Can anyone give me insight into the PA program?

2016-06-23T10:19:09-04:00

Information such as how to start shadowing, requirements, acceptance rate, etc

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-06-23T10:47:03-04:00

Google is your friend:
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..

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-06-23T10:57:06-04:00

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!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 11:01 AM

2016-06-23T11:01:11-04:00

http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/

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.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-06-23T11:15:59-04:00

Are you guard, reserve, or active component? Each had separate requirements.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2016 10:13 PM

2016-06-24T22:13:17-04:00

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.

Response by CPT Joseph Justice made Jul 12 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-07-12T10:59:55-04:00

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