Physicain Assistant

[bvoeg]

I am a 30 year old college grad, who is planning on going back to school to become a Physician Assistant. I am wondering what the army would have in store for someone like myself. Anyadvice would be helpful. I am thinking Guard or Reserve. Thanks.

[VTguard]

I am a 30 year old college grad, who is planning on going back to school to become a Physician Assistant. I am wondering what the army would have in store for someone like myself. Anyadvice would be helpful. I am thinking Guard or Reserve. Thanks.

There are two options you have:

The first is to enlist in the National Guard, get a $20,000 bonus, get $20,000 of your student loand paid off and become a medical specialist. You will get tuition assistance to go back to school, and get training in the medical field that will serve you well in the future.

Your second option is to become an officer in the National Guard. There are several different Officer Candidate School (OSC) optioins if you want to become an officer. I'm not extrememly familiar with all of the OCS options, but medical officers are in high demand. You should contact a recruiter in your local area to see if either of these options interest you.

[jojofries2]

I would like some information concering the Interservice Physician Assistant Program through the National Guard. As I understand it the NG does take officers for the IPAP unlike the reserve program. I also understand that the state needs to sponsor you to go to this program. I am currently an active duty FA CPT in Germany. I would like to get out and return to Ohio and join the NG there and apply for the IPAP. Does anyone have any information regarding this program other than what is put out on the IPAP website? I am particularly looking for information on any state that has a current need for PA's in order to increase my chances for attending. I would be willing to join the NG of any state if it would improve my chances for getting in the program. Thanks in advance.

[matthew.ritchie]

If you don't care what state you serve, then speak to my colleague CPT Phyllis SYKES, AMEDD Strength Manager for Virginia, at 804-328-3194, phyllis.sykes@us.army.mil.

[BoopMD]

You are correct the army is in dire need of PAs so much so that they have their own school. The Guard has recently had a program that specifically helps soldiers complete the prereqs to get into the school.

It has its own website the school is at Fort Sam Houston.

However, I recently heard that the school (2 years long and very rigorous) has now been giving a masters degree with the commission at graduation.