Physician Assistants Think the Profession is Recession-Proof

There are two main (well, maybe three main) reasons for this, in my opinion.  The first one is that I went to school many years ago, at a time when you only had to take two years of the specialty you wanted to practice, (in my case, orthopedics), and

they would "grandfather " you in as a P.A. However, I never had

the background in general or family medicine common to every

PA nowdays."  

Are you currently recertified?  The NCCPA recertification is a non gov't affliated association which emphasizes primary care, as well as quality care proficiency.

PA graduates submit forms to the state medical board.  PAs are licensed by the state medical board.  You should probably check with NCCPA regarding recertification.

PA graduates submit forms to the state medical board.  PAs are licensed by the state medical board.  You should probably check with NCCPA regarding recertification.

"There are two main (well, maybe three main) reasons for this, in my opinion.  The first one is that I went to school many years ago, at a time when you only had to take two years of the specialty you wanted to practice, (in my case, orthopedics), and

they would "grandfather " you in as a P.A. However, I never had

the background in general or family medicine common to every

PA nowdays."  

Are you currently recertified?  The NCCPA recertification is a non gov't affliated association which emphasizes primary care, as well as quality care proficiency.

"There are two main (well, maybe three main) reasons for this, in my opinion.  The first one is that I went to school many years ago, at a time when you only had to take two years of the specialty you wanted to practice, (in my case, orthopedics), and

they would "grandfather " you in as a P.A. However, I never had

the background in general or family medicine common to every

PA nowdays."  Are you currently recertified?  The NCCPA recertification is a non gov't affliated association which emphasizes primary care, as well as quality care proficiency.

THE COMPANY I WORKED FOR CLOSED ITS DOORS ON JUNE 23, 2008 DUE TO DEATH OF THE PHYSICIAN WHO OWNED IT.  

I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND WORK AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT SINCE.

There are two main (well, maybe three main) reasons for this, in

my opinion.  The first one is that I went to school many years ago, at a time when you only had to take two years of the specialty you wanted to practice, (in my case, orthopedics), and

they would "grandfather " you in as a P.A. However, I never had

the background in general or family medicine common to every

PA nowdays.  Therefore, I can do orthopedics only.  I am not

authorized to do H & P's, etc. Most orthopedic physicians are surgeons, and need PA's who can do hospital rounds and

H & P's for them.

I have spent my career solely in the Applicant Workers Compensation injury field in California, working solely on rechecks of orthopedic patients who have been hurt at

work, thus giving me a depth of experience, but no

breadth. In addition, the State of California is currently

in the two digit bracket for unemployment,

with many companies and people leaving the state in droves

This, in combination with the limitations of my training and experience have combined to make it difficult to find a new

job.  

In addition, you may have gathered that I am older,

and you would be right. I graduated from Cerritos College

in 1978, with my degree in Orthopedic Assistant. My age

would be the third limiting factor, especially in California,

where youth is worshipped.

At this point, I am dusting off my Adult and Vocational

teaching credentials, and applying for such jobs as Public

Health Educator, etc.

Your sincerely,

Linda