5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE STARTING PA SCHOOL

We all know we want to become PAs when applying to PA school, but what is it really like to start a PA program!? In short, it'll be the best, most rewarding 2 to 2.5 years of your life!
Tune in for my take on what you need to know before you strap on that backpack for your first day of PA school!
If you haven't yet, PLEASE like and subscribe! Thank you!

[@brookemanuel7330]

You calmed me so freaking much omg

[@DaywithaPA]

😂😂😂

[@H2daIzzo69]

Dude same I was literally having a freakout show

[@DaywithaPA]

😂 you’ll be fine!

[@gabrieljohnny7237]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost the login password. I love any help you can give me.

[@jensenleo9571]

@Gabriel Johnny Instablaster :)

[@brittanypint2794]

I usually don't comment on youtube videos, but I've recently been having extreme anxiety about starting PA school and this video really helped calm me down and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate you! I am a senior in undergrad, I'm 21, and I start PA school 2 days after I graduate. I know I have the patient care experience, work ethic, good study habits, and medical background to succeed but as it gets closer to May I get more and more scared! I also have to move from my family in Texas to Arkansas by myself. Just wanted to let you know your video has helped me tremendously!

[@DaywithaPA]

Brittany Pint I’m glad you found me then! You’ll do just fine! It’s a lot of change, but you’ll soon realize that you now cannot live without your 2nd family! It’s also temporary. In the grand scheme of things, PA school is very short. I wish you the best!

[@brittanypint2794]

@@DaywithaPA Thank you so much! I really do look forward to starting and becoming a PA!

[@DaywithaPA]

Yair Mendoza I worked as a CNA for 2 years in a memory care facility! I get into the details in my latest video about patient care experience!

[@brittanypint2794]

@@yair7227 Same here, I became a CNA in undergrad and got about 1400 hours working in a nursing facility before I applied the end of my junior year of undergrad

[@melaries1823]

Brittany Pint im curious to what bs degree you need to get in.

[@connerkish5270]

Just graduated highschool and I’m starting undergrad in the fall. I already had anxiety about PA which is 4 years away because I thought I would have no life anymore. This just made me feel so much more comfortable and relaxed. Thank you so much for being honest and not wanting to be the burden of bad news like everyone else.

[@Nurse.Jackson]

This video has legit changed my whole outlook! I just graduated high school in 2018 and recently starting college, so I’ve been trying to do my research on what pathway I wanted to take in the medical field. Since I was little I always said I was going to be an RN and then make my way up to APRN. But when I graduated high school and got my first job at a hospital, I actually got to see what PA’s do. That’s why I’ve really be considering it! also I was a CNA for about two years for patient experience, then a phlebotomist for the “behind the scenes” skills in the lab, also needle experience. After that I recently transferred down to the ER on the trauma & rapid response team to see how I can handle stressful and fast pace situations. So hopefully me putting myself in different environments will help me in the long run. You definitely have a new subscriber. I’ll be on here and use you for tips to see if this is what I really want to do! I’m in my last semester of pre reqs so let’s see how this goes! PS- I see your at UK I’m from Kentucky! I have lots of friends that go there! I’m doing online classes right now!

[@DaywithaPA]

DeAaron jackson your experience will be imperative to your future! That’s awesome you’ve had your hands in so many things! I’ve loved UK! Lexington is a fun city to live in! 👌 Always reach out for any questions you have!

[@immts6475]

DeAaron jackson I’m going nursing for the other side of healthcare, I recommend it to obtain a more wholistic view of healthcare, if you want to pursue the nursing path then PA that is.

[@DaywithaPA]

Im MTS I’m curious, have you thought to just become a NP following nursing school? Why do you want to become a PA?

[@immts6475]

Day with a PA I have thought about NP, however I think it would be awesome to be taught the medical model instead of continuing the nursing model. I would rather be a generalist than a specialist, and I believe PAs are more broad than NPs, in the sense that PAs have more lateral mobility. I plan on becoming a nurse and think what they do is awesome, however if I were to chose between NP or PA I would rather go PA. Not to say NPs are worse or anything, but I think combining the nursing model and then building off that and learning the medical model would help me be a good provider and understand where nurses are coming from also.

[@DaywithaPA]

Im MTS that’s very true. You’ll be more empathetic toward your nurses who work so hard for you! The doc’s I’ve had are so incredible smart. They’re great to learn from.

[@cairoyasminekeenan3087]

Thank you for this video! Right as I was starting to panic with my first semester of PA school approaching in May, I came across this video that helped put me at ease! I was almost starting to feel like I wasn’t ready and it would just be too overwhelming from the things I’ve heard 😰 But this video was very reassuring. Sometimes I forget that “hard” doesn’t always mean “impossible.”

[@DaywithaPA]

Cairo Yasmine Keenan you’ve totally got this! You’re absolutely right. It’s going to be hard at times but so worth it. Good luck to you!

[@alasryh]

I'm currently in PA school and couldn't agree more with everything you said in your video. My program is similar to yours in length so there's plenty of time to hit the study/fun balance. I was so happy to see the level of support our faculty provides us from answering questions, encouraging us and teaching us the tips and tricks they've learned through practice.

[@DaywithaPA]

Hana Alasry glad you feel the same way! I feel like the 2.5 year programs are perfect in length. Don’t get me wrong, during our block exams, I didn’t have a life when I was studying! But it’s definitely bearable and temporary!

[@fp4477]

Hana Alasry what program do you attend?

[@DaywithaPA]

a M university of ky!

[@immts6475]

Awesome to here that you are competitive in an awesome way by striving for As. Really cool to see as an undergrad

[@DaywithaPA]

Im MTS haha yeah 🤷‍♂️ it’s just what we do!

[@tedriclolis2872]

Thank you so much for your information man. I am starting my PA program in July and I am very excited but also very nervous. I’ve worked in the operating room for 16 years now but I know going into this that my experience is only a speck of what I will be learning. I am very humble and want to succeed so badly and your video was very straight forward and encouraging. Thanks again man and best of luck.

[@DaywithaPA]

Tedric Lolis no problem! That’s awesome experience! I just spent 4 week in the OR on my surgery rotation and I had a ton of fun. Being first assist was great! Good luck to you, man! You’ll kill it!

[@tedriclolis2872]

Day with a PA surgery is such a great area to work. I’m a surgical first assistant so I can do all the stuff a PA can do in the OR, but I want to have more patient interaction. I’ve worked with PA’s my whole career. Now it’s time to become one! Thanks again man. Great inspirational vid!

[@shellyb5014]

Thanks for this video! I was seriously looking at other paths because of the scare tactics people use about PA SCHOOL. Thanks for being reasonable and level headed!

[@DaywithaPA]

You're welcome! Don't let fear prevent you from pursuing your dreams.

[@hunterburney1257]

This was very encouraging.

[@aliceladeia9058]

Thanks so much for your help!

[@YourHighwayInTheSky]

Hi! I'm having a complete career shift and am really considering becoming a PA. My main concern is that I don't have any experience in the medical field and I wont be able to have a "speciality". I have a lot of pre-reqs to take before I even begin to apply to a PA program, but I still feel like my lack of medical jobs on my resume to hinder me a lot.

[@DaywithaPA]

Hey! That's ok. No one is really "specialized" when entering PA school. We all (mostly) have enough experience to do really nothing with haha. Check out my new video I literally just posted. You don't HAVE to have PCE to apply. There are programs out there you can apply to that don't require PCE. I wouldn't recommend it, though. You can work in the ED as a patient care tech. It doesn't require extra schooling or money!

[@sonyaowens6363]

so helpful..thank you so much

[@heather4641]

This is great! Thank you so much for going into specifics. I am still in undergrad but I am trying to figure out how difficult it is going to be and how I am going to do this while being a mother and wife.

[@mystiqur1148]

Love your videos! You’re inspiring 😊

[@DaywithaPA]

Rahma Mohamed I appreciate it! I just try to help anyone I can!

[@relax_user7230]

I am 17 years old and thinking about going to pa school

[@diana.quirozz]

this is extremely helpful, thank you! 😭 what PA program did you attend?

[@mstudio8094]

I started undergraduate last year, I wanted to be a doctor but now I am deciding to PA or Np I don’t know what to be . I wanted to be a physician doctor but it may take more years.

[@DaywithaPA]

Check out my video on PA vs. MD!

[@mstudio8094]

Day with a PA ok what am I suppose to do in order to be a physician doctor can I finish few years by taking many classes per samaster. Thanks

[@jadenquinn4505]

What did you major in college? Did your major help a lot with PA school?

[@DaywithaPA]

Exercise science! Not really, tbh. It gave me a different foundation, though. PA school, and medical school for that matter, doesn’t give you many courses in exercise and nutrition and I feel like I got a lot of that as an ex sci major!

[@waltzjumper]

you can get by with plenty of B's

[@jeisongarrido7376]

which PA school did you go to? Just wondering

[@DaywithaPA]

Univ of Kentucky!

[@jeisongarrido7376]

Day with a PA Nice!..I live in California that’s why I was kind of wondering. My goal is to become a PA too, your videos are awesome and very informative!!

[@DaywithaPA]

There are some great schools out on the west coast!

[@MBS_Drew]

I'm almost out of undergrad and don't have any experience. Would you recommend I take a year or 2 off to be a CRA, phlebotomist, or dental assistant?

[@itsjohnnyboi3214]

whats the name of style of hoodie you're wearing? I really like that design.

[@mmmaria]

It has Nike logo

[@DaywithaPA]

Yeah, idk the exact name but it’s Nike!

[@itsjohnnyboi3214]

@@mmmaria i know i just thought there was a specific name for the styling of the one he has. :/

[@DaywithaPA]

Google “Nike turtleneck hoodie” haha I think those are the same but I didn’t see my exact style

[@JE335]

I’m hopefully going to try and use a kinesiology degree to get into PA school. I have a B- GPA it’s an associates in science 2.8. Do I have hope for this? I want a very hands on career with people. I’m not sure what to do yet and I feel like I’m just wasting time tbh.

[@DaywithaPA]

So, you’d first need a bachelors degree to apply to PA school. I’ll say at a GPA that low, you need to retake classes and have a lot of patient care experience!

[@JE335]

Day with a PA oh I know I need a bachelors. But with what I have right now, my biology teacher is not really great at giving us info and I currently might be earning a C in the class as I’m retaking 2 other classes to get my gpa back up. During my 2 years, of I maintain good grades and get the hours needed, you think PA school will accept me?

[@DaywithaPA]

If you can get your GPA over 3.0, you have a chance. Many programs won’t even allow you to apply if it’s under 3.0. It’d still require a lot of PCE on your part to get accepted. I’m talking around 10k hours to make up for the GPA.

[@vissyjones6562]

Hi I am looking to apply for the PA program. I would like to know how current your health experience should be? I have over 7 years of experience working in the medical field as a patient care sitter in the hospital and a certified home health aid in the assisted living homes, rehabilitation centers and at the patients home. I work from 2009-2016 in the medical field juggling jobs throughout the week. Would those experiences be accepted or I have to have current experience right before applying? Reason for me stop working I had a work injury so I started to focus on my BS instead of working.

[@DaywithaPA]

Hi! That experience will count 👍 it’ll look great, too, as you’ll have thousands of hours of experience

[@vissyjones6562]

Thank you for responding..it help my mind to be relax.

[@palpninvader2139]

Great Job

[@DaywithaPA]

PA Invader hey thank you!!

[@nelsonerika]

Where do you go to school?

[@DaywithaPA]

Univ of Kentucky!

[@justilynn9475]

Do you think it’s hard for parents? I have a one year old he will be 2-3 when I start PA school. I’m a fast learner but still concerned do you think I will have time for him? Also there are only two PA schools near me (midwestern and a school of health science one) do you think it would be difficult if I just limit myself to those two schools?

[@DaywithaPA]

Harder than a student without a child, yes. Impossible? No. I had a few classmates with children! They all graduated and did very well throughout didactic and rotations. I’m assuming you have help and a support system close by. It can make it more difficult with only applying to 2 schools, but if you’re competitive then it won’t matter as much!

[@kathysoto8329]

I want to be a radiology PA. I have a read sites that say I need to get a second BA in radiology before I apply to PA school. Is that true?

[@DaywithaPA]

No this isn't true. PAs do not specialize. Once you finish PA school and pass the PANCE, you can work in ANY specialty.

[@annyms5092]

God bless, Jesus loves you and died for you all

[@gididiaz]

AMEN 💖🙌🏻

[@DaywithaPA]

🙏🏼

[@audreym8477]

Did you complete your clinical experience prereqs while you were completing undergrad?

[@DaywithaPA]

Yep! I worked every other weekend then some evening shifts throughout the week.

[@Lenaa923]

Hi, I am only working on my undergraduate. My major is General Studies. Do you think you that is a good major candidate for PA school?

[@DaywithaPA]

That's very nonspecific. I'd aim for a major that is science-related.

[@juancaballero165]

Can I have some advise ? I’m bearly starting university

[@DaywithaPA]

Sure, what specifically?

[@juancaballero165]

Day with a PA I want to go to physician assistant but idk what are the steps to go it i live in Texas idk if the prices is different from your at

[@moonpigseatmoonfigs]

Join reddit and follow the prephyscian assistant page or Pre PA Club on facebook

[@pachecopacheco1518]

How long takes to become a P.A??

[@DaywithaPA]

2.5 years is the average length of a masters program 👍

[@pachecopacheco1518]

Thank you !!

[@noora3429]

Is PA school easier than Nursing School ?

[@DaywithaPA]

I’ve never been through nursing school, but I’m going to bet PA school is a lot more difficult. It’s a master degree and you’re an advanced practitioner compared to a nurse.

[@hopedavis805]

gt my hp bt

[@samthesnowman666]

paoa

[@draiajackson6963]

Question is it normal to be squeamish

[@DaywithaPA]

Yep 👍

[@LiveOutLoud87]

I think this video gave me more anxiety lmao

[@DaywithaPA]

😂😂

[@LiveOutLoud87]

Day with a PA dude I got in!

[@Lou-fj2gj]

I’m a senior in high school about to go to college. I started volunteering at a hospital (today was my first day) and I’m hoping to gain insight on what life is like for PA’s and Doctors. I know I want to be in the health field but idk if I should go the PA or MD route. I’m really torn between the two!!

[@DaywithaPA]

Many people are when they’re in school! Check out my video PA vs. MD! Also, try shadowing either for a few days. That’ll give you a better idea!

[@AeipathyOfAprill]

Woah, #1 has definitely been debunked for me. I thought I would fall off the face of the earth during PA school up until this point haha, thanks!

[@DaywithaPA]

Everyone does! I was so scared to start PA school and really thought my life would be over for a few years. Keep working hard! It only gets better and better!

[@AeipathyOfAprill]

Thanks!!

[@danlandino6735]

Literally just found out 4 days ago that I was accepted into a PA program that starts in 7 weeks. Feeling overwhelmed still but this helped a lot!

[@DaywithaPA]

Congrats man that's awesome!!

[@christinapeck3573]

In the same boat!

[@danlandino6735]

Christina Peck Nice! What program?

[@christinapeck3573]

Dannylands 394 High Point University in North Carolina. You?

[@danlandino6735]

Christina Peck Nice I love North Carolina, Im going to Quinnipiac University, Connecticut.

[@jinnytrang4857]

Great video 100%! I am finishing up my last week of didactic year. PA school was not as hard as I thought at all. The hardest semester was the first and it got easier and easier from there. I never studied past midnight. No studying Friday nights. I had 6-7 hours of sleep a day. I am a solid B student who did not aim to get perfect scores and that saved my anxiety. The sacrifice was my weekends were spent mostly in the library. It varies by program, of course. I believe our class will be another 100% first time PANCE pass rate. I enjoyed it because I have a great PA family. That is essential!

[@DaywithaPA]

Well said! I honestly feel like undergrad was more stressful. You’re studying like crazy for science courses (most of which you’ll never apply to real life) and it’s very anxiety-provoking not knowing exactly what your future holds! I was so scared of not getting into PA school all through undergrad. Once I was accepted, it was simple: study to treat the patient. That’s pretty much it!

[@jeisongarrido7376]

@@DaywithaPA What is a didactic year?

[@DaywithaPA]

Didactic is all classroom instruction, pretty much identical to your undergrad classes! Clinical year is when you’re out on rotations getting hands on experience 👍

[@xxsam0917xx]

May I ask where your program is?

[@betzy7560]

where did you go?

[@sarahanne4]

So I'm a student in a 24 month program and I've definitely had a little bit of a different experience. My program starts rotations every Friday during P1 which is amazing, but also means that our semesters are that much more compact as Fridays are almost completely taken up by rotations. All of that means that things move FAST. We are constantly walking into exams going, "I've never felt more unprepared for an exam in my life." ...and then we do fine lol. But my point is that my classmates and I do spend almost every night studying at least a few hours, and we still feel like we can't keep up. Usually between 3-5 exams in a week, and constantly feeling behind. It does get better with time, because you start to become comfortable knowing you can't know every little thing, but yeah, I definitely think 24 months rushes things a little bit more. Also, PA school is easier than I thought it would be, however, it's still the hardest thing I have ever put myself through lol. And for me and the majority of my classmates, our last semester of P1 is for sure the most challenging as it's the summer, so we have 12 weeks to cover 16 weeks of material. That is done by our professors uploading pre-recorded lectures for us to watch on our own. I thought I should just add another perspective because my experience has been pretty different. Although, I have had some time to spend with my spouse and pup too :)

[@DaywithaPA]

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I really think the 24 month programs are quite different from 30 months. That extra 6 months gives you more time than you’d realize! I can’t imagine that mean exams week in and week out. I’d often feel behind on the material, but always did fine on exams. I just think we had so much more time to prepare and study even though it was A LOT of material!

[@oliviafranke258]

Thank you times a million. I start PA school in about a month and am starting to freak because I haven’t been in school for 2 years. I already have a masters in physiology but my brain is in TOTAL work mode and 95% of the info I learned in grad school didn’t pertain to my job so it’s basically gone haha. You’re going to be a great clinician! You’re so good at breaking down a scary situation and calming nerves! Good luck to you and thanks again :)

[@DaywithaPA]

Thanks for the kind words! It’s honestly such a temporary time in life. Work hard but enjoy PA school! It’s so rewarding working toward your life goals. Best of luck to you 👍

[@kathyparkjeon17]

Same with 3 years and had the same feeling too

[@BorisThePA]

I really hope you’re right about the first thing!

[@DaywithaPA]

haha like I said, my program is 2.5 years. If you're in a 2 year program, your curriculum is going to be a little more rigorous. If you're in a 2.5 year program, you will not study every single day! 👍

[@as-kr995]

I need something? How to gain healthcare experience if I am not from medical background? I am pursuing bachelors in chem,zoology and biotech and I am really worried about healthcare experiences!!

[@ancestorbackforthelasttime]

This video was so bomb . I only hv a few more pre reqs to go so I’ve been feeling more and more nervous as I add on to my pce and try to improve my gpa further-while working a full time job wondering if I should even keep going forward. ...this gave me the fuel I needed. Thank you

[@DaywithaPA]

No problem!! There are times when you definitely feel discouraged when preparing for to PA school. There’s just so much that goes into it. Keep working hard and take it day by day! Before you know it you’ll be applying to PA school and you’ll wonder where the time has gone!

[@TheBallerhino]

Considering PA school but one of my main concerns was balancing the program and spending time with my kids and husband, this offered me some mental relief of that aspect so thank you!

[@DaywithaPA]

I had a few students with family’s of their own in my class! It’s doable!

[@akimbo5u]

It really depends what your goal is. i study basically all day every day I want to feel 100% comfortable and know as much as I can. You for sure be a high C or B student and have plenty of time off and start really taking studying seriously the week before the exam. I agree its not about grades and I dont study for the grades they are a nice bonus.

[@DaywithaPA]

I studied A LOT in didactic yet still had plenty of free time on the weekends. I more-so studied to treat my future patients but got straight As along the way. The GPA became central, however, and I kept stressing about keeping my 4.0. It wasn’t necessary!

[@rummiii7877]

I’m a PA school applicant took quite a bit of time off between grad school apps and my bachelors, this video was very helpful and a lot of great first hand insight ... 🙏🏻 thank you! Can’t wait to see more content !

[@DaywithaPA]

Ramla Irfan Thank you!! Good luck applying!!

[@sammyoh6522]

Hey! I’m considering being a PA as well, but I am not 100% sure this is the path I want to take. Would you mind sharing why and what made you want to be a PA?

[@DaywithaPA]

Hey! PAs make a great living and retain the ability to change specialties at any point in time! I also didn’t want to go through 7+ more years of schooling. In my video, PA vs. MD, I go into a lot of detail explaining my decision! You can check it out if you’d like 😊 If you do watch it, let me know what questions you have!

[@rachealdroege80]

Great video!!! I had such a challenging time deciding my academic path; I have all my prereqs done, but got convinced to do nursing. Just about to finish my first semester and honestly not feeling very stimulated or excited to continue. I always felt like PA was more for me but what terrified of the cost and potential of not seeing my family much. Also, I am afraid that I’m not smart enough despite assistant teaching A&P and having a 4.0 haha. Do you think it’s possible to balance family and PA school? Also, could you give me some insight as to what first semester is like? Thank you!!

[@DaywithaPA]

Yes, definitely possible to balance the two! You’ll find that 2 year programs are going to be a little more rigorous vs the 2.5 year programs. If you’re really worried about balance, I’d try a 2.5 year program. Didactic is a little more spread out and you’re not being hammered with exams weekly! First semester is difficult more-so for the change in schedule and routine. Otherwise, it feels a lot like undergrad. You’re still in class everyday. You still have lectures and PowerPoints, etc, so none of that really changes, it’s just the new life that you’re getting used to but after a month or so, you learn what works for you and what doesn’t! You find your routine!

[@katbatson]

I am 24 and haven’t even finished my bachelors. I have 3 years before I’m even able to apply. And that really freaks me out. I’m embarrassed that I will probably be the oldest person in the program when I finally get there.... but I am hoping to be done and working as a PA by the time I’m 30. Thanks for the video.

[@DaywithaPA]

Still a great plan! You have a goal in mind and that’s literally all that matters. Did you know the average age amongst PA students is 27? I had people in their 40s in my class. Just keep working hard and nothing will stop you!

[@katbatson]

Day with a PA Hey thanks for the reply, I had no idea that was the case and that makes me feel a lot better! Can I ask you a quick question? For the hours of patient care you need to apply, how does that work? Do I need to become a certified MA or Paramedic while I’m also getting my bachelors, that way I can work those jobs to obtain those hours of patient care? I also have lots of experience in phlebotomy because of the amount of time I’ve worked in plasma therapies. Not sure if that would count towards those hours. I’m just unsure how to get those patient care hours without becoming an MA/EMT/nurse.

[@DaywithaPA]

If you have a few thousand hours as a phlebotomist and you’ve worked in the last few years, I wouldn’t worry about getting additional experience! It’d be a waste of time and money as you’ve already checked that box.

[@katbatson]

Day with a PA okay great! Yeah I have been working as a phlebotomist at a plasma donation center for over 3 years. I just wasn’t sure if that could be categorized as patient care since it wasn’t in a hospital setting. But there are times where donors get sick and we have to treat them, take vitals, etc. thanks so much for your help! I appreciate it a lot.

[@jeisongarrido7376]

@@katbatson Same here, I'm 24 but I'm still at a community college. By the time I finish PA school, I think I'll be around 30. It's cool though, as long as we finish what we started.

[@duckiie15]

Wow! This video was actually helpful, people usually just repeat the same thing everyone already knows lol!

[@DaywithaPA]

😄 thanks! I think future students need to see that, while there are difficult weeks, it’s not 💯 from start to finish

[@ericagreene700]

Thanks so much for this, you’re so handsome btw lol

[@DaywithaPA]

Erica Greene 😂😂 thank you! Glad I could help!

[@nyalibamusa2613]

Hello! I just switched my major from nursing to undecided but still following the pre-pa track. I’m a sophomore in college and have been seeking insight and advice on how I could make myself a competitive applicant for pa school? Thank you again and good luck on your journey!

[@DaywithaPA]

Nyaliba Musa the two best things you can do is keep a high GPA and get as much PCE as possible. Search 5-7 programs and see what their prereqs are and make sure you have those built into your schedule in undergrad. There will be a lot of overlap so it’s not like you’ll be adding 20 new courses to your course load. Other than that, be active on campus and volunteer! Check out my blog post on daywithapa.com titled the ultimate prepa checklist. That’ll be a great starting point for you!

[@nyalibamusa2613]

Day with a PA thank you!!

[@MrJbee1982]

These are all subjective tips. Not everyone can absorb information at the same rate. Some people do need to study everyday.

[@DaywithaPA]

I think all advice is technically subjective? But yes, not intended to be all-inclusive. Every program is different which is why I stressed my program was 2.5 years in length.

[@wince9537]

Thanks for the video man! My only question is were you able to work while in PA school? I just don't know how I'm gonna survive and afford to live somewhere without working

[@DaywithaPA]

No my wife pretty much supported me! Loans paid for my tuition and other school expenses. Basically all of my single classmates survived on loans. It’s how 90% of students get by, I was just one of the fortunate ones to have a spouse working and providing income to pay for housing, bills, etc.

[@Slushie24]

I can’t wait to get through undergrad I feel like crap especially this covid semester it was the worst by far. Btw if you don’t mind me asking how many PA schools did you apply to and did you get accepted the first time around?

[@DaywithaPA]

You share the same emotions with MANY other students in your shoes right now. I applied to 11 schools, and got accepted the first time around 👍

[@waltzjumper]

you will not study every day,

[@malaikakamilah5453]

me rn on 7th grade: ~_~ I wanna go to PA schoOol

[@davisbates9185]

Same

[@michellemarie1197]

What did you work as before becoming a pa, as in do you have any previous work experience working in the medical field? And can PAs eventually become a doctor if they choose?

[@DaywithaPA]

I worked as a CNA to get my patient care experience. Otherwise, no other medical experience before applying. PAs cannot “go back to school” to become doctors. If a PA wanted to become a doctor, it’d be no different than a nurse wanting to become a doctor. They’d have to go through 4 years of medical school plus a residency. There is one exception to this with that being bridge programs. They are extremely rare to find, but they essentially shorten the length of time to become a doctor by maybe a year or two.

[@amacgregor92]

This dude might be the least annoying of all the pa school content creators I've found 😂

[@NO-gs7xl]

Please can you break down all's needed to start a PA program.

[@DaywithaPA]

Check out this video THE ULTIMATE PRE-PA CHECKLIST | PA SCHOOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH3XeXulorulpKc

[@흐비훕스]

Thanks for beneficial video! Have you ever seen foreign student learning pa program?if there is any prerequisite for applying pa? How long it takes to finish pa?

[@DaywithaPA]

Yes, check out my video the ultimate pre-pa checklist! PA programs are around 2-2.5 years long!

[@tracymiller1149]

Thanks for the great video! I'm currently in Rad Tech school (BS program), and am considering PA school after I'm done and get enough patient hours experience.

[@Nacho-ck3gm]

Can I major in sychology to become a PA?And in your opinion,what’s the easiest major for undergrad that wants to become a PA?

[@MHSMagicLuver]

Dang. Your program is either easier than mine or you’re crazy smart. I study basically every day. I’m either at school, studying, getting groceries, meal prepping, or sleeping. I don’t have time to go out. First semester 18 credits, 2nd semester 23 credits, 3rd semester (now) 32 credits, 4th semester 18 credits. I cannot wait till summer again. I thought first semester was hard until second semester. I about died. We were all exhausted. Grades dont matter no but you have to pass. I honestly almost failed some classes but I ended up passing somehow (definitely failed exams, actually have 2 I have to take the day we get back from spring break because we have to pass those - passing is a 75. I got a 74 on both of them :/ ). I have been with my fiancé for 6 years and have only seen him 4 times since May since I can’t drive up there to see him and he has to wait until he can buy a new car to come see me (he’s working full time and going to school where we lived before so he couldn’t move). If I pass this semester without failing a class I will be so happy and I feel like summer will be a breeze. But I’m so stressed and tried. We basically have 2 exams every week.

[@DaywithaPA]

Lisa how long is your program? That’s very typical of a 2 year curriculum. Very condensed and even more fast-paced! During our block exam weeks, I’m very much like you describe. There’s no time for anything but studying, but that’s like once a month.

[@MHSMagicLuver]

Day with a PA ah I thought I posted how long. It 27 months :)

[@Touti2423]

This was so helpful thanks man 🙏

[@DaywithaPA]

Not a problem man!

[@nicholascampos1615]

I can't wait to start PA school. More excited with every article and video I come across and this was exceptional

[@DaywithaPA]

Nicholas Campos that’s great! It’s the most transformative 2 years of your life!

[@carterhanson6682]

Hell yea. Subscribed. This was a good vid! Starting in 2 weeks and I'm chilling enjoying the free time!

[@DaywithaPA]

Hahah love it. Thanks, Carter!

[@carterhanson6682]

@@DaywithaPA Ayyy, Where did you go to PA school, Texas?

[@carterhanson6682]

nvm found it in another vid!

[@jordanbrown4285]

Most honest video I’ve seen. Thank you bro!

[@artistic8203]

Can you go to PA school with midwifery degree?

[@paigec2030]

This video was so helpful! So excited for PA school!

[@DaywithaPA]

Thanks! 😊 have you applied yet/been accepted?

[@paigec2030]

I was accepted yes! I start in January :) I live in Missouri so I am going to Missouri State! About 2 hours away from home.. super nervous but this was so assuring! ❤️

[@DaywithaPA]

Oh that’s awesome! When I visited UMKC I remember seeing a lot of billboards for Missouri State.

[@paigec2030]

It’s a GREAT school, super excited! Thanks for replying.. have a great day ❤️

[@Jrod7291]

What about grades in undergrad? Do they matter?

[@albertbell6576]

What medical job did you have prior to applying to PA school? I'm in the process of becoming a Medical Assistant to get my required hours and wanted to know if you did volunteer work or worked in a medical setting.

[@DaywithaPA]

I worked as a CNA. MA is great PCE 👍

[@steph-mx4kw]

can I still attend a pa program if I completed all my prerequisites in a four year community college?

[@DaywithaPA]

stephanie padilla absolutely! You might get some questions and it could possibly raise a few eyebrows bc sometimes CC is seen as “easier” than a 4 year university but it definitely doesn’t preclude you from applying!

[@fp4477]

I think it’s BS that they see CC as “easier”, I’ve taken many classes at both and It all depends on your teacher. My most brutal teacher was for organic chemistry at CC.

[@DaywithaPA]

a M I agree but you should be fine with courses from both. I’ve asked someone in my program that exact question and they told me they don’t care if courses are completed at a CC. They get begin to wonder when all prereqs are done at a CC. IMO, the only time it will hurt you is in the situation where you’ve received a D in a course at a university then an A at a CC. That doesn’t look great on paper.

[@crriderz01]

a M CC is way harder in my opinion. They get a lot of adjunct teachers who really don’t give a shit if you pass or not. Not good for people actually NEEDING GOOD GRADES! it’s frustrating to say the least!

[@DaywithaPA]

Agreed! It’s all politics. “University” vs “CC”. It’s annoying.

[@UNEARTHED36]

I'm interested in PA school, do you think medical lab science experience will be helpful? I am graduating from a MLS program at a top hospital in June. I am worried that this will not be enough direct patient care. If anything, my direct experience will be phlebotomy (sometimes).

[@DaywithaPA]

It’ll be helpful in that fact that it’s “research”. I’m not too familiar with the MLS field, but if you’re doing phlebotomy, too, you can count that as direct patient care exp, but I have a feeling that’s a minority of your time. If I were you, I’d seek out programs that don’t require patient care experience!

[@UNEARTHED36]

Most aren't familiar with it haha. It's a cool field but I like people too much to stay hidden away in a lab. Thanks for your input! The school I'm interested in doesn't require it, I'm just worried about too many things.

[@DaywithaPA]

UNEARTHED36 totally natural! If your gpa is strong and you knock your personal statement out of the park, you’ll set yourself up well! Best of luck!

[@Miaonroblox]

Day with a PA what kind of care then

[@DaywithaPA]

Direct, hands on patient care. Phlebotomy is an example of this but in the above comments, she stated she didn’t spend a ton of time doing it. Others would be CNA, EMT, MA, PCT, LPN, RN, etc.

[@Jackelinz987]

Would I be able to start PA school right after undergraduate school?

[@DaywithaPA]

Yep, most do! As long as you meet the prereqs!

[@4242brvrdbd]

Update?! How is being a Pa??

[@Ms1Deviouskiller]

What school did you go to? Can you make a video about your journey to becoming a pa?

[@DaywithaPA]

The University of Kentucky! Yes, I could make a new one. I feel like I’ve addressed how but in multiple, separate videos. Check out which PCE is best and PA v MD for a pretty good overview.

[@clairerenee1660]

so im currently almost a criminal justice senior (undergrad). is it too late for me? i made a mistake in picking my major and i seriously don't think law school is right for me anymore. what do i do?

[@AfroMedic]

Did you take Organic chemistry 2? I am now taking organic 1 and I don't think if I will have any interest in learning chemistry after this one.

[@DaywithaPA]

Haha yes. Tbh, I liked ochem better than gen chem. Use the tutors that you have for the course. Nearly every week I attended their sessions to learn/better understand concepts. Hopefully that’s available to you 👍

[@AfroMedic]

Day with a PA But I see most PA school don’t list Organic Chemistry as one of the requirements. I did well in my General Chemistry classes (A,B+)but after that I lost my interest in it. Was Organic Chemistry 2 a requirement at your school?

[@Dani-nk8ky]

Don't most programs have a minimum grade you can get? I've heard of people flunking out of PA school and thats what scares me the most! Getting kicked out after working so hard would destroy me!

[@rachaelfulreader5552]

I appreciate his perspective but it varies GREATLY depending on what school you go to. There is definitely time to wind down and take care of yourself but it is extremely time intensive. I typically study 4 hours a night, and 6 on the weekends. I've experienced some loss while I've been in school and there's very little time to grieve or handle thing that come up in your world outside school. It's important to have a strong support system, and like he said, PA school friends are a HUGE part of that. It's also so helpful to have a good roommate. Mine is beyond amazing and it's made a lot of hard situations a lot easier.

[@FruityUnicorn17]

Hi, great video! I have a question. I’m planning to get a BS in Medical Sonography from Kaiser (Hospital) and work in the field for a year or so and then apply to PA school. Since the BS would be through the hospital’s college program, would that affect me negatively in any way when applying to PA school?

[@DaywithaPA]

Hey, thanks! I don’t think it should, but then again some schools have any your bachelors to be from a university. I’d call some of the programs you might be interested in and ask them directly. That’s great patient care experience, though!

[@FruityUnicorn17]

Day with a PA thanks! 👌🏻

[@Babygirl758]

what is pa school?

[@naicadesruisseaux4376]

Hello I’m a senior in high school i want to go health but I don’t know is nursing or pa for me Bc now I have 2.6 gpa and i have not taken physic chemistry and cal in high school Is it to late

[@victoriachen6879]

do you know of any doctors from overseas who decide to go to PA school?

[@DaywithaPA]

I do not. Sorry!

[@waltzjumper]

Patients Unite! Refuse to be treated by these slackers. Demand to be treated by a fully qualified M.D.

[@charlinebyakweli6016]

in public health now and getting a bachelor of science degree I was planning to do PA after I graduate just was curious of what classes I would take and could I get a master degree as a PA?

[@DaywithaPA]

PA is a masters degree. Curious of what classes you’ll take for your prereqs to get into PA school?

[@mavisward561]

Charline Byakweli I recently changed my major to general health and taking online courses, I’m curious as to what I could expect or what jobs I could get? It was recommended by my advisor to change to general health but not sure exactly it will entail

[@DaywithaPA]

I’m not familiar with that degree, so I’m not sure. Sorry about that. Reach out to others within the major or even faculty for a better ideab

[@dipapatel9852]

My program starts in a few weeks online and I am so nervous! Thank you, this video really makes me feel a lot better!

[@DaywithaPA]

Best of luck to you! You'll do great!

[@justilynn9475]

How do the online programs work?

[@DaywithaPA]

Hopefully Dipa can provide insight into this! I just assumed they meant online temporarily due to covid.

[@betzy7560]

which PA school did you go to? Looks like you had a wonderful experience.

[@waltzjumper]

i watched netflix

[@anjanasatheesh6897]

Can u suggest few universities which offer pa school for international students

[@kyliedunlap4322]

this video just made me feel so much better about applying to PA school/becoming a PA. I just came off a rough semester because of COVID and my science grades are kinda low right now. Thank you!

[@yoursisshantii8085]

What PA school were u in seems like a great school

[@DaywithaPA]

Univ of Kentucky!

[@yoursisshantii8085]

Day with a PA yikes that’s way to far from New York

[@DaywithaPA]

There are a lot of schools in the NE you can attend!

[@aaliyahchy]

i love this video ❤️thank you

[@DaywithaPA]

No problem!!

[@walotheman1]

Hey guys! I'm starting this Sept 1st wish me luck!