I thought you might like to get a better glimpse into what's required of us as PA students. Most PA programs require prior coursework in the sciences which are equal in many respects to pre-med students, more or less. For example, PA students for most programs must have already completed a Biology series with labs, Chemistry series with labs, Organic Chemistry with Labs, Biochemistry, Microbiology with Lab, Anatomy with Lab, and Physiology. Pre-meds are not required to take Anatomy or Microbiology in undergrad, but PA students are. This is so they can jump you straight into deeper study of medicine from day one. The other main difference with undergrad requirements is that pre-meds are required to take Physics in preparation for the MCAT, but most PA schools don't require Physics. Of course if you're going for a Bio degree in undergrad then you'll probably have taken Physics regardless.
Medical school does still go deeper into physiology and pathophysiology, but PA students are nonetheless expected to handle a great deal of material. A great deal. Most make it through the first year, but alas some do not. We had an attrition of about 5 or 6 students this year. Some are trying a second time, some have moved on towards other careers. I think no less of any of them, the first year is a hard kick in the face and there is unfortunately little to no forgiveness offered for failure.
PA program accreditation involves representatives from quite a few Physician organizations, including the AMA, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Surgeons.
In addition to the brutal first year of didactic coursework, the second year consists of training rotations in Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Adult Medicine. The student is taught and graded by a preceptor during each rotation, usually a MD or DO. I have had one rotation (Emed) where I was primarily taught by PAs. In addition to the preceptor's grade, each rotation ends with an exam (roughly half of the final rotation grade).
I'm currently finishing up my Adult Medicine rotation in hospital Nephrology, here is the list of learning objectives that I'm expected to know for the exam. Remember, this is for only one rotation:
Given an adult patient, the PA student will observe and perform, where permitted, the following procedures: using proper technique and precautions; will identify the indications, contraindications and hazards for such procedures, and will appropriately educate the patient or legal guardian about such procedures and the meaning of the results. Including, obtaining the appropriate releases. The student will identify the age/gender appropriate “normal” values.
As indicated, under direct supervision and with assistance as needed:
thoracentesis paracentesis joint aspiration proctoscopy arterial puncture, other than radial artery Removal of non-penetrating ocular foreign bodies
Principles of Monitoring/Therapeutics
The student will identify the indications, contraindications, hazards and management of the following:
intravenous fluid therapy total parenteral nutrition blood transfusions arterial cannulation and catheterization central pressure monitoring pulmonary artery pressure monitoring
Diagnostic Studies
The student will demonstrate knowledge of normal values, and list common diseases, which may account for abnormal values, for the following laboratory tests:
The student will describe the indications for ordering radiologic studies such as radiographs; CT scans, MRI, nuclear medicine studies and ultrasound techniques, as diagnostic procedures, and will describe the health risks associated with radiologic procedures.
The student will:
Interpret PA and lateral chest x-rays for pneumonia, pneumothorax, pleural
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