Finals

Well, the first semester is almost over.  It seems like we've had hundreds of tests along the way... some written, some where we examine a patient (usually a classmate).  I *think* I did okay, but it remains to be seen until after the finals are over.

We've lost a few students along the way.  Some because of family obligations, finances, health situations, and some just had too many other obligations to study effectively, and had difficulty keeping up their grades because of it.  It's sad... it's like losing a member of the family.

Speaking of losing people, our program director is retiring.  Not only does this mean losing our director and an instructor but could mean changes in the program... hopefully not too many since she will still be with us on a part-time basis.

Onward and forward!

How PA school works

So, it's been a month now.  We have seen an autopsy, had class pictures taken, had a couple of medicine science tests, a couple of physical exam tests, and a lab test so far.

We have some very fun parts of school... Problem Oriented History and Physical, and Problem Based Learning.  These 2 are group learning activities, where we solve cases in small groups and learn all kinds of things in the process.  We also have lectures, physical exam workshops and other types of classes.

Most of our structured learning occurs outside of class, which is different from most programs.  Our classes help to make what we study relevant, but if you don't study, it does nothing for you.  Just paying attention in class will not work.  There are many things on our objectives that are never brought up in class.  We spend many hours outside of class learning from many different books the topics that are on our objectives.

Am I enjoying school?  I honestly don't know.  I'm enjoying knowing more, but the learning process is a bit painful.  Mostly, I just want to get done with the program and start seeing patients, but I realize I need to know a lot more in order to do a good job.

Class

We have started to get more into our classes now.  I'm being reminded of things I had forgotten, being clarified on things I thought were clear, and being taught many  new things.  We have some excellent professors.  Today we had 2 speakers we had not yet heard... both awesome in their own way.  I was just left feeling so blessed with being able to learn more about God's creatures, and humbled that He is arranging it for me to actually have a part in treating them.  What made me feel so blessed?  I'm not sure.  Part of it was just being reminded how tremendously complex our brain is.  Part of it was feeling so happy that God has given us good professors who care about the profession, the patients, and us.  Whatever it was, let's just say it was a good day at school.

First Day of Class

So, today was our first day of class.  Just the basic introduction to the program, where the faculty let us know what they expect of us, and what to expect from them.  Then, we received more information about the program. So far, it sounds hard, but doable.

My classmates all seem very nice.  We all come from such a variety of backgrounds, but all have the same common goal, so that closes a lot of gaps.

Down to the wire

So, things have fallen into place.  I have a place to stay.  I have my books and some of my equipment.  I have my lab coats.  I have plans to meet with some classmates this weekend.  Classes start Monday!  Our dermatology test was cancelled.  Whew!

I also had a strange thing happen yesterday.  I went to the Moreno Valley mall.  I decided to get a haircut, and the beautician I had started asking me questions about me and my husband.  Come to find out, we are both from the same baptist association, and her dad pastors a local church!  So, I intend to visit her church this coming Sunday.  Very non-coincidental! :)

Books -done!

Okay, so today we were given the final book list for fall semester.  I got them on Amazon and most of them should be here by next week.  Final cost less than $800, and many of the books will also used for succeeding semesters.  Not bad, I think.

Housing plans go awry

So, I turned in my PA school physical today and called the landlord I would be renting from. She reports that she lost the house, so I am back to square one. I checked out a few places in my price range, but didn't find any that would totally fit my needs.

Leaving my job to start a new career

I officially have only 4 weeks left of work, and 5 until school starts.  I'm nervous and anxious about school, and really pretty sad about leaving my job.  I've worked as a back office medical assistant and scribe for the past 3.5 years.  I've seen and learned some awesome things, worked with some awesome people, and met some awesome patients.  I will miss all these things.

My office manager, who, incidentally, is married to the doctor, informed me yesterday that they would pay for part of my equipment as a going away present, so she actually bought my otoscope kit for me!  This is a huge part of the cost, so now I will just need to buy the less expensive items, in addition to my books.  My doctor and his wife have been such a blessing to me over these years... much like family.  They have been with me through some really hard times... infertility, my personal cancer diagnoses, other issues.  It's hard to realize I won't be seeing them every day as I do now.  We, of course, do plan on keeping in touch, through facebook, phone calls, and text (even the doctor has begun texting).

There have been hints of possibly bringing me back to the office as Doctor's first PA, if financially feasible.  I would like that.  And our patients have mentioned that they would not mind seeing me in a PA capacity, either, since I already know them and their stories.

Well, wherever God has planned for me to go after school, I'm game.  He's given me a great life already.  Now, I just need Him to help me through these next 2 years.

Physical... check!

Okay, so I have my immunizations updated and titers done, 2 PPDs done, and now the physical.  I will drive to Moreno Valley on Monday and drop them off in person.... especially important since it's so close to the deadline.  I'm hoping to make sure they have everything they need from me.

The same day, I also plan on checking out the possible room I have planned to rent.

Tdap... a little stinger!

I'm required by school to have a Tdap booster... that's the new Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster advised once for everyone over age 11 or 12.  I was already up to date on my Td, but due to the school requirement, went to have my Tdap last Friday.  I had it done at the county health clinic, paid my $13, and was on my way.  No pain.  I didn't expect any, as I've had the Td in the past with no pain, either.  (Shots don't generally bother me).  What surprised me was the achy deltoid for 4-5 days afterward!  It's now Wednesday, and my right deltoid still doesn't feel the same as my left.  I also woke up Saturday very hot and sweaty... kind of feverish.  I know these things CAN come from immunizations, but I've usually had no problems in the past from the Td.  It must be the pertussis component.  Oh well, enough whining.  :)

Background check ... finally okay!

Well, a few days ago I got my notice from my background check that there was a discrepancy in my employment involving a former employer.  This included wrong dates, wrong title.... I was so worried that this would ruin my chances of PA school, as I was accepted based on my information.  So, I disputed the claim, and they called the employer back, who cleared up the discrepancy. Whew, such a relief!  One more hurdle overcome.

Titer update

Okay, I got the correct polio titer test back.  So, now I'm immune to everything I'm supposed to be immune to.  That's nice.  Now I need a Tdap booster, 2 sets of TB skin tests, and a physical.

Titers

Well, it's been a while since I posted.  I had my titers drawn last week... those are tests to determine if you are immune to certain diseases, via vaccination or the actual disease.  All came back ok, except that we did one wrong test.  We were supposed to get a Polio titer, but the only options at the lab were "CF antibodies" or "antibody neutralization".  We gambled, went with the CF one.... and basically I had to go back a few days later to get the neutralization one.  Oh well. 

We have the class picnic this weekend, with my class and previous year's class.  Should be great fun to meet everyone!

Cost of Equipment

So, I totaled the cost of equipment from Welch Allyn, with my student discount:  http://www.pamelajeanwhiteley.com/WelchAllyn.pdf

It's almost $1150, not including tax and shipping.  I wonder if we get any better discounts if we wait until Welch Allyn sends a representative to our school?

Yes, we do get discounts.  Here is a link to that:
http://www.pamelajeanwhiteley.com/WelchAllyn.jpg

Book list

I have my book list updated as a "wish list" on Amazon.... it ends up costing between $750-$926, depending on which books have used versions available.  http://amzn.com/w/2PVTPLE0ZIQIX

I have yet to price the "equipment"... otoscope, ophthalmoscope, BP cuffs, different stethoscope, etc.  I'm sure they will be quite pricey as well.

PA Orientation

Yesterday was orientation for PA school.  We were given a list of items and books we will need, instructed in financial aid, welcomed to the program, and was pretty much threatened with how hard the program will be.  I know it will be difficult.  They told us about the attendance policies, the severe studying and testing needed.  Am I scared?   I'm a little frightened, yes, but also very excited.  I just need to make sure my ducks are in a row before I go, then I can just concentrate on the program.  You can make it through 2 years of almost anything; I can do this!  Last year's class is hosting a picnic for us in June to get to know them and each other.  It should be exciting.

Beginnings and endings

Today, I will be travelling to probably my last CSMA (California Society of Medical Assistants) meeting... at least in this capacity.  For the past 2 years, I have been the Webmaster of the CSMA website. http://www.csma-medassist.org/  This weekend, I will give up my position, and attend a few CEU meetings.  I'll also get to "hang out" with some of my friends that I don't see very often, which will be nice.  I will likely not renew my CMA (AAMA) certification, unless perhaps one more round.  I won't need it as a PA, obviously.  This whole weekend is just another reminder of the upcoming changes in my life.  I'm extremely excited about the changes, but a little nostalgic for what I'm leaving behind, as well.  Perhaps I will drop in at another CSMA meeting in the future to visit for a few minutes.

Tuesday, I will have my orientation meeting for PA school. :)

How did I choose which PA schools to apply to?

There were several things to consider..... price, location, time frame involved, prerequisites, etc.  I first narrowed down my search to my state.  Then I checked prerequisites required... some are the same for almost all PA schools:  anatomy and physiology, general chemistry, microbiology, algebra, cultural anthropology or sociology.  Some schools also require additional classes such as physics, statistics, genetics  or others.  I started taking the "common" prerequisites while I searched for schools, and saved the additional ones for the end, so that I could start applying earlier than otherwise.  Incidentally, I had already taken physics my freshman year of college, so I could throw that class in my "done" category, just as I could the algebra.  Then I looked at the list of schools requiring just the common prerequisites (plus physics), and narrowed it down to just those. 
Next, I compared length of programs to their cost per year to figure out overall cost.  Some schools cost more overall, but had shorter programs, which would essentially let me get out and work sooner.
Then, I looked at individual advantages to some programs... Stanford would allow me to live at home much of the program, which was an advantage, but there would be a significant amount of driving and cost involved.  It also had a shorter program, which is why I applied to it my first year trying.  I ended up applying just to Stanford that year.
The next year, I applied to 2 schools.  Oddly enough, Stanford was no longer my top choice, as their program had extended, taking away one of the advantages.  I was accepted by my top choice school, RCC, during that second year.  It is closer to home (well, 3.5 hours from home), MUCH less expensive, and has an overall feel that I like.
Oh, yes, the "feel"... one thing I left out.  Walk on the campus if you can, go to information sessions about the program.  You will begin to get a "feel" for the program.  In my interview with Stanford, they felt a little, well, snooty.  I could deal with it, but really felt a little like a fish out of water.  RCC did not require an interview, but attending the information session was priceless.  It felt very comfortable, like I could fit in there.  People were smart but friendly.  Even driving around town, I could "see myself" there.  I hoped I would be accepted, and was.  I think God was leading me there, giving me an excitement and a sincere like of the community itself.
So, those were the main things involved in my choosing a program.  Other people may have other things they need to consider.  My GPA was rather high, so I did not need to worry about the minimum requirements.  I did not take the GRE, so only considered schools that did not require it.  Could you apply to many schools?  Yes, but you may spend a lot of time taking extra prerequisites, plus filling out long applications and paying application fees.  It's best to narrow it down somewhat.

First moves

Well, over the weekend, I looked for churches in Moreno Valley.  I found one called Lighthouse Baptist that appears to have beliefs similar to my own.  I have emailed back and forth with the pastor a few times, and I think it might be a good place to visit while I'm away at college.  I will have to visit and find out for sure.

On the housing front, I found a website called www.easyroommate.com  where you can list yourself or an apartment.  I made myself a profile.  I haven't heard anything back yet, but it's still several months away.  Hoping it will come in handy.

I also mailed off my "Letter of Intent" this morning to RCC.  The school actually sends you a letter, and you simply sign it and send it back.... I know other schools where you have to write your own.  I'm happy with RCC.  So far they seem very organized.  A little delayed in some things, but it seems all the PA schools are a little delayed in some areas.

So excited... so many things to do!

I received my acceptance letter on 4-1-11... April Fool's Day, no less!  Man, I hope this isn't a joke! :)  I am so excited, and now the reality is setting in.  I have so many things I need to do before August!  I need to find a place to live, find a church, find an old car so Chad can have both of ours (long story), find a new bank... the list goes on.  I've made this blog to share my journey for future PA students.