PA vs. Physician: Interview with a Physician Assistant

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

This was wondefully done ladies! Both MD and PA are great was to practice medicine. I get called "doctor" alot at our hospital even though I correct people and tell them I' m a PA!

[@lovemandypie]

Super helpful! I am applying to PA school this upcoming cycle and will be graduating with my bachelors this summer. I'm a little worried about the competitiveness. I have a 3.6 with over 2000 hours as a CNA. Hope I can get into one of the programs! Thanks for this video!

[@sandrakoami9374]

lovemandypie what was your undergraduate major? if I may ask

[@lovemandypie]

My undergraduate major was Health Sciences Pre-Clinical meant for matriculation into a clinical program such as PA, medicine, pt, etc. after graduation.

[@sandrakoami9374]

Nice!! I have my undergraduate in health sciences

[@sandrakoami9374]

lovemandypie​

[@chelso2208]

This was so helpful ! I was always in between nursing or med school and I feel like I found the best fit for me and will most likely be doing a PA for neonatology. Thank you for this !

[@ryanphelps5359]

Just so everyone knows, PA schools actually do almost always require an entrance exam, and tend to require the GRE (or in some cases they'll accept the MCAT). It's pretty rare that they don't require an entrance exam like in Sarah's experience

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Ryan Phelps Yeah, it's standard now. I took the GRE back in the 90s but it was for grad school in Genetics.

[@chancebadger]

Almost always meaning that about 98/250 DON'T require the GRE. In other words, 39%--not what I would consider "rare".

[@naeluvsGCH]

This is a great video! I've been going back and forth in my mind for months and months. I think the deciding factor for me is that as a PA I would have to work under the supervision of a doctor. When I shadowed an EM doctor, his PAs had lots of autonomy & that eased my mind. However I can't get it out of my head that one day I'd be 50 years old under the supervision of a 30-something doctor. May sound silly but like she said that just may be my personality :) Thank you for this, truly helpful.

[@LeviMan91]

I was on the fence for a while, too. I ultimately decided to go PA, mostly because of my family (I am married with one child). My issue was the same as yours, being a PA with a wealth of experience, likely knowing more than the young physician I am having to report to. I was also hung up on the title; let's look at the path a PA must take. Most have to get their undergraduate degree (usually in the sciences), so that's about 4 years, and they usually have to have health care experience to get accepted to their programs. Then they have to complete a 2.25 year master's program, that's another 2+ years, and those programs usually require either a thesis or a 'capstone project', which is essentially the same thing. A thesis is a very difficult undertaking, considering you are also having to commit so much time to studying for your higher-level science courses like anatomy and pharmacology. All this work and you are called a physician 'assistant'? Really? I understand that PA's are NOT physicians, but referring to them as 'assistants' is just demeaning...one upside, if I ever decide that my disdain for my title is keeping me from enjoying my career, I can always go back to medical school in a few years. (Some medical schools are starting 'bridge' programs for PA's! Shortening medical school to 3 years instead of 4.).

[@Meera436]

I think when you view the healthcare field as a hierarchy you may get hung up on titles. If your going into the healthcare field the reality is your working on a team. All providers work together. The most important person in a hospital isn't the doctor it's the patients. If you have the time and finances go for med school. Just know medicine will be the focus of your life until retirement. It may vary by specialty but the hours are pretty strenuous. Whereas a PA has a more traditional forty hour work week. Down the line if you wanted to change specialty from say Emer Med to Family Care to lessen your stress and workload. As an MD you would go back and complete another 3-4 yr residency. PAs just apply for a new job

[@xxSeddieBarbie]

Janae French I am also interested in the pa career we should team up & talk about it

[@NeuroNate24]

@@LeviMan91 Hey Levi, I definitely feel you on the title part, it's something that I can't quite shake. I think they should change the name to Physician Associate.....same letters, but a different name, much better. For me, it's a time factor, if I continue with my path to med school, I won't finish residency till 41, whereas if I do PA school, I'll finish at 35. That means you get to start your life 6 years sooner than a physician and you have income for 6 more years. Also, working under someone younger than me in my 50's definitely is an issue, but again, time is important for me which you can't get back, like money, which you can.

[@justinabenson7229]

@@Meera436 reason I think I will always choose PA over MD

[@tutram1234]

Thanks, I really appreciate your video. I am currently a respiratory therapist and interested in PA school. Thanks again ladies for the informative video.

[@timmacasaet]

I dont normally take the time to comment on videos but I feel obligated to in this scenario so I can let you know that these videos are extremely helpful!

[@aDashofMonique]

From my experience seeing both medical doctors and PAs, PAs are definitely more accessible for minor health concerns, like going to the grocery store and being able to see your PA and buy your groceries at the same time. I really wish physicians were a bit more accessible like PAs, but PAs are excellent healthcare providers just like doctors. :)

[@karthiklol99831]

Very informative!! Thanks!! Quick question, can I become a doctor later in life after becoming a PA? follow up: is it advisable? Is it good to get a feel for the industry as a PA, and then promote yourself to a doctor through med school if desired?

[@aMeRiCaNiDoLrOcKz997]

This was super helpful! Thank you so much! Can you please do one with a nurse practitioner? I'm really in an awkward position right now and I could use all the information and opinions I can get. Your videos have been so amazing and I'm extremely grateful! ☺️

[@Danielle_4.]

I agree.. PA vs NP is such a controversial topic ...

[@KeepHopeAlive90]

That would be great.

[@val1daz123]

Hey Andrea!! Love your channel.. Could you do an interview with a D.O. :)

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

val1daz123 Yes definitely!!

[@juliem1084]

Hi Andrea! Your videos have really helped me. I am still unsure of what my calling is. A doctor, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner are on my radar. I think interviewing a nurse practitioner would be a great idea for a new video. Thanks!

[@emmacummings1527]

This video was SUPER helpful. Thank you so much Andrea and Sarah!

[@srijitjindal7407]

Just love how all the video questions are an order. Very good and informative!

[@caitlinn018]

Love your videos Andrea! Thank you so much, they are very helpful!

[@SLPtoMD]

This was a great video! I was just wondering what her duties during surgery are?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

LaurenAlexandra711 I think she is generally first assist. That means she does the surgery right next to the doctor and helps the whole time. She probably does a lot of the closing sutures at the end as well.

[@MeMyselfAndSummers]

Hi there! Thanks for the video. Quick question - for a surgical PA, what procedures would the PA be allowed to do vs. the doctor during surgery?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Summers To my knowledge, most PAs are first assist in surgery- so they are right next to the doctor doing a lot of the surgery, but the main doctor is in charge. My husband did orthopedic surgery and he would do lots of stuff on his own like prepare the tendons, etc. One of my girlfriends is a PA and harvests veins for cardiac surgeries. So you get to do a lot!

[@renali9912]

@@AndreaTooleyMD thanks for the information. Your husband is a surgical PA or surgeon?

[@KeepHopeAlive90]

After I finished watching this video and I did some research. You have to take the GRE.

[@keepcalmsmokeon]

it depends on the school you're applying too, for some schools it's required and some it isn't

[@duffyrodriguez460]

Hey Andrea! First off, great video. Love seeing real PAs speak about their profession. I'm currently finishing up my pre-reqs for PA. My question is does your friend Sarah have a KZbin or Twitter account or someway to contact her? I have few more questions I was wondering if she could answer. Thanks again!

[@ryuakanex]

This video came at exactly the right time! I was considering PA school & your friend explained perfectly. Thank you!

[@kennedyjordan437]

Hey Andrea! Could you please do a video on NP vs. Physician? I'm having a hard time choosing which route is best for me, and I would love to hear your take on it!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Elise Friloux Yes!! I'm working on finding an NP to interview :-)

[@interclinicconsortium7910]

Hi Andrea, thank you so much for spending your valuable time on creating these super helpful videos. Can you possibly make a video of interviewing an osteopathic physician (DO)? I specifically am interested in differences between pediatric/OBGYN DO and MD physicians. I want to apply to both DO and MD schools. Thank you for everything! :)

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

ThanhThanh Vo I have a DO interview scheduled next week!!! Stay tuned!

[@kellymhessxo]

PA school is typically 24-26 months after 4 years of undergrad. Therefore, 6 years total NOT 4. Some schools offer accelerated 3 + 2 programs (3 yrs undergrad and then the regular 2 years of PA school)

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

kelly hess Yes exactly. It's almost always 6 years. Sarah did a 5 year program. My husband went to PA school after graduating with his 4 year degree :-)

[@sandrakoami9374]

Andrea Tooley What did your Husband major in?

[@purplepineapple117]

They offer those programs :( i wish i knew that 3 years ago. Still a very useful video thank you.

[@shamilabarkat5798]

This was truly helpful. Thank you for making this video. Just subscribed.

[@curlsandvibes97]

Wow this helped me a lot! I wasn't sure if I want to be a PA or a Physician so this helped!

[@juanitavarela9595]

Can you please do a NP vs MD

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Juanita Varela Yes! I'm working on it :-)

[@brandiem7796]

You are the most warm, sweet person and I just get so positive when I watch your videos!! Thank you so much for giving out all of this information. I am really interested in dermatology but I understand it's a very competitive feild and while I am smart, I'm not the girl to ace all of the AP classes. I'm in high school currently and I really am interested in going to med school and becoming a dermatologist but I heard that a lot of doctors end up not liking their jobs and also I feel like I might go through med school and then end up not getting a residency or anything so I'm kinda stuck on what to do from here but your videos are just great you are a beautiful and smart girl :) I'm sure you will be an amazing doctor!

[@animemangaluv13]

this is actually really inspiring, I like the idea of being a mediator between nurses and doctors it's really comforting to hear actually and I would like to have a supervisor at all times!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Yep! Being a PA is an AMAZING profession! The doctors with whom I work always refer to me as a "colleague". I never feel like some kind of "underling" even though they are my superiors (occupation-wise). If you want to learn more, please consider subscribing to my channel. Peace! Dr.O the PA Pro🤓

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

For more info about medical school and residency check out my blog AndreaTooley.com, follow me on Twitter @doctrinthehouse or instagram @adoctorinthehouse:-)

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Andrea Tooley Okay!

[@SarahnAvey0017]

Really good questions! Great video!

[@emmaavdic8733]

Great video. I am currently working as a PA and planning to go back to med school. Love being a PA but desiring more responsibility.

[@ARMG3-e9t]

This was very enlighting!!!. I enjoyed lots too think about when choosing a career path.

[@estiewashere]

Thanks Andrea! Your videos are always super helpful :)

[@myroadtopaschool]

Hi Andrea, thank you so much for you awesome videos! Any specific recommendations to strengthen a PA application/ what would stand out in a positive way to the admission committee? Keep up the great videos, I always look forward to them!

[@K8VKH]

Depending on the PA school, you might have to take the GRE as a requirement

[@reemgs9004]

Excellent video.This really helped. Answered up a lot of questions.

[@lyssbeth]

This is so helpful! I am actually in the position where I have to start applying to schools and choosing my major soon and this made me realize that I can seriously imagine myself as a PA or Physician. I do have a question... If for some reason one were to become a PA and want to be a physician... Could you go on to medical school?

[@erikaresendiz8934]

Hey i loved this video ! But my question is can PAs decide to "move up" .. if they dont like being under someone. Would they have to go to medical school to become an actual doctor? Would this be time consuming ?

[@TheRealSabrina1]

Fantastic video. Thank you so much!

[@TheOneThatGotAwayRMAPLS]

Very interesting most definitely on the part about autonomy.

[@danielayin935]

Such an awesome and very helpful video! Thank you!

[@iridiansanchez8617]

Hi love your vids! Do you know if you can be a PA in preventive health care? :) like working with a DO as a physician assistant, if a DO's PA would be a PA in preventive health care? Thanks

[@melissapojoy5055]

Super helpful!!!! Do you think you can do a video on nurse practitioner

[@snovakattack1]

Thanks for this video! I have a question that maybe you can help me with. If a person decided to become a PA, and then later wanted to become a doctor, roughly how many years of schooling would they need to make the transition?

[@nicwright09]

Sweet. Going from military chaplain to medical field. I have been highly considering P.A, or anesthesiologist. Just depends on if I have a family.

[@UJATNY]

Hi Andrea, this is a great video! I'm just wondering if you could do a video addressing issue/solutions for students with low undergraduate gpa who want to pursuit a career in healthcare field, e.g. Med, PA, or Nursing, etc. Thanks!

[@cristinadiaz984]

This was such a great question and answer! Thank you so much!

[@mariapero385]

A University I live by has a 5 year PA program. Like u go straight into the PA program and u dont get a bach degree

[@jaymiehansen1868]

Can you do a DO vs MD video

[@lanaloera5337]

This video was really informative! R thanks! I need someones opinion in whether or not to go into the field because i am pretty bad in math and chem... Does that play a heavy role? Do i need to be good at it?? Please i need an opinion.☺

[@BourbonCreations]

Thank you for the video! I am a respiratory therapist and I have worked with long term ventilator trach patients, hospital ICU and for the last year I have specialized in a level 2 NICU. I have 1 year left to get my business bachelor's that was an addition to my respiratory associates degree, by this time I will have 3 years of ICU and NICU experience. I will then finish my pre admission classes and apply to the PA program. I feel I have a great background in the medical field, especially with respiratory therapists being involved with all code teams and ventilator cares. I was wondering do you think my experience is sufficient or do you have any other recommendations that will help me before the applying process? Also I will have 7 years experience as an RT before applying to PA school. Lastly, I love the NICU and I want to continue in labor and delivery, our hospital doesn't use PA's for this dept, is that true for all hospitals? I want to work in the ER and/or labor and delivery.

[@brandiem7796]

This question is to Andrea or Sarah : First off this video was extremely helpful so thank you both so much! :) but my question is, do PAs get respect? For example, if Sarah were to go talk to the patient and exam the patient, would the patient want the doctor to do the exam instead? I know a lot of people aren't informed on what a PA is or the school that they have to go too so I'm just curious as to if PAs are respected. I'm not sure if I want to be a PA or doctor.

[@zaclawrence7802]

Thank you soo much for this...it gave me a real insight and answered a lot of my questions

[@SuperDiva2345]

Hey Andrea, I absolutely love this video. I've been doing some research on how to become a physician assistant. My major is bio-medical sciences. How would I gain the clinical experience with my major? .

[@mafiamike1238]

Thank you for posting this! Start "Pre-PA" school this fall- excited and nervous at the same time :) ps love your instgram pics lol

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

MafiaMike123 Yay!!! Good luck!!

[@jamesapollo9142]

Im going to be a senior in high school next year. Im attenting my local ctc for my senior year where ill be earning my CNA. I dont know where i wanna attend college. My plan was originally to attend the adult LPN program but most PA programs want bachelors. I cant decide if i should do a 3+2 program to get my PA faster, or if i should first get a bachelors in health science then enter a PA program.

[@Tiakhan9005]

Was Sarah an EMT during her undergrad? If so, how would you become one as PA schools look at your health care experiences. I'm curious to know as I am doing my undergrad right now and interested in becoming a physician assistant.

[@pshyeah1128]

I'm back and also have another question! I want to get some hours for the PA Program and I want to be an EMT like your friend, and do I have to take courses in college for it or can I just sign up for an exam and be done?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

pshyeah1128 I'm pretty sure you have to take a course. But, I'm sure there are lots of difference course options- try googling it! :-)

[@RandyDandy114]

Hey Andrea, can you plz do a vid with an osteopathic physician (DO)? Congrats and keep up the great vids!

[@cilva7able]

In regards to "answering to a physician", don't doctors also have to answer to a supervising doctor or lead surgeon?

[@curlyfryz8316]

would you be able to interview a CRNA

[@leslyhernandez1756]

God you don't know how helpful this video has been, with the pressure of my family picking at me to do something with my life this video really makes me consider a medical life, to stop being so dam lazy and getting mediocre grades. Thank you so much for the video

[@Gabgabsolano]

I love all your videos, thank you so much

[@turfkid123]

Hi Andrea, I was wondering what your husband majored in during undergrad. Thank you Andrea!

[@daytonmattson6320]

I have been looking at Butler University for my undergrad. How was your friend able to finish PA school and undergrad within 4 years? I looked on Butler's website for an accelerated PA program similar to what you and your friend were talking about, but i was unable to find something like that. Thanks!

[@missyckboo]

Hey Andrea, thanks for your videos as always. Do you plan on interviewing your husband since he is a PA as well? :)

[@Cinnimonbunn0615]

I have been thinking a lot lately about Med school vs PA school.I already work in the medical field, so I KNOW medicine is right for me. I love medicine and love my job. i am continuing my education. Ive definitely been doing pros and cons. But up until recently being a physician was what i was sure but now I've been considering being a mid level provider. I just wish i could open a fortune cookie and it just tell me which to choose. I work with both PAs and Physicians so i see how both operate in the field.

[@brettjackson4311]

I am a junior in college now and have begun preparing for the MCAT next summer. I am torn between nursing school, PA, DO, and MD school. PA school has always been what I saw myself doing, but the autonomy of the field does not always interest me. I tend to be one who is more independent and wants to call the shots. In the end, if I am accepted to my nursing school I am not sure what I want to do. Do I choose nursing school and continue to climb up to a DNP, FNP, etc, or do I continue with my pre-med track and hope for the best in applying for med schools, etc? Overall, I just feel lost and need more guidance. Your videos are very helpful and I enjoy seeing the other side of things through your Instagram as well. Thanks in advance. @Andrea Tooley

[@mZToyadiva101]

I feel the same way. I want to call the shots, but I also want structure in my life. I'm 18 in Nursing school and I always saw myself becoming a Nurse Anesthtist. During clinicals I always see the PAs and they caught my attention. I'm very young so I have time, but I like to map out my future so I know where I'm headed.

[@meikoblock]

+Victoria P. I suggest you try to shadow people in those fields. It's difficult because there are times where it seems like they all can do the same thing, especially if you are only shadowing people working in primary care.

[@GimpGirl1]

Brett Jackson What did you end up choosing?

[@RobF2593]

Thanks. My question is coming from the fact that I am a pre-med student considering family medicine. I have heard that a PA can perform about 80% of a primary care physician job. Therefore do you think PA or NP can almost replace a family physician?

[@TheVintagePress]

this was very helpful thanks for posting!

[@BriteFrog]

Most programs these days require the GRE, along with extensive patient care experience (1000-2000 hours) prior to applying.

[@NeuroNate24]

The amount of hours required is laughable and ludicrous. They're making it much harder than it needs to be. The fact that you're called an "Assistant" for the rest of your career doesn't justify how hard they make it to get in. It's a great career yes, but overrated IMO.

[@MINDYWAAAA]

do you think training in BLA/CPR and Phlebotomy will help my chances in this field? I'm attending my first day of Phleb school (7-week program + externship) today. Also, is it more appealing to get in if i have more training besides just these? I was considering Medical Assisting training as well down the road to better my chances.

[@3654able]

Hi Andrea! I am a student in Chicago and looking for shadowing hours as well, what are some tips to get shadowing hours. I know people say look in your family but I am a first generation student so this wouldn't help. Thanks!

[@jessicasuicine]

Thanks Andrea, nice video!

[@ShadowMist142]

Hey Sarah (and Andrea!) So i have a few questions about a PA. Did you do a surgical PA residency program or did you go straight from PA school to surgery? And do you suggest being a EMT before PA school? Is there any other good clinical jobs that you would recommend? Thanks for the video :)

[@nataliac8659]

is there a chance that I could shadow Sarah? I'm in Chicago as well.

[@mooreaspoljaric4652]

Hi! I am very curious about which path to take.. I am a junior in college and am interning in the pharmacy at my local hospital. I am not sure that pharmacy is the route I would like to continue on. I am curious about PA though. I was wondering how many hours (shadowing hours, etc.) were a typical amount that most PA schools expect you to have. a range would be great! I am not the best test taker either (SAT's were not very good) so I am nervous for the GRE. Anything that I can do to maybe help compensate that would be fantastic. Thank you and let me know! I really appreciate it!

[@erikatokuyama]

Question for Sarah: I recently applied to PA school and did not get in. I am trying to get more healthcare experience which I believe is my weakness in my resume. I am either planning on getting my CNA or EMT. Would you say there is a preferred type of experience that schools want? And when you got your EMT, were you required to volunteer for a year before actually working?

[@brentsexton8327]

Thank you so much for this great informative video

[@giovannar5457]

I heard you need a bachelors degree and work experience in a healthcare setting to apply to a PA program. Could you apply to the program with a BSN or would it have to be a specific bachelors degree for example in science or biology?

[@nikonikooh2933]

Do you ever go back to sarasota to visit? Just wondering because I'm a student down their.

[@Kingston1661]

Hi! I so needed this! But Im going the college for a BS. in health science Gen. And I want go Go on to be A Firefighter for a few years and then EMT for a few and finally PA or PA to MED yes that a long road but I plan on moving around A LOT. I hope its not offensive to ask but what is your friends real life Salary looking like or if not Just the starting, And my next question might be a little amateurish but do PA's have to work in surgery? What are the other options? Thx Looking forward to your response.

[@alaciasims987]

In Texas we have to take the GRE as an entrance exam.

[@goldboy5337]

I am a junior in High School and I just recently got interested in this Medical stuff lol, I am planning on taking chemistry and calculus my senior year, Is there anything else i should do that could possibly help me out? Andrea Tooley

[@sarwarkhan5126]

Hi Andrea, I graduated from the University of Illinois this past May and I am currently working as a Patient Care Tech as I prepare for my PA school apps this coming summer. Would it be possible for me to set up a day to shadow your friend Sarah? I live in Chicago and my scheudle is extremely flexible. Thanks!

[@brentselma3209]

If your bachelor's course wasnt' health care related, how is one to achieve the pre-requisite health care service hours? any ideas?

[@K1370]

For some schools the GRE is required also.

[@Sk-tn8ks]

Hi, does it matter where the pre-requisites for the schools are taken? I'm considering taking the classes at a community college, but I've heard from some friends that colleges look down on courses taken at a community college. Let me know if you have any thoughts on this. Thank you!

[@jenniferkrey4614]

i am a single mother of 2 kids 2 yrs old and 7 months and i want to go back to school so badly and ive been extremely interested in becoming a PA. im currently a housekeeper at mayo clinic and ive been accepted to college for an online bach degree in health sciences. mayo has a PA program ive been looking at to do afterwards as well. should i become certified as an emt forst so i can gain more experience first or stay with what im doing and just go to achool? im very confliced because alot of PA schools and jobs want experience first but how do you get that when you havent graduated yet... thank you in advance for your help! :)

[@A_Class]

Wow, thank you so much for this interview. It helped!

[@moerahman8428]

If any current PAs would be interested in helping me out with a research paper by answering a brief, 10 question interview, please reply to this comment. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Moe Rahman Hi Moe. Are you still doing it? You can text me [phone]

[@Trustypo]

Questions: what undergraduate majors are usually good for PA? Biochemistry, Psychology or chem-E? ( Biology really bores me )2. What if the college I plan on going currently doesn't have human anatomy classes which are pre-requisites for PA? I heard Yale offer online anatomy classes, do the online courses count? 3. Are there any colleges offer BS in PA? 4. What school did Sarah say that she went for her undergraduate and PA? Thank you so much for this video!

[@abetterwheyoflife9237]

+Trustypo it carries from school to school its normally anatomy and physics some basic math stuff like that, you have to look at each college and see everything is different.

[@pshyeah1128]

Great video! Helped me a lot! I am considering joining the PA Program at my local College & still working on undergrad courses, what is the best way to get hours & how do you become a EMT like you said you did! I need 500 hours for the PA program I'm applying to. Thank you it would help so much!

[@Meera436]

Usually local community colleges have EMT courses. Or the Red Cross. Some ambulance companies also have courses. Google EMT programs in your area. You can work towards getting 500 hours over the summers after completing the EMT course and becoming certified in your state. Google NREMT which is the national exam for EMTs to find accredited programs in your area. Usually your individual state will have a exam you must take as well. Courses usually take a few months to complete. Good luck. I'm in an EMT course now to get hours working in the field for PA school

[@lalina1304]

In USA do PA need countersignitures for all prescriptions or does it depend on the level of prescription?

[@Keepinitreal55]

Interesting, how about PA vs NP, anyone know the pros/cons to that? I have my BSN, and considering a midlevel position. I guess maybe DNP makes more sense for me since I'm already in the nursing field, but I'm wondering what the differences are between the two.

[@godzillalumpia23]

I'm in PA school right now. I can tell you right now that there is very little difference between a PA and an NP. PA's are more common in surgical specialties compared to NPs, who tend to lean more towards primary care. NPs are allowed to have their own practice in certain states. Both have the same skills of diagnosing and treating patients and writing prescriptions. Both have very similar salaries too. I think the biggest difference is the model of education. PA school is like an abridged med school so it follows the same classes and emphasis on training as MDs and DOs. NPs have a nursing background so their training is different. It's basically taking two different routes to get to the same point. I think for you, NP would make more sense because of your strong background in nursing.

[@Keepinitreal55]

Jon Tabzz Thank you! yes I think for me it makes a lot more sense to do NP. Although, surgical side of things has always been more appealing to me.

[@godzillalumpia23]

keepinitreal you can be a surgical NP i believe! It's just that the majority of NPs tend to be in family practice or OBGYN or something like that

[@samdaniel3830]

I know this a weird interview request, but could you compare being a physician vs a veterinarian? I am passionate about both and can definitely see myself enjoying both fields, but I do not know which one I should pursue. Just so you know, I am currently a sophomore in college majoring in Biology. I also would prefer to do a hands on specialty like surgery.

[@courtneym53]

This video was so helpful, thank you!!

[@foreverlovin14]

I am a bio/pre med major, but I want to go to PA school. Is that what most people do?

[@subzero5939]

How hard was it getting into Uni of Chicago? It's my goal school and the acceptance rate is under 15% or so. I'm a junior pushing a 3.7 GPA and I volunteer at a hospital. My main worry is not being good enough to make it into uni of chi.

[@dayennyd1062]

I am a 22 year old post-bacc student (first degree was Communications). I always wanted to be a doctor, but I started college when I was fresh out of Sophmore year in High School and medicine seemed too big a task. I was also afraid of missing out on life. I was a communications professional (PR/Advertising) for the last 2 years until January when I started a post-bacc program to take the med school pre-reqs only. I currently have a 4.0 GPA, and I'm just worried about what the school-life balance is like. I hear all these horror stories about med school and it gives me anxiety. I'm not someone who goes out much, but I value time with my loved ones. I'm also nervous about the pressure to do well in medical school. Any advice? Thanks!

[@kennyakati5837]

Dayenny De Jesus School in general is a lot of pressure. You seem like a very smart person though. I say just go with what your heart is telling you to do.

[@Daylas0ul]

+Kenny aka TI thank you!