Advantages:
* Strong analytical skills: Accounting requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are also crucial for PAs in diagnosing and treating patients.
* Detail-oriented: Attention to detail is paramount in both accounting and medicine.
* Time management: Balancing coursework and work in accounting demonstrates strong time management skills, which are essential for the demanding PA program and career.
* Mature student: Having already completed a bachelor's degree shows maturity and commitment to education, which admissions committees value.
Disadvantages:
* Lack of prerequisite science courses: You'll need to complete many prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and often anatomy and physiology. This will likely require additional coursework, potentially adding significant time and expense.
* Competitive admissions: PA programs are extremely competitive. Applicants typically have strong science GPAs and relevant healthcare experience.
What to do:
1. Assess your science background: Determine which prerequisite courses you've already taken and which you still need to complete. Contact potential PA programs to get their specific requirements.
2. Take the necessary prerequisite courses: This will involve taking additional undergraduate courses, possibly at a community college or university. Aim for high grades in these courses.
3. Gain healthcare experience: PAs need significant healthcare experience. Look for opportunities such as volunteering at a hospital, working as a medical scribe, or gaining experience as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or EMT. This will significantly strengthen your application.
4. Prepare for the Physician Assistant School Application Service (PA CAS): This is a centralized application service that most PA programs use.
5. Prepare for the GRE (if required): Many PA programs require the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
In short, while your accounting background isn't directly relevant to the science-intensive PA curriculum, your developed skills are transferable. The key is to address the lack of prerequisite science coursework and gain relevant healthcare experience to make yourself a competitive applicant. It will take extra time and effort, but it's certainly possible to transition from accounting to a PA career.