admit nurses into their PA programs I think that I would not be good enough compared to a 25 year old who has been working on this since high school.
So please, I would greatly appreciate encouraging words! Thank you all!

I really believe it is NOT too late to go pursue something new for yourself. If I can do this at 48 with a 3.8 GPA and you have two degrees?? I think you are more than capable of doing this. Don't give up!!

jodanna in Sanford, North Carolina said: I'm 42 and have a BA in Business - haven't worked in almost 15 years - yes I know. Military wife and so on. Trying to find a new path and I understand this is a growing field. But my age is a huge concern as I would need to start over. I would sincerely appreciate frank answers.

I'm 38 with a BA in Business and I am considering going into Dental Hygiene or Ultrasound tech because they both have relatively short programs that can be completed in 2 years. Maybe you should look into careers that don't require alot of time to complete training/education but pay well. Good luck!

I'm 38 also and I want to do something else so badly such as PA. If I was 28 I would go for MD. I justify my decision to pursue something else such as PA by reminding myself how dreadful it would be to remain in the status quo for the next 30+ years.

Yeah...its hard though with life in the way, raising kids, making a living but go for it. I would LOVE to talk with someone who is starting from the beginning. My name is Greta and you can reach me at gretaneely@gmail.com. We could share information! I just turned 40. Not too far off from 38 ;)

PS - I have a BA in Linguistics, a teaching certificate and a MA in Reading and in this Frickin economy I cant find a job. Yes, I am with you about wanting out of the status quo! Just need some kind of support system along the way.

People are reinventing themselves every day in this economy. Why not? It's not easy but it can be done! We're going to get old anyway so we might as well do it fighting every inch of the way for a better way of life.

GoodAdvice...I am going to post it up on my desk

Sue Nichter in Buffalo, New York said: I was a nurse who went back to PA school at 37 and graduated with a BS at 41. I'm now turning 49 and other than wishing the student loans would go away, have not regreted becoming a PA. It's a tough program but non-traditional students are more focused and overall better students. There were only 4 traditional students that came right out of high school in my program and there really was a difference in their attitude toward school. If you really want to be a PA, go for it, you won't regret it. Good luck.

Hi, not meaning to sound like a downer but I so much want to be in the PA program but my grades and age seem to drag me down and very depressed. I really try and yet I just keep coming up wiht C's in all my coureses. What can I do??

Shari in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin said: A compass is a device which tells you the direction. I think you meant "encompassing" - that's ok. English isn't your first language. Good luck writing prescriptions.

Do you have a problem with people who don't have english as their first language?

Can you get off the english as a 1st language kick ?? We already went through this months ago...geez

I know the post is months old, but i read it YESTERDAY, and i have all the rights to post an opinion.Don't "geez" me.

I can geez you if I want. I have the right to my opinion too. It's a touchy subject.

All of you so concerned about your age---42, 50 or whatever------you probably also thought you were "old" when you turned 30..........I will always remember General Johnston In Okinawa who at the age of 52-53 used to come and run with us and he would smoke us every time.............we were 20, 25, 30, etc. Check out some of the ages of people who ran the Boston Marathon this year for example..........

Benji, so did you knock out any prereqs as of yet? Well,I'm thinking about PA school possibly in the next 1-2 years but am still examining my motives...I've worked in healthcare for 4 years but want to make sure this is the right step for me. I'm 37...yeap it's old!

QUOTE who="benji in Houston, Texas"]I feel old at 27. with a B.S in buisiness and no health care experience, i plan to start knocking out my prereq next fall. But I'm afraid I may not like the job when it's time to apply for PA school. I dont know if i have the passion or the right motivation. I know i want to be in the medical industry and to make a difference in peoples lives. I think what's more important than age is being absolutely sure that this is what you want. In my case i dont know. Help.

U said it man, I am 36 and considering going back to college and ultimately to become a PA. Did u take care of biz??
Thanks,
Bentley

eagle1970 in Kendall Park, New Jersey said: I'm 38 also and I want to do something else so badly such as PA. If I was 28 I would go for MD. I justify my decision to pursue something else such as PA by reminding myself how dreadful it would be to remain in the status quo for the next 30+ years.

jodanna in Sanford, North Carolina said: I'm 42 and have a BA in Business - haven't worked in almost 15 years - yes I know. Military wife and so on. Trying to find a new path and I understand this is a growing field. But my age is a huge concern as I would need to start over. I would sincerely appreciate frank answers.

I'm 45 and will be starting a PA program in July 2011. I am also a physical therapist, but would like the stepped-up responsibility of practicing as an ortho PA. I was concerned about my age also, but I know that I will be finished with the PA program after 26 months. I'm not going to let my age hold me back from doing what I want to do. I also think that future employers are going to be attracted to the mature graduate who has some work/life experience under their belt.

I am entering PA school at age 39, and I have no reservations about this at all. I have a good friend who returned to medical school in his late 40s and he is now a successful doctor in his 50s. If it is your passion, go for it. 40s and 50s are great parts of life for working, and so are 60s (I hear).

I say if it speaks to your heart, go for it. Don't worry about the age factor too much.

thanks for your comment; I am 33 years old and when I finish I will be 36 But I am cool with that.

Hey,
Hoping that this would encourage you to hand on! I thought i would not get into a PA school because of my young age (21) and no real health experience. I received acceptance to some PA schools so you can do it as well (age is not a factor!!) What I can say is that, to get an interview, you need to show that you like being with patients, you have a passion for PA and you did everything you can to prepare yourself to be a PA in your essay and show volunteering hours from diff places (i did in ER, private docs office, and on regular floors)even when you had so much other responsibilities like a real job and a family. Most PA schools looks you as a whole person instead of just numbers. And in the interview, just be really honest and share your passion with them.
it worked for me!

my plan was to do be a medical assistant/ENT if I dont get in the first time.. but if I were you, i would just volunteer/shadow whenever i can during the time you take pre req and apply. if you are not getting an acceptance, i would be medical assistant or something and reapply.. also, even though its costly, reapplying just show them you passion!

"i read that the average age of students are 26" - i have visited many schools.. all of them have students much older than you who had other careers etc. So don't worry!

"Also, how do i choose among a certicate or a master program?"
i would go with masters which I believe has a higher pay and as you said, might be valid more than just certification.

I'm late to this discussion, but if anyone out there wanting to go to PA school fears they are too old, don't listen to your fears! I'm 51 and am in my first semester of PA school after 20 years teaching A&P. And you don't have to have a 4.0 average, either. I had a 3.47 GPA in undergrad and grad school, and I made it in the first time I applied. You need healthcare or shadowing experience, and you need kick-ass references. When you interview, your desire to become a PA should be clear as day. Is school kicking my middle-aged rear-end? Yep. I come home exhausted every day, but thrilled with my new adventure. Can't wait to get started with Clinical Medicine classes in the Fall!

Wow! Great information! I have a BA in Human Dev. & Fam. Studies and am currently in Education but planning to go in to PA. I am wondering how long it took current PAs to complete the prerequisites. I know that each PA school/program requires different/similar prereqs, but an estimated length of how long it took would be much appreciated.

I'm concerned moreso with the non-traditional students who haven't taken any (or minimal) chem/bio/math courses and are entering post-secondary edu. in order to complete the prereqs.

benji in Houston, Texas said: I feel old at 27. with a B.S in buisiness and no health care experience, i plan to start knocking out my prereq next fall. But I'm afraid I may not like the job when it's time to apply for PA school. I dont know if i have the passion or the right motivation. I know i want to be in the medical industry and to make a difference in peoples lives. I think what's more important than age is being absolutely sure that this is what you want. In my case i dont know. Help.

Those are a lot of doubts. Check out the daily work first. If you aren't really turned on by what the daily DOING actually consists of. Choose another path. Better for you, and the patients. Healthcare is (at least it shouldn't be) not a job to do because you need money. Most of what is wrong with medicine in this country is because the so much of the wrong ethos so often governs motivations of too many providers these days.

I am a 50 y/o DDS looking to leave dentistry and become a PA. I have a Biology degree with a 3.2 GPA 1988 and a DDS degree with a 3.35 GPA 1992. My DAT scores were 7's and 8's (out of 9's). I was also an EMT II in the Air Force from 1980 to 1984. Dentistry was never my cup of tea. I have a successful practice but am willing to give it up and go back to school to become a PA. I have a couple patients that are PA's and love their jobs and I have worked around nurses, MD's and PA's in OB/GYN and ER while in the Air Force. Does this sound possible?

I am 58 and have been a PA nearly 35 years and have seen a lot of changes, but you're never too old to study medicine if that is your keen interest. In theory you could do a lot of good serving the coming baby boom population with your maturity and experiences, however its debatable whether the health care system will let you do that. In my humble opinion, PA's are essentially being used by Institutions, Hospitals, Private Practices as a cheap substitute for a Physician and they will expect you to produce very much like a physician volume wise and they will simply pocket the added profit. Also they will task their administrators to find ways to push you to be even more productive and yes they will demand obedience to their policies just as if you were a clerk or you will be shown the door. Now you may luck out and find an evolved work situation, but what I see is they are becoming less evolved in many ways, and its all about production and carrying out corporate or practice policies and for most PA,s your first day at work you will be introduced to the glass ceiling. There just aren't the avenues for promotion and career development for most PA's despite what the schools tell you. Getting a masters will do nothing but get you a minimum credential to get in the door of a PA training program as an instructor and if you stay there long enough possible an assistant or associate professor at a truncated academic salary, not a physician salary. A few PA's do go on to do interesting jobs, but most end up in a practice situation, trying desparately to get along with office assistants and receptionists who can play some very nasty politics no matter what. In medicine you will always come up against an impossible patient situation or one with a borderline personality disorder who will complain no matter what you do. Lawsuits are the least of your problems, as you have to be a people pleaser all the time and at some point you may regret having to submit constantly

I am a 22 year old PA...it's the best thing I've ever done with my life. I don't think anyone is too old for it, just a little bit of hard work and a whole lot of reward! If you have a family of your own (i.e. kids, spouse), let them know that you'll need their support for a little while (trust me, family support will make your life a whole lot easier). There are programs with cheap tuition, like York College in New York(CUNY). However, there are pre-requisites that needs to be completed before applying to the program (you should contact the program you are applying to and see what they require). Some programs require you to have a degree before you apply, others don't. I'd say apply to a Master program since all they programs will be changing to masters pretty soon, I have a BSc and might need to get my master. Grades are huge part in getting in, (obviously they'll take the people with the better GPA you'd think.) However, the interview, community service and letters of recommendation are as equally important as the grades. So don't let your GPA of 3.2, or whatever be the reason for not at least trying. Try to get to know the people in the program you are applying to, (yeah links are part of it too). If they think highly of you, and see you are trying, they'll give you a shot. The program wants to see you are making progress, know your weaknesses and know how to make your self better i.e. correct your mistakes. They want you to be responsible, after all peoples' life will be in your hands. They'd look at you as if they'd want you or even feel comfortable enough to have you take care of them or their significant other when they are sick. Hence, you have to show them that you are capable and they can trust you. Good luck everyone, it's a career that's growing and I assure you, you would not regret it.

It is very interesting to read all of the posted comments. I appreciate them all. I too, like most of you, am concerned about my age. I am actually, 53yrs old and I am very interested in becoming a Physician Assistant. I went back to school and with in a year will graduate with a B.A. in Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I have quite a number of science courses under my belt: Biology I&II, Chemistry I&II, Physics I&II, Anatomy and Physiology I&II,Calculus and so on. I think these course should be helpful. I have worked in a hospital setting for about 12+yrs but not clinically...I supervised the NJ state care program and worked closely with the clinic in the hospital. I wrote polices and procedures and served as a revenue compliance specialist(formulating prices for all services in the hospital). That said, I don't have any hands on experience in so far as patient care is concerned.

Age is just a number. Seriously!! Can anyone tell me what they think my chances of getting into a P.A.program are. How much time on hand experience do I need? How many hours? etc..

I would appreciate any comments.
Charles

I am 40 and I have over 20 years of experience in the health area ; 6 yrs as a MT assistant and then as a PT. I live in PR where there are just 2 schools that have the PA master program. I' ve always wanted to study medicine but when I finally started it I received a call from my family, my mother was very ill so I had to return and take care of her till she passed away. I got depressed and didn't went back to study. The most logic step for me right at the moment is to study the master in PA cause I have a little girl ( who is my priority) and Im single mother also. Friends tell me that age is a factor to get hire for program as well as an employee. Frankly, is this really true? It is possible to study, work and take care of a toddler... Afte all I would like to do this not only to pursuit my dreams but to give her a better future and an example of "never quit nor give up your dreams" I will appreciate ur honest answers.
Thanks.
Is

I am in Billings,MT and just received a associates at 45 years of age. I have a 7 year old girl and want to pursue this area but now wonder if I waited too long.

Hi Casey,
Congrats on your associates!

casey curtiss in Bozeman, Montana said: I am in Billings,MT and just received a associates at 45 years of age. I have a 7 year old girl and want to pursue this area but now wonder if I waited too long.

"waited too long" is sort of hard to answer
1. The cost of the PA program you enter may/may not have an impact on you 5 years down the line. Will you need to get loans?
2. The cost of re-taking pre-reqs (perhaps yours were taken before 2002?) might delay your application to certain programs and cost money. Perhpas your assoc degree is in science?
3. Your age in many programs is not a factor and perhaps an advantage for many reasons I won't explain (life experience).
4. Having a 7 year old. That's huge. If your child is number one to you it will be so important to have a strong and supportive network of family and friends as you attempt to enter and then survive PA school.

My brother went to medical school with people in age range of 25-47. My friend just finished PA school and the age range was 30-55.

Do your research! But if that's your dream...go for it!

Please go to the website associated with the title below:
Physician Assistant Education Association There's a online directory to all the US Physician Assistant education programs. You'll need to register but so is life on the internet.

Every profession that has ties to medicine will have a national association that serves its members. For Physician Assistants (including students) called the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

A wonderful online reference is the PA Forum that has Q and A sections for those wanting to GO to PA school! Here's the address:
www.physicianassistantforum.com/forums/forum.php

As for the book. This book is available on Amazon.com or often in bookstores like Borders. Getting Into the Physician Assistant School of Your Choice [Paperback]
Andrew Rodican (Author)

Good Luck!