On May 4, 2012 I will be a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. PCOM is the ONLY school I want to attend for graduate school. I was a nursing major, but I change to criminal justice. (crazy choice) Now I am more passionate than ever to get back into the medical field. I just received a email about a interview and I am extremely nervous. I applied for the Pathway Program, so I can take the science courses I do not have. I can not make up my mind between the PA Program, or the Forensic Medicine Program. Do you have any advice about interview or the programs?
I have an interview for the Forensic Medicine program at PCOM coming up in two weeks. I'm really nervous and not sure what to expect in terms of the interview. How did the interview go for you PrettyStals?
I got into the Pathway Program. It was a very interesting interview! Totally comfortable and nothing like I expected!! No need to be nervous, sounds crazy because I was extremely nervous. Just relax!! You will be fine!! Good luck!
Thanks!! I'll let you know how it goes, since the interview is less than a week. Hopefully, I will be seeing you in the Fall 2012 for the first semester of the Forensic Medicine program. Also, congrats on acceptance!!!
Hi, sorry it took me so long to respond. As far as interviewing goes, in my mind all interviews are the same. For each program they want to see how well you as a person will fit into that school. In my mind (I am not sure how true this is in reality) your grades are what got you the interview and your personal statement, if there was one. The interview is for you to show your individuality and uniqueness. Ultimately they want a person who will do well in the field your are applying for and someone who will represent that school well. So, my main advice is be yourself, display what is unique about you as an applicant. If they were to ask you "why do you want to be a PA?" You could say all the right answers like because you like the idea of teamwork, treating patients, this field has a lot of job opportunities etc. All of these are great answers but they blend in with all the rest. I would say those but add yourself into the mix. That's my advice, OH and always come prepared to ask them good questions in return. Be confident!
As far as being a PA or going into the Forensic Medicine Program. What may be helpful if you have not done so already is look at the youtube videos of each of the programs. I will say that as part of our curriculum we had pathology class and we were taught in our last semester about forensics. Specifically we learned about what different types of wounds looked like, clues to an abuse victim vs an accidental injury, and the effects of different illegal drugs on patients. I found the topics really interesting and I really like forensics in general, but for me I would rather have a conversation with my patients and treat them. Also, another things is if you are really split between the two fields, the two have totally different schooling schedules. As a PA student my life is ALL school monday through friday and the weekend are pretty much left to studying. Don't get me wrong everyone needs their relaxation. As a Forensic Medicine Student it seems like you go to school friday through sunday the first year and then it's all online the last year. That is about the extent I know about that program. Dr. McDonald I believe heads that program and he taught us for all our pathology classes and he is awesome! Which ever you choose good luck and both fields are great. Let me know what you end up choosing!
Well I just wanted to keep you updated as you requested. I have been accepted into the Pathway program for Forensic Medicine and I plan to keep going and apply for the PA program after two years. Thank you for your wise words, God is so good. :)
On May 4, 2012 I will be a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. PCOM is the ONLY school I want to attend for graduate school. I was a nursing major, but I change to criminal justice. (crazy choice) Now I am more passionate than ever to get back into the medical field. I just received a email about a interview and I am extremely nervous. I applied for the Pathway Program, so I can take the science courses I do not have. I can not make up my mind between the PA Program, or the Forensic Medicine Program. Do you have any advice about interview or the programs?
ReplyDeleteHey,
DeleteI have an interview for the Forensic Medicine program at PCOM coming up in two weeks. I'm really nervous and not sure what to expect in terms of the interview. How did the interview go for you PrettyStals?
I got into the Pathway Program. It was a very interesting interview! Totally comfortable and nothing like I expected!! No need to be nervous, sounds crazy because I was extremely nervous. Just relax!! You will be fine!! Good luck!
DeleteThanks!! I'll let you know how it goes, since the interview is less than a week. Hopefully, I will be seeing you in the Fall 2012 for the first semester of the Forensic Medicine program. Also, congrats on acceptance!!!
DeleteHi, sorry it took me so long to respond. As far as interviewing goes, in my mind all interviews are the same. For each program they want to see how well you as a person will fit into that school. In my mind (I am not sure how true this is in reality) your grades are what got you the interview and your personal statement, if there was one. The interview is for you to show your individuality and uniqueness. Ultimately they want a person who will do well in the field your are applying for and someone who will represent that school well. So, my main advice is be yourself, display what is unique about you as an applicant. If they were to ask you "why do you want to be a PA?" You could say all the right answers like because you like the idea of teamwork, treating patients, this field has a lot of job opportunities etc. All of these are great answers but they blend in with all the rest. I would say those but add yourself into the mix. That's my advice, OH and always come prepared to ask them good questions in return. Be confident!
ReplyDeleteAs far as being a PA or going into the Forensic Medicine Program. What may be helpful if you have not done so already is look at the youtube videos of each of the programs. I will say that as part of our curriculum we had pathology class and we were taught in our last semester about forensics. Specifically we learned about what different types of wounds looked like, clues to an abuse victim vs an accidental injury, and the effects of different illegal drugs on patients. I found the topics really interesting and I really like forensics in general, but for me I would rather have a conversation with my patients and treat them. Also, another things is if you are really split between the two fields, the two have totally different schooling schedules. As a PA student my life is ALL school monday through friday and the weekend are pretty much left to studying. Don't get me wrong everyone needs their relaxation. As a Forensic Medicine Student it seems like you go to school friday through sunday the first year and then it's all online the last year. That is about the extent I know about that program. Dr. McDonald I believe heads that program and he taught us for all our pathology classes and he is awesome! Which ever you choose good luck and both fields are great. Let me know what you end up choosing!
Hey Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteWell I just wanted to keep you updated as you requested. I have been accepted into the Pathway program for Forensic Medicine and I plan to keep going and apply for the PA program after two years. Thank you for your wise words, God is so good. :)
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ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDelete