hales04 Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Hey all, I am interested in applying to either the U of T or McMaster PA program, however, I'm unsure of a few requirements.... For U of T, they require 1680 hours of clinical experience, as well as, 2 years of undergraduate study. My question is how are you supposed to gain this experience with only 2 years of undergrad? I graduated with a BA in Psychology this past May, thus, I don't have any experience (hospitals aren't exactly going to hire people that deal directly with patients with a mere undergrad...let alone psychology). Maybe I'm misinterpreting these requirements? If I'm not, how would I go about to get the experience needed for admission? Thank you for the help in advance! Haley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmm Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 I think the mindset of UofT is to attract mature students in other professions (technicians, nurses, ect) that are interested in building upon their skill set to be able to practice medicine. While you only really need 2 years of undergraduate work I doubt many people in the class fall into this category unless they've done additional diploma/college certificates that have allowed them to work in health care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hales04 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 I understand that, but it seems a little redundant (and costly) to get another degree...work for a few years, then apply to be a PA and go to school for another 2 years.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pearl.4 Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 If your psychology is a 4 year degree why not apply for the PA masters program at U of M? clinical hours are recommended but not necessary I do recommend volunteer work and past research experience - although again not necessary Hope you find a way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hales04 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 McMaster also doesn't have the requirement for clinical research. Might stick with that program instead of moving all the way out to Manitoba to stay close to home. Thank you for the advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docmm Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Deleted post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hales04 Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 If I apply to the Mac program, what is the likelihood of being accepted? I don't have any experience and I fear I will be competing with nurses, paramedics, and students with science-based degrees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAstudent Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 If I apply to the Mac program, what is the likelihood of being accepted? I don't have any experience and I fear I will be competing with nurses, paramedics, and students with science-based degrees You will be competing with nurses, paramedics, and science students. But that's no reason to be afraid. There are a good number of people in the Program without such a background. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmillar11 Posted April 22, 2013 Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 I applied to UofT with experience working with the Childrens Aid for the past 4 years and I got an interview. and I also just graduated in May as well. So I was able to accumulate enough hours throughout my undergrad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpm Posted April 22, 2013 Report Share Posted April 22, 2013 Hi jmiller, If I may ask, what kinds of things did you do with Children's Aid? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmillar11 Posted April 24, 2013 Report Share Posted April 24, 2013 I worked with a branch off of the CAS which dealt with behavioural children. I had to work in the 4-bed homes, helping out the foster parent. I also did respites where I stayed in the home for 24 hours with the kids, sometimes longer. I also worked on call for the agency dealing with all the homes in the Hamilton area. A lot of communication with different agencies was involved, as well as a lot of dealings with the police. It was a great experience, and I am still doing it now, just now as often. But just shows that they are not necessarily looking for a medical background for experience, more of just a caregiver role in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpm Posted April 25, 2013 Report Share Posted April 25, 2013 That's very interesting. It must have been quite an amazing experience! Thanks a lot for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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