[lytesparkle87]

I am very confused as to what to do as a career choice. I am currently going to college and I have taken some science and math clases but now I do not know what to major in. In either PA which is pysician assistant or major in bio--get a bio degree and then go to med school. I am kind of behind in school because I couldn't make up my mind before and just took the required university classes so now I don't want to waste another year. I am really confused and I don't know which one I should do. Can anyone let me know which one is A BIT easier to do and shortest? Thanks.

[Wondergirl]

In the PA track, I would think you would take courses in patient relations, light bookkeeping, death & dying, office management, and other courses not related to biology (as well as bio courses). If you're not sure what you want to do, that kind of foundation would serve you well no matter what you end up doing--brain surgeon or CEO or librarian or fry cook at McDonald's.

[lytesparkle87]

no PA's are more like---PA's are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy.

[Wondergirl]

My nephew was a PA and is just finishing school to be an anaesthesiologist. He took electives and picked up non-bio courses because he wasn't sure where he would end up. He's found patient relations classes to have been especially useful.

[lytesparkle87]

That didn't really answer the question I asked. I still don't know what to major in, pa or bio. I did some research and I found out that you don't have to be a bio prof or go to med school with a bio degree, you can do masters in bio and then get a job with that masters. Does that sound like a good idea?

[Wondergirl]

I told you the PA choice might give you a better foundation no matter what your career ends up being.

It sounds like you want the bio. What is a "good idea" or not has more to do with the effort you will put into it rather than what a stranger like me thinks.

What kind of job would you get with a master's? Have you researched that?

[lytesparkle87]

When you say the PA choice will give me a better foundation what do you mean? For PA I need to go to PA school and that's all there are not any other choices or anything, its just either you make it or you don't, so what if I don't make it then what? Where can I go after finishing 2 yrs of college (first 2 yrs that are required for PA)?

[Wondergirl]

Forget the PA. You obviously are not interested in it.

Have you researched job possibilities once you have a master's in bio?

[lytesparkle87]

Not yet. I am going to soon though.

[J_9]

How old are you? What level of school are you in?

May I make a suggestion?

[Wondergirl]

Go to the public library and talk to a reference librarian about this. There are reference and circulating books about jobs for master's level in various fields, the salary to be expected, other training needed, work conditions, etc. One of the best books is the Occupational Outlook Handbook, put out by the federal govt every two years. There are other books too.

[lytesparkle87]

Yes J_9 u can surely make a suggestion. I am 20 and I am supposed to be in my third yr of college this yr but I started in 06 bcause I took some entrance session/class and that was for about 9 months which explains why I am kind of behind.