Big Changes

Oi! Big changes!...Let's start at the beggining....

Last week, I went to see a doctor in the school of optometry to talk about my chances of getting into the Michigan School of Optometry. I had been toying with the idea of not continuing the optometry program since the middle of first semester this year. Anyway, he went over all of my information with me and told me I was competitive for admission in most areas, but my math and science GPA was way too low to be considered. Basically this would mean that I would need to retake all of my math and science classes and do really well in the rest I have to take. I could understand this if I had done poorly in them, but the thing is, I got all B's a one C....that means an extra two years to bring up all of those grades. Going out of state for school just really isn't an option for me and I thought about things some more after that meeting and realized that I just didn't want to be an optometrist that bad.

I talked to Mom about it, and she suggesting looking into a physician's assistant program. I did, and found that several colleges near our house offer the program and that the classes I have already taken will transfer with no problem. The job description completely fits what I am looking for and the job outlook is fantastic. I went home this last Friday and talked everything over with Mom and Dad, and they agreed this would be a good change for me.

Today, I went to talk to an advisor in the biology department, and he helped me make sure that my credits will transfer and my degree will apply after graduation. I was officially switched to an Applied Biology, Pre-Medicine major, with concentration for PA. I am so excited!!! It is like having a huge weight removed. I feel like I am going to be so much happier.

The PA program is going to be a tough program to get into, but not as bad as optometry. I called the main college I am interested in attending for grad school, and they were so helpful. I was really impressed. The information I received shows that my credits will transfer and that my GPA is higher than the average for accepted students.

The only concern for me was that 100 hours of patient care are required to even be eligible for acceptance. I asked if the year I worked with patients in the optometry clinic would count, but she said no because it wasn't FULL patient care; however, she said the experience would look GREAT on my application because most people won't have that. The woman then suggested I get my CNA certification. CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant, and this certification would allow me to work with patients in hospitals and nursing homes....perfect for a summer job, work during next school year and a way to get my required hours! I checked around, and one of the hospitals I checked said they accept CNAs from a local college where the class is 6 weeks and $1100....yikes. The second hospital I checked with said they offer a program through the actual hospital. This class is only 2 weeks and is $800!

Next week, I have Thursday and Friday off for Easter and Mom is going with me on Thursday to register for that class and go to get more information from the college offering the PA program. On Friday, I am job shadowing with a PA for the day. I can't wait to get all these things taken care of. I will feel so much better when everything is all squared away, but I am on my way and feel so much lighter already. Wahoo for change!