Finally decided on a new career

[Dennis]

I'm posting this because I think it will help me focus on it to have it written out.

I've been working in IT for the last 12 years, and a couple of years ago I finally realized the problem isn't the jobs, it's the career. So after thinking about it for a few years and doing a lot of research, I've finally decided what I want to become a physician assitant. I wanted to do something in health care and help people and I think this would be a really good fit for me.

So now the challenge is to do it. The University of Colorado has a program that's pretty much my only shot. The only other program in the state requires you to have previous medical experience, and I moving elsewhere isn't really a viable option.

It looks like I'll need to take seven undergrad classes to meet the prerequisites, and based on my previous college record, I need to get straight A's or close to it. I can take most of the classes at a community college but I need to take 2 or 3 upper level classes at a four-year school. I'll only be able to take one at a time, so it looks like I'll be able to apply for the PA program in the summer of 2008 to start in 09.

Right now I'm waiting to get my undergrad transcript so I can see how bad the damage is. Then I'm going to talk to some advisors at local colleges (the program has a list of advisors who are familiar with the program) so I can find out exactly what classes I need to take. And hopefully I can start this summer. In the meantime, I'm going to start prepping for the GRE and try to take that before I start classes. I've always done well on those tests so I'm not too worried, but I need to get back into academic mode.

If everything looks like it's on track, I'll ask Mary's aunt if she knows any PAs I could talk to about the career and the schooling and so forth. She's the VP of a hospital in Boulder and has a lot of contacts in the area.

And fortunately I have a supportive wife who is willing to support me through all of this.

Dennis

[Joan]

Dennis that is so exciting! I admire you for taking the step to change careers. It is hard, but taking it one step at a time is the way to go. So many people miss out on a career they will love because they think it will take too long, etc. I switched careers at 32 and it took me about 5 years. Even if it takes you 10 years, you will still have 20 years befor retirement! Good luck!

[Dennis]

Thanks Joan! If it works out, I'll be 41 when I graduate. So I can be 41 and be a PA, or I can be 41 and still stuck in IT.

[Mandi]

That sounds great Dennis! I'm sure it'll all work out just great. :) But why stop for with a PA? Why not just go straight for Dr. B?

[Alysia]

Dennis,

That's awesome! Good for you!

[Hilary]

That is awesome, Dennis. At the practice I just started going to I'm seeing a PA and he is really great! :up:

[Girlo]

I agree!! :woo: I know you'll kick some butt, Dennis. :aok: Good job on finding your path....too many people stay stuck and unhappy.

[Nadine]

WOW- you have a lot of courage/guts! Go for it! It doesn't sound easy at all but sounds like it is well worth your while!
Wishing you the best of luck!

[JustJen]

That's so exciting Dennis! Good for you! I think doing something you love is really important.

[Theresa]

Good luck, Dennis! If anyone can do it, you can! :)

[Karri]

That is great, Dennis. If you are going to work, its so important that it be something that you want to be doing, not 8 hours of dread every day.

[Gerri]

That's wonderful Dennis! :woo: Good for you for taking the first step to your new carreer! :) My sister recently went back to school and is getting 90's now (that never happened when she was younger). She finds it so much easier to push herself to do well now that she's an adult and is much more focused. Good luck! :up:

[Jayne]

Dennis, I am so happy that you made a decision. You seem so happy with it and it looks like you have your goals all in order. I am sure you will be so happy to get back into it and will do fantastic in School. Age really does make a difference when you go back to College!

I wish you all the luck!
Jayne

[marcy]

Congratulations on making your decision. I'm glad you're on a path that will make you happy.

[redhairedgirl]

Many congratulations!!! Sounds like you have a plan in effect - and I think that taking the one class and being more focused, you'll be able to acheive those A's!!! :woo:

[AmyP]

That's really cool. I think DH has a GRE prep book he's done with (he ended up not having to take it). If you want, I'll see if he knows where it is and would be willing to sell or give it to you.

[schwanda]

Good for you! I've worked with alot of PAs. It's a great choice!!! There is so much different stuff you can do depending on what interests you. I think this is very exciting!

Amanda

[Alyssa]

I think this is really great for you, Dennis.

[TtownAnne]

That's fabulous! It's better to work a little harder to get it and be happy, rather than have it easy and hate every day. I think this will be great for you particularly because it's what you WANT.

[Dennis]

Mandi, I thought about trying to go all the way and being a Dr., but after looking into it, I think it would put too much stress on the family to get through med school and a residency.

Karri, that's exactly it. I don't dread coming to work, but I'm just bored with it.

Gerri, I was 17 when I started college and I had some maturity issues. So my grades aren't nearly as good as they could have been.

Mandi, I'd like to take more than one class at a time because I'm impatient :), but it's really not feasible because I would like to see the kids at some point. And I agree it should help keep me focused.

Amy, thanks for the offer. I'll PM you about it.

Amanda, all the options is one of the things that I really like about it.

Everyone else, thanks for the support!

[Bev]

Dennis that's terrific! :)

[Nichole]

Congratulations on finding your new path, Dennis! :aok: It really isn't worth spending your life doing something that doesn't interest or stimulate you. Good for you for making the change! :clap: Best of luck to you in your classes!

[AmyP]

I forgot to mention it in the PM's, but you definitely want to take the GRE before October. I was checking websites to make sure the books I'll be sending you are going to be helpful and the GRE test is changing BIG TIME in October 2006, according to Kaplan's website.

Good luck with everything. We'll be here to support you as well.

[magoo]

That's great, Dennis! I wish you the best of luck!

[Melissa]

That is fantastic Dennis! Good luck with your classes!!!

[Michele]

That's great that you figured stuff out and are going for it! Congratulations...

I am sure other people can tell you this too, but it is so much easier to get straight As when you are older and only taking one class at a time. I didn't do great in college - I had some prioritizing/focus issues, but I've gotten an A in every grad level course I've taken - which has been a lot since I still don't know what I want to do. Taking one class at a time lets you focus on one thing, and now you have the maturity and the drive to do really well....

[Karly]

I think this is great, Dennis! :biggrin:

[Brookamy]

I agree with everyone else...this is going to be great for you!!! Good luck. :nod:

[Denise]

Thats so great Dennis!! My DH got out of IT after 10 yrs in the business and he has never been happier!! Good Luck!!

[HollyNSC]

That is awesome Dennis :) I am so happy for you....

[Dennis]

I forgot to mention it in the PM's, but you definitely want to take the GRE before October. I was checking websites to make sure the books I'll be sending you are going to be helpful and the GRE test is changing BIG TIME in October 2006, according to Kaplan's website.

Amy, thanks for the heads up. I took a look at the ETS website where they describe the changes, and I think I might be better off taking the new one. I'm going to need to think about this.

Dennis

[Lyndee]

That's great Dennis! I think that'll be a good career!

Good luck!

[Kara]

That is wonderful Dennis!!!
I wish you the best of luck!!

[Darcy]

What wonderful news. Wishing you the best of luck! :)

[Dennis]

Thanks everyone!

[Bonnie]

That is fantastic! Congratulations on your decision!

[Suzi]

Dennis, that's terrific! My BIL is a PA at a cardiologist's office and he loves it. Best of luck to you in your pursuit - we're here to back you all the way! :aok:

[Mrs.Greevy]

Good luck Dennis, it is so cool that you are doing this!

[fjobe]

I'm really just nosing around this board, but I thought I'd let you know that I took the GRE about two weeks ago. There was a section on there that was "testing" the new verbal part of the test. I really think that I would have preferred that test! My greatest recommendation to you is to start increasing your vocabulary now! I have always thought of myself as having a pretty good vocabulary, but there were many words on the verbal part test that I did not know the meaning of. All that said, I did not study at all because I only needed minimal scores to enter the program that I was looking at.

[magoo]

Interrupting this thread to say - Hi Colleen! :wavey: :heee:

[Lynn]

Interrupting this thread to say - Hi Colleen! :wavey: :heee:

:yippee: Me too! Good to "see" you!

WTG Dennis! I think it is so cool that you're doing this. And what an awesome example you are to your kids!

[Dennis]

I'm really just nosing around this board, but I thought I'd let you know that I took the GRE about two weeks ago. There was a section on there that was "testing" the new verbal part of the test. I really think that I would have preferred that test! My greatest recommendation to you is to start increasing your vocabulary now! I have always thought of myself as having a pretty good vocabulary, but there were many words on the verbal part test that I did not know the meaning of. All that said, I did not study at all because I only needed minimal scores to enter the program that I was looking at.

Thanks for the info. According to their website, they say the new test will have "Greater emphasis on higher cognitive skills and less dependence on vocabulary", which is why I think I'll be better off taking that one. My strengths are definitely in the analytical areas.

[fjobe]

Hey Lynn and Sarah! It's so nice to see your welcome! I'm not a member of either board right now, but I still nose around, and I keep up (as much as I can without journals) with what is going on with everyone. I really need to join somewhere, but I am short on time as it is. I hope everyone is doing well!