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.