HM to PA program?

[stefanm84]

How is everybody today? I am doing great. 3 months 22 days till i start a new life in the united states navy! now my question. Is there a HM to PA program? I can't find any info on it. I looked at the STA-21 web site and found the RN program which has a age limit of 35. which is great! cause im entering the navy at 23. can anyone give me a web page? or more specific info on the Navy PA program? does it fall under the STA rules of a RN or a medical corps option? I already read about the ARMY PA program and even the air force i believe. But i want to be Navy. Hope i get lots of info from you all. take care.

Mackey

[0311_DoC]

http://www.samhouston.army.mil/ipap/

its all the same program. IPAP I don't believe the Navy utilizes PA's like the USAF and Army do. its at FT SAM HOUSTON in San Antonio, TX. the degree program is through the University of Nebraska.or here is more info.

http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa/

[0311_DoC]

Heres some more info. I checked on the Army PA side of the house when I was over seas and spoke with the PA recruiter in charge. heres the email he sent me. (long one)


Dear Future Army PA,

I have developed a new comprehensive email to help you achieve your goal
of becoming an Army PA and updated the website
www.usarec.army.mil/armypa (Press F5) to clear the old website once the
page loads. It should have a modification date of 15 Mar 07. Being a
PA is very rewarding in many aspects. It has been ranked the 2nd best
job for financial rewards and professional satisfaction for the last 4
years by Money Magazine and CNN professional reports. Taking care of
soldiers and having a great profession couldn't get any better! A
separate recruiting message has been approved for ROTC Cadets and USAR
Applicants - make sure you follow the application instructions
carefully.

This email is broken down into nine sections: Quick Overview of the
Program, Requirements that Can and Can't be Waived, Prerequisite
Requirement Updates, Frequently Asked Questions, Officer Rank
Calculations, What Should I do First?, How to Improve your Application!,
Eligibility clarification, and FREE SAT Improvement information.

I have attached the FY 08 Active Duty recruiting message and
instructions on how to fill out the academic worksheet. All applicants
should submit course descriptions of their science courses (Anatomy,
Physiology, and General Chemistry) if the title of the course differs
from the ones listed in the attached FY 08 message. This allows the
University of Nebraska to properly evaluate the course and give you
credit for the course if it covers the required content.

QUICK OVERVIEW:

The Army offers well qualified officers, warrant officers and enlisted
soldiers an incredible educational opportunity to become a Physician
Assistant (PA) through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program
(IPAP) located at the AMEDD Center & School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
The Army trains approximately 95 soldiers a year alongside candidates
from the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, National
Guard, and U.S. Public Health Service.

Graduates earn a Masters degree from the University of Nebraska and
receive a commission in the Army Medical Specialist Corps as a 1LT
(Recent Change!). This means that you could be a CPT within 15 months!
Officer students receive constructive credit for their commissioned
service IAW DOD 6000.13. Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant
National Certifying Exam (PANCE) before they can provide world-class
healthcare to our soldiers.

Physician Assistants (PA) are important members of the AMEDD healthcare
team and provide a broad range of medical services traditionally
performed by physicians. They are the primary medical provider to
soldiers in battalion and division level units and also provide garrison
healthcare to soldiers, family members, and other eligible
beneficiaries. The Army PA has served the nation in all conflicts and
peacekeeping missions since the Vietnam War.

Applicants must be enlisted, commissioned or warrant officers with a
minimum of three years time of active federal service by 31 August of
the academic year. Other eligibility criteria include, but are not
limited to; a GT score of 110 or greater, 60 semester hours of post
secondary school education of which 30 hours must include six hours of
English, six hours of Humanities, six hours of General Chemistry, three
hours of Human Anatomy, three hours of Human Physiology, three hours of
College Algebra or higher math, and three hours of Psychology.

Applications need to be sent to IPAP Program Manager NLT 1 March 2008.
A selection board will convene in June 08 and the results will be
released in Aug 08. All official transcripts and SAT scores must
arrive by 1 June 08. All applicants are required to have an SAT within
5 years of their application. The minimum score is 450 in each section
of the exam and a composite score of at least 1500 on the newer 3-part
version and a minimum composite score of 1000 on the previous 2-part
version. Complete application procedures are found in AR 601-20, The
Interservice Physician Assistant Training Program, and in the Fiscal
Year Message located at www.usarec.army.mil/armypa or
www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap

The Requirements Completion Course (RCC) IS ONLY AVAILABLE for Active
Duty soldiers (NG, Reserve, or other services applying for Active Duty
slots can apply for RCC) who are missing the anatomy, physiology,
chemistry and math prerequisite courses an opportunity to be reassigned
to AMEDD Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, TX and obtain these
prerequisite courses. Applicants who meet all academic and
administrative eligibility criteria for IPAP application except for 15
or less semester hours (SH) can apply for consideration for enrollment
in the RCC. This means that the applicant must be eligible for every
other aspect of the IPAP IAW AR 601-20 and the FY update. You can only
be missing the following courses: 3 SH of Human Anatomy, 3 SH of Human
Physiology, 6 SH of General (or higher) Chemistry and/or 3 SH of College
Algebra. Applicants must meet all IPAP application deadlines except for
official transcripts of courses in progress or pending.

Applicants requesting RCC will be boarded separate from the fully
qualified applicants and may be selected if the board determines the
applicant shows potential to successfully complete all academic
requirements. Applicants selected for the RCC will be eligible to PCS to
Fort Sam Houston for one semester of enrollment in a local college to
complete an intense 4-month 15-semester hour college curriculum designed
to provide these prerequisite courses. Costs of tuition and books will
be at the student's expense. Upon competing the RCC, you will start
IPAP. You will start in Aug 09. The Army and IPAP are exempt from any
fiscal responsibility related to course enrollment in the RCC and will
not reimburse tuition or book costs incurred by students. The Fort Sam
Houston Education Center will assist students in their application for
use of tuition assistance. Applicants who wish to be considered for
enrollment in the RCC must meet the following criteria:

1. Have at least 45 college credits, 15 of which include the resident
prerequisite courses of 6 SH of English, 3 SH of Psychology, and 6 SH
Humanities.
2. Have SAT scores of at least 450 in each section and have a minimum
composite score of 1200 on the older version and 1800 on the newer
version of the SAT.
3. Maintain an overall GPA and a science GPA of 2.5 or greater and
receive a letter grade of "C" or better in each course.

REQUIREMENTS THAT CAN BE WAIVED:

1) Time in Service (Frequently Approved) - The regulation states that
applicants should have between 3-8 years of service. A waiver request
can be submitted for soldiers with less than 3 years of service and
those with > than 8 years, but less than 20. The waiver approving
authority will rarely approve waivers > 20 years of service, but
soldiers may submit their application requesting the waiver. Soldiers
are routinely selected with 3-20 years of service. Example waiver
request forms are located on the website. All waivers are submitted with
the initial application.

2) Age (Frequently Approved) - Age in Grade -

Age of 33 y/o or older at time of commissioning as of 15 Sep 11
(graduation date/commissioning date for enlisted) require a waiver. Age
in grade waivers is in Accordance with the guidelines set in AR 135-100
and 135-101. AR 135-100 table 1-1 lists the maximum age for grade. It
does not matter how many years of service the applicant has. What
matters is the actual age of the applicant and the rank the applicant is
authorized to be appointed. Age waivers are required for individual
applicants who cannot complete 20 qualifying years for retirement prior
to reaching age 60. Prior service applicants may or may not require an
age waiver. To determine if a waiver is required you would take the
applicants age at time of commission and subtract all time in service
(good years). This time in service includes both enlisted time and
commission time. If the product is 40 or greater then an age waiver is
required. If it is less than 40 then an age waiver is not required.
For example: an applicant that is 45 years old and has 6 good years as
an enlisted soldier would not require an age waiver in order to apply.
(45-6=39) If in doubt, request a waiver.

3) Moral Waivers -(Approval depends on situation and circumstances)
Soldiers who answer yes on the DA 61 to "have you ever under either
Military or Civilian Law been indicted or summoned in to court as a
defendant in a criminal proceeding (including any proceeding involving
juvenile offenses, article 15, UCMJ, and any court-martial) regardless
of the result of trial, or convicted, fined, imprisoned, placed on
probation, paroled or pardoned, or have ever been ordered to deposit
bail or collateral for the violation of any law, police regulation or
ordinance (excluding traffic violations involving a fine or forfeiture
of $100 or less" must request a waiver. The waiver memorandum must be
very detailed and provide all court documents etc... An example of the
waiver memorandum exist on the website.

4) Medical Waivers - During your commissioning physical, the provider
may find that you are not physically qualified IAW AR 40-501, CH2. If
so, you can request a waiver for that medical condition as long as it
doesn't result in a P3 profile or limit you from completing the duties
of a Physician Assistant. The provider that does your physical will
refer you to the specialist that will write a letter of support for your
waiver. An example of the waiver exists on the website.

All waivers are submitted with your initial application.

REQUIREMENTS THAT CAN NOT BE WAIVED:

1) SAT - All soldiers regardless of degree status must take the SAT and
it must have been completed within the last 5 years. Example, I have a
PHD in nuclear medicine - Do I have to take the SAT? - YES! It is a
very important examination. We use it in lieu of the GRE and the score
carries a lot of weight during the boarding process.
- "I can't take my SAT because I am in theater" Contact me and
I can request a waiver for you until you return. Not having the SAT in
your packet drastically reduces your chances of being accepted. Most
education centers in theater administer the test.

2) GPA - Overall GPA < 2.5 or Science GPA < 2.5 can't be waived. All
course work regardless of when it was taken is evaluated in determining
your overall GPA and Science GPA.

3) GT Score - Scores < 110 can't be waived. Your education center can
help you raise your score.

4) Conditional Release - All soldiers except 68 series (medics) must
have a conditional release from the branch manager at HRC in order to
apply. A simple email from them stating that they will release you if
you are selected for our program is sufficient. Reserve, NG, and other
services must have a letter signed by their Battalion Commander and or
Personnel Manager in order to apply.

5) Academic prerequisite courses - none of them can be waived.

Prerequisite Requirement Updates:

1) Soldiers who have completed certain MOS courses (18D, LPN, or Lab
Techs) and their military transcript shows the A/P and Chemistry
academic credit, they can NOW receive credit for some of those courses.
The University of Nebraska must accept the course work and they normally
will as long as it is document on an Official AARTS transcript and it is
listed as qualifying for academic credit. In the case of the lab techs,
the University of Washington awards the credit and those courses are
acceptable to University of Nebraska and IPAP.

2) All of the prerequisite requirements can be completed online through
an accredited University (ex. E Army U, University of Phoenix, Thomas
Edison State College etc...) None of the prerequisite require a lab.
There are several colleges that offer A&P and Chemistry online.

Below are schools that Offer A&P I and II and Gen Chem online, but I am
sure there are many more:

A&P I and II: Contact Allison Swink-Friedson, Product Liaison,
Non-Degree Division
University of Phoenix | Online Campus 3157 E Elwood St |
Phoenix, AZ 85034
phone (800) 915-0561 | fax (602) 383-2719 | email:
Allison.Swink@phoenix.edu

A&P I and II and General Chemistry http://www.ccconline.org/ Colorado
Community College Online or http://www.riosalado.edu/ Rio Salado

Thomas Edison State College:
General Chemistry I (CHE-111)
<http://www.tesc.edu/catalog/course.php?CourseCode=CHE-111&sem
General Chemistry II (CHE-112)
<http://www.tesc.edu/catalog/course.php?CourseCode=CHE-112&sem

Others Schools will work as long as they accredited and they have the
correct course title and content. If you find other schools that you
think will qualify, notify me and I will add them to my approved list
after I confirm the content of the course meets the requirements for
IPAP.

3) "I would like you to evaluate my course work to determine if I
qualify" You must complete the entire academic worksheet, attach
course descriptions of all your science courses (A&P and Chemistry) and
mail it along with OFFICIAL transcripts to:

HQ, USAREC
RCHS-SVD-PA (Last name, First Name, MI Rank)
1307 Third Ave
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726

Make sure you mail all of the items in one envelope. Once I receive
them, I will review the documents and let you know if you meet all of
the requirements. I can't evaluate scanned or faxed copies. For most
applicants, this is an unneeded step. We will accept your coursework as
long as it meets the course titles listed in the message and the courses
were completed from an accredited university.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. Does academic delay mean that I won't be competitive for the IPAP
Board?

A. No. Academic Delay allows soldiers to apply to IPAP if they are
only missing 15 SH or less (of any of the perquisite courses) and they
can complete the course work NLT 31 Dec 08. An academic delay status
doesn't decrease your chances of being selected. In fact, 40% of the
primary selectees last year were academic delays. The application is
the same except for the fact that you must submit a memo in your packet
identifying the school, course and timeline that you plan on completing
the course work by.

Q. How many people were selected last year and am I competitive?

A. This is a tough question. Each year the number of qualified
applications that USAREC receives varies. Last year 300 qualified
applications were boarded and 95 primary were selected along with 50
alternates. 21 personnel were selected for RCC. If you don't apply,
you will never know!

Q. My GPA is low, but > 2.5. Am I competitive?

A. Yes. GPA is only one element of your packet. The board looks at
everything to include letters of recommendation, previous performance,
SAT Scores etc...

Q. What is a good SAT score?

A. On the new 3 part test, you should strive to have a score > 1600.
The education centers give this exam for free to all soldiers. There
are a variety of prep courses available to help you improve your score.
Make sure you use code 3994 when you fill out the SAT application. This
will ensure official results are sent directly to me. You have until 1
Jun 08 to get the SAT score to USAREC, but I recommend that you have it
completed by 1 Mar 08.

Q. What are the new requirements for the letters of recommendation
(LOR)?

A. The letters of recommendations need to be completed on USAREC Form
195 IAW or a memorandum format. The form can be found on our website.
DON'T MAIL LOR to USAREC separately! Have the person complete the LOR
and then include it in your packet.

Q Must I have a LOR from an Army PA?

A. Yes. It is imperative that you receive an Army PA LOR. No other
letter can be substituted. Any PA on your installation would be glad to
interview you and provide you a LOR. Reserve applicants and Other
Service members may get a letter from a civilian PA or other military
PA/Provider.

Q I am already an Officer. Do I need to fill out the DA 61 and DA 160R?

A. Yes. All applicants must complete these forms. Examples of the
forms are on the website.

Q. My Chemistry and A&P are > 10 years old. Do I have to retake them?

A. Yes, you can apply now fully qualified, but you must retake the
courses prior to you actually staring school.

Q. My college algebra or English class is > 10 years old. Do I have to
retake them?

A. No.

Q. Will Stats count towards College Algebra?

A. Yes. A higher math will work.

Q. I would like to know if my SAT or Transcripts were received by
USAREC?

A. Contact Mr. Ricky Price via email ricky.price@usarec.army.mil.

Q. When do I need to submit my request for a waiver?

A. You submit ALL documentation with your initial packet which is due
at USAREC NLT 1 Mar 08. Don't wait to mail your packet it in. Mail it
in ASAP so that Mr. Price can start reviewing and providing you
feedback. The earlier that you submit your application - the better!

Q. Do Officers have to have a GT Score?

A. No. Only enlisted soldiers.

Q. I want to learn more about the student life during training?

A. Visit "Student Society Newsletter".
http://www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/


Officer Rank Calculations:

Officers receive constructive credit for their Commissioned Service IAW
DODI 6000.13. You take the total time that you have been an Officer in
months and dived that by 2. If that value is > 18 months, you will be
1LT. If it is > 39 months, CPT. If it is less than 18 months, 2LT. An
officer's new appointed rank doesn't go into effect until they actually
report for school. For example, CPT Smith has 80 months of commissioned
service as of 1 Jan 08 (class which he was selected for). Smith will
receive 40 months of constructive credit and he will remain a CPT. One
month after the program starts, Smith now has 41 months of credit
towards promotion to the next grade. Second Example, CPT Smart has 40
months of commissioned service as of 1 Jan 08 (class which he was
selected for). Smart now has 20 months of credit towards promotion to
the next grade, but he will be 1LT. The soldier will receive pay IAW
with the new calculated rank. The constructive credit has no affect on
a soldier's years of service for pay purposes. Officers who are
reverted to a lower grade will be able to compete for the next grade
during school. HRC will notify the Officers of what they must complete
prior to the selection board. Reserve Officers have a different
calculation: If > 24 months, 1LT. If > 84 months, CPT.

What Should I do First?

1) Initiate a security clearance immediately.
2) Schedule your Commissioning Physical now.
3) Schedule your SAT with your Education Center.
4) Print the FY 08 message and make a list what you have and what you
don't have. Review the website in detail. Examples of every form are
on the site!
5) Send Official transcripts to USAREC making sure that you follow this
format:

HQ, USAREC
RCHS-SVD-PA (Your last name, First Name, Rank)
1307 Third Ave
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726

6) Make an appointment with a PA at your installation or deployment
location.

How to Improve your Application:

To improve your chances of acceptance: 1) Ensure your combined SAT
score is > 1600. 2) If you are not medical, take the CLS course, CPR
Course, volunteer at your local clinic. 3) All soldiers must have a PA
Letter of recommendation and make sure that it is from someone who can
write great comments about you. 4) Follow the instruction with the FY
08 message and check your WORK! 5) SIGN all of the documents in your
application packet and have someone proof read the packet. 6) Get an
Army PA to be your mentor and help you through the application process.

Eligibility Clarification:

RCC is only available to active duty applicants. USAR Officers can only
apply for an active duty training slot, but they can also NOW apply for
a USAR training slot. Other service members can only apply for active
duty training slots to include AF, NAVY, and Coast Guard etc... USAR
enlisted soldiers can apply for either a USAR training slots or an
active duty training slot. NG Soldiers can also apply for an active
duty training slot.

Our website has complete details about our program:
http://www.usarec.army.mil/armypa. If you are NG, please contact your
state AMEDD Recruiter and they will help you with your application and
answer any of your questions. The POC for the NG is located on the left
side of the website. I am the main POC for active duty and reserve
applicants. Other services (AF, Navy etc... can apply for an active
Army training slot if your service provides a conditional release to
apply)! If you want to apply for an Active Army training slot, follow
the application instructions under the active duty link.

The application deadline for FY 08 will be 1 Mar 08. Check the website
monthly for new updates. You can have your local education center review
your transcripts to ensure you have the right courses to qualify for our
program and they can help you put together your packet. PAs on the
installation will also help you with your packet, but the website should
be used as your primary guide. Please review the website in detail
starting on the Left top of the website and working your way down the
page. Each section provides a detailed explanation of the program
requirements and application procedures. If you don't find the answer
to your question, please email me and I will clarify your concern.

Free SAT Improvement :http://sat.eknowledge.com/military.asp

Also, you can visit: http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil
<http://militaryhomefront.dod.mil/> ; http://military.com;
http://MOAA.org <http://moaa.org/> ; etc.

Or feel free to call or
Brandon Chatham
eKnowledge LLC
160 W. Foothill Pkwy. Ste. 105-176
Corona, CA 92882-8545
951-256.1176

Other programs to consider: AECP - www.usarec.army.mil/aecp or other
medical programs www.goarmyhealthcare.com.


VR
CPT James J. Jones, MPAS, PA-C
Interservice Physician Assistant Program Manager
1-800-223-3735 ext 60386
(502) 626-0386 DSN:536-0386
FAX: (502)626-1431
Email: ipap@usarec.army.mil

HQ, USAREC
RCHS-SVD-PA
1307 Third Ave
Fort Knox, KY 40121-2726

Important Websites:
IPAP (PA): www.cs.amedd.army.mil/ipap/ or www.usarec.army.mil/armypa
AECP (RN): www.usarec.army.mil/aecp Army Healthcare Opportunities
(Physician, Dentist, Nurse and Other Providers):
www.healthcare.goarmy.com; Learn more about the Army Medical Specialist
Corps (OT, PT, DT, and PA) at https://www.amsc.amedd.army.mil/

[ThomasPII]

How is everybody today? I am doing great. 3 months 22 days till i start a new life in the united states navy! now my question. Is there a HM to PA program? I can't find any info on it. I looked at the STA-21 web site and found the RN program which has a age limit of 35. which is great! cause im entering the navy at 23. can anyone give me a web page? or more specific info on the Navy PA program? does it fall under the STA rules of a RN or a medical corps option? I already read about the ARMY PA program and even the air force i believe. But i want to be Navy. Hope i get lots of info from you all. take care.

Mackey

http://www.hospitalcorpsman.org/files/OPNAV1420.1.pdf is the link to the OPNAV for the MSC IPP which goes into more detal about the PA program. Keep in mind this is also advancement material and will help you on future advancement exams. And yes from what I understand you are sent through the Army's PA program. Hope this helped.

HM3

[stefanm84]

Thanks a lot for the info. One last question, I am going I to the navy with no moe then 35 units. My question, since it is a MA program do I have to already have my BA/BA? What if while enlisted I attend and online nationaly and regionaly accredited university like amu or phoenix to receive my BA is some like busins? And take all the required science classes, would doing the following increase my chances of getting in? Would that degree count? And what if I don't attempt my degree? Will I still be able to get into the program? But being allowed to finish my BS/BA ? Thank you for all the info once again. And sorry for all the question.

[0311_DoC]

You basically need an associates degree or equivalent credits to get in as well as pass the SAT test. look at the attachment I provided at the bottom of my long post that will answer your education questions

[psencik1950]

Other eligibility criteria include, but are not
limited to; a GT score of 110 or greater, 60 semester hours of post
secondary school education of which 30 hours must include six hours of
English, six hours of Humanities, six hours of General Chemistry, three
hours of Human Anatomy, three hours of Human Physiology, three hours of
College Algebra or higher math, and three hours of Psychology.

Looking at this part of the info, it doesn't appear as if you have to have a Bachelor's.