i'm a 15 year old sopphmore in high school and i am interested in the nature of physician assistants. i have a 90-ish overall average and a high-80's average in biology and a high-90's average in health. I have some questions about the career. first, here's what i already know:
1. you need a bachleor's degree in any major, but preferably in something science-related i.e. biology
2. some health care experience is good to have
3. it is a master's program, running for 2 years.
4. pa's work under the supervision of an MD.
5. they can see their own patients and write prescribtions

so here are the questions. I know the program is hard, but in what way? is it confusing for you or overwhelming or stressful? does it involve alot of memorizing or rather an understanding of the field? do you need to take the MCAT? do you consider this to be an attainable goal? are you satisfied with how much you are paid? do you ever get a bad attitude from patients? how competitive is the program? is there a specific major that would be beneficial other than biology? because i don't think PA's need to know how photosynthesis works or the anatomy of a starfish.
any other info? thank you so much
The program is hard in that you are essentially trying to cram something like a 4 year med school education into 2.5 years (and do a masters thesis as well). You have to learn basic science, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, procedures, minor surgical techniques, etc. and like medicine it involves memorizing as well as a thorough understanding of physiological processes and how they are altered and interact with disease. You do not need the MCAT. Is anyone satisfied with their pay??? It is quite decent however. The program I went to too about 30 students and a bit over 1000 applied. I was a bio major but I also supplemented that with extra classes in hematology, immunology, more advanced micro, parasitology, mycology, more advanced physiology, a separate anatomy class, etc. (but I actually do know how photosynthesis works & I did dissect a starfish in comparative anatomy, LOL).

I also did a formal residency after PA school