Posted on Jun 23, 2016
Can anyone give me insight into the PA program?
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Information such as how to start shadowing, requirements, acceptance rate, etc
Posted in these groups: AMEDD Recruiter
65D: Physician Assistant
65D: Physician Assistant
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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SPC Loftis - There are several resources available for you to educate yourself on IPAP - which is a wonderful program. You can go to the USAREC page for IPAP (simply google Interservice Physician Assistant Program and it should be one of the first things that pop up). Every year USAREC posts a MILPER message regarding that year's requirements for applying for IPAP. This includes TIG/TIS waivers, age, etc. The IPAP USAREC page will give you information on what specific credits are required, paperwork that is required in your packet, as well as shadowing hours. I believe the current requirement is 40 hours with a military PA. I would also recommend that you seek out your battalion or brigade PA to inquire about shadowing with them, and about the IPAP program.
However, before you reach out to any military professionals, I highly recommend doing the leg work and research on the course, the requirements, etc. You will likely not get a favorable response if you seek out a PA to shadow and little to no knowledge of the rigors of the program, the requirements, etc. It shows a level of due diligence that will be essential to anyone's success in the program.
IPAP alumnae are eager to help Soldiers that want to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. There is also an IPAP facebook page that is dedicated to nothing but applicants and future applicants asking questions of seasoned PAs and IPAP graduates and current/former instructors.
I recommend that you start with USAREC, MILPER message, and your assigned PA. Those are going to be your most trusted resources. Best of luck!
However, before you reach out to any military professionals, I highly recommend doing the leg work and research on the course, the requirements, etc. You will likely not get a favorable response if you seek out a PA to shadow and little to no knowledge of the rigors of the program, the requirements, etc. It shows a level of due diligence that will be essential to anyone's success in the program.
IPAP alumnae are eager to help Soldiers that want to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. There is also an IPAP facebook page that is dedicated to nothing but applicants and future applicants asking questions of seasoned PAs and IPAP graduates and current/former instructors.
I recommend that you start with USAREC, MILPER message, and your assigned PA. Those are going to be your most trusted resources. Best of luck!
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SPC (Join to see)
Ma'am, I currently work at a blood donor center attached to the hospital here at Benning, would it be better to shadow at the hospital or at one of the TMCs that are near us? Also would applying with the academic delay hurt my chances, or should I wait until all classes are completed, I only have one class left and don't want to wait until FY18 to have to apply, though I would likely reach E5 by then if that would make a difference on my packet
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Google is your friend:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/
http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/
United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC)
This website is designed to provide information about becoming an Army Physician Assistant (PA) via the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and to provide civilian trained Physician Assistants (PA-C) information about the career opportunities within the Army..
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I am an Army PA. I have sent several candidates to the school house including two that graduated in the very top of their class. Feel free to contact me.
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SPC (Join to see)
Sir, would you know if there are any programs that allow you to complete the prereqs and then matriculate into the IPAP program
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CPT Will Gordon
Check out western Carolina university EMS online degree they have great program for Service members and advance placement for 18D/SOCOM grads with a PA pipeline and UNC PA program as wellSPC (Join to see) -
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SPC (Join to see)
MAJ, are there any tips you can give me to make my packet more competitive? Never had an Article 15, decent pt, recent knee surgery, though I will have a pt test before the application deadline, and excellent grades, especially in my science classes
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Are you guard, reserve, or active component? Each had separate requirements.
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U.S. Army Medical Department Center & School Portal
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School, U.S. Army Health Readiness Center of Excellence. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
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I would recommend you study your ass of while on active duty if the mission allows, scarf up all the college you can while on active duty, then get out, apply to a civilian PA program. School is hard enough without all the Army BS thrown in. If you are still that in love with it, you can always apply for a direct commission after school. If you are a real glutton for punishment, you can stay in the reserves during school, but you've got a good chance of being yanked out half way for a deployment
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SPC (Join to see)
I already have a Bachelor's, and am currently in the medical field, so I wanted to go into the IPAP program so I can gain education and still serve
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CPT (Join to see)
It's a great program. It's tough, but worth it. There wasn't a lot of extra military stuff required of us other than pt test and drug tests. It's, IMO, one of the greatest schools in the military. And after meeting both med ad PA students in other programs, I feel it trains us very well or even better than other programs. Especially in E med and Ortho. I think the civilian schools have a leg up in primary care though.
But I never wanted to do primary care, so it worked for better for me.
But I never wanted to do primary care, so it worked for better for me.
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