Gaslighting, Gangstalking, and Ambient Abuse by Proxy

Disgusted, irritated, and convoluted...all words which can describe what has occurred during my time at The University of Toledo Physician Assistant Program.  The Director, associate Director, faculty, medical school, and everyone they are affiliated with conspired against me during my clinical year of 2014 to make me withdraw the last semester of the program before graduation.

Around Fall semester of 13' a classmate invited me out to have dinner at a local pub, his name is Joseph Rose (he has since graduated), and he told me my entire future, and that if I treat my ADHD and go on in the program I would go to prison, he told me "they" would send a girl in to destroy my life, and how I would make mistakes to become a janitor, to go homeless, to be a boxer, to lose my truck, and how in the Pediatrics rotation people would dumb me down, my parents would be involved in the harassment, etc...basically filling my head with a bunch of shit.  A psychological rape.  Now looking back, everyone is playing into the story line he told me.

 My parents and family included conspired against me, and I've lost the opportunity to seek financial aid, or achieve a Master's degree, or obtain any job that I want. I was bombarded with psychological torture everyday in clinic, and my preceptors were less concerned about teaching me anything about medicine, instead they enjoyed being apart of gregarious plan to conspire against me, harass me constantly to the point where I didn't want to continue with the my OB/GYN rotation (6 rotations in).  My cell phone was hacked, emails were hacked, Facebook hacked, and faculty and peers around me were conversing about me in third person everywhere I went, even in clinic.  I was belittled in clinic, farted on in clinic, ask to accomplish petty responsibilities constantly (which had no learning value to becoming a P.A) I was followed everywhere in clinic, in the halls, harassed by janitors (bobbing their heads in windows constantly), harassed by nurses who didn't want to teach me anything or show me any type of procedures. When I complained about the harassment I was told I was delusional, and was sent to a psychiatrist who told me I was delusional, and sent me on a 6 month Leave of Absence, mind you even the psychiatrist was Gangstalking me and using gestures like hand shaking that I was sensitized to...Basically going through the program was a sensitization process where everyone said and did certain gestures, like lots of hand shaking, saying good afternoon, or how are you today.  Outside of my apartment there were guys in suits, and guys wearing suits n tie everywhere I went, cars with hub caps off, tow trucks with hazards on, many vehicles with hazards on etc..cars following me....basically a traumatic process called sensitization.  I was being bullied in third person, by random people who I didn't even know insulting me by describing me and calling me a baboon on a blue bike (because I have a blue mtn bike).  I was and still am being followed in grocery stores, people block you with carts, wait for you and block the items on your grocery list, cause paranoia by moving slowly or fast past the isles your in...there's no in between.  Everyone was wearing sunglasses, another sensitization process, and walk like zombies all in one pace.  Basically people aren't minding their own business, they are there to strictly harass me.  I returned from a LOA, and minded my own business in clinic and was told I couldn't continue because I wasn't acting myself.  I was told it was ok that a P.A -C who was supervising me was allowed to do her bills in clinic, I was told that as a student I wasn't allowed to ask patients if they prefer a male or female during pelvic exams.  Basically I was swindled out of the program, and the psychiatrist told my direct that I was wasn't ready to return, even though I told him all I wanted to do was finish my education...the psychiatrist didn't give me a reason why I shouldn't return, he didn't tell me what I should do, he didn't do a damn thing accept go behind my back and tell the director I can't return. The Director didn't help in any way or fashion, instead she continued with the harassment and gave no mentorship or direction throughout the entire harassment campaign.

 All the while I succeeded in all my clinical rotation exams and end of rotation assignments.  My evaluations were all a set-up as well, and one preceptor blatantly lied about my experience, when I maintained professionalism, he violated it on a few occasions.  So even though I was perfect in rotation, what caught me, was complaining about the harassment, which I first called workplace bullying, but in Heinz site to present, it's all just a stalking campaign to suppress my quality of life.

Still Chugging Along

        Well, we are into Physiology, Interviewing, Health Systems, Clinical Reasoning, and about to be off for the Thanksgiving break.  Exam 1 of 2 for Physiology is the day after break on the 27th, so I have to figure out a way to make sure to properly study during the break, the unforunate thing is that I will be in God's Country on a kayak/camping/bowhunting adventure.  This will be my get away from school, and it should last about 3 days.  My thoughts on the program are still about the same and there has been a few neat things that have occurred.
        We just purchased our medical equipment, so we will be prepared for Spring Semester when we practice Physical Exams and the such.  We will have a briefing on that tomorrow actually from the Associate Dean of the program.
        We had our last taped interview practice, and I just finished my write-up actually.  The course is educational, and helps build the foundation of patient interviews. Way cool. Very patient centered to say the least. It's a bit tough to perform when your being taped though, but eveytime I noticed that my comfortability increases.
        I went to a Community Care Clinic recently to start shadowing the current officer, as I will be taking over once he hits clinicals at the end of the Fall semester.  Clinic for the community is so awesome, and it feels incredible to have the sense of impacting the population in a positive fashion.  There are a lot of individuals that need healthcare, and I couldn't be happier that I'm at the fore front of such care.
         Speaking with the 2nd years, again, I've been told to make sure that I take some time to thoroughly read EKG material prior the Spring semester, over break.  The 2nd semester is going to be a doozy, as I've been told by many 2nd years, and It's important that I man my battle stations prior the fun!  
         I have been studying quite a bit, and I will say that I've never studied this much in my life.  I can't believe that I have spent 5-7 hours in the medical library grinding it out on several weekends.  In fact, I'm in the library as I write, making flash cards so I can study my condensed notes over break.
         I was so excited about the break that I finished my presentation that is due the day after break in Clinical Reasoning already.   There are several presentations that are due by the end of the semester as well.  Overall, the rest of the semester is very doable, and was nothing compared to when Anatomy was in session.  
       

November 6th...Last Day of Anatomy!

          It is a real relief to be finished with Anatomy, but honestly I don't think that was the real hump of PA school.  I've been thinking a lot about the Spring semester as being one of the determining factors to know whether I have a hold on PA school, or PA school has a hold on me!  We are in a period of brief cool down actually, and the 2nd year students say we should enjoy our time right now, because Spring semester is going to be sizzling!  We start out with 6 courses in our Spring semester, so I can only imagine the rigor that we will endure.  I will confront the beast with as much preparation as I can attain.  I was told by my 2nd year PA buddy that I should consider being knowledgeable on EKG's during the winter break because it comes fast in the Spring.  Often, this holds students up because of the difficulty apparently. 
          Aside from that, we started Physiology, and are working in several groups accomplishing about 3 projects.  I am enjoying the class with the medical students, which is Clinical Reasoning, and have learned a moderate amount on how to approach a case in a clinical aspect.  I have more fuel then I had in the beginning actually, and I think it's because we are beginning to hit more core courses that I have great interest in.  We have a 3 day weekend, so I'm going to attempt to make the most out of it by studying and working on some project material tomorrow.

" One day at a time "

Today Was Our Last Anatomy Lecture!

         Today was our last Antomoy lecture on the Limbic system and the Hippocampus.  It feels almost like a relief, but in actuality the battle is still not won.  This Tuesday, November 6th, is our last ( 4th ) exam.  Everyone is preparing themselves to rumble in the jungle.  I know that I would like to do well just to make sure that I don't drop a letter grade since I'm boarderline.   Tonight, even though Friday, I think I"m going to just do all my cleaning/laundry so I have the entire weekend to accomplish school work.

       This week was fun, and we had another interview practice session with the Theatre students, whose primary role is to give us a hard time throughout the interviews.  Speaking for the group though, I know we have shown tremendous improvement since we've had enough repetition in what type of questions that we ask our patients.  I'm learning that there is no such thing as the perfect interview, and there is always something small to improve upon, similar to life in general. 

      So, after November 6th, we start Physiology as well as continue to work on several types of group projects....

Happy Halloween!

         Here we go October 31st, and only 1 week left of Anatomy.  It's so amazing that the Holidays are just flying by, I just don't think about important dates anymore, except if it allows us a break from school! haha  We have 6 days off for Thanksgiving, and 3 weeks off for Christmas, of course I'm looking foward to both! :)

Currently Studying For My Last Anatomy Exam!!!

           Right now I'm sitting where the lead meets the paper, and it's about 10:00pm on a Tuesday night. Today we discussed the molecular processes of the eye, and how the retina, along with it's photoreceptors percieve light, along with many other concepts, that I can barely remember.  It's about the 11th out of 15 lectures that we will be examined on.  There is a metric boat load of information to understand, and the art of retaining it, is to condense the material.  It's important to condense, and discuss some topics with my classmates so we can study faster, and go over material that is more time efficient.   The game plan is to stay up till about 12:30a, and crash because tomorrow we don't have class until 10a.  So that allows us to sleep in, and I'm thanking the 1st year medical students that they have an exam, because a typical Wednesday entails being at the campus at approximately 8a...

Recently...

Recently, a lot has been going on with school, and we are about to finish Anatomy! Our last exam is this upcoming Monday.  We are investigating Neurology, and it's going fast like the rest of the material.

On another note, I have been privilaged the position of becoming the Community Care PA Officer, and will have the opportunity to give back to our community by assisting in running free clinics that they have access to.  There are several hats that  I will wear in this officer position, and I'm looking forward to this unique experience! 
I'm starting to realize though that there are many other aspects to PA school than just going to the courses, and I'm enjoying it more and more...

"Don't get close to fire, not expecting to sweat"

Grinding It Out...

      I can finally say that I'm grinding out Anatomy, and it has taken all of my energy to successfully study for this course.  Honestly, there isn't much more to study for except for an " Interviewing " class that we are taking as well.  I'm having a hard time studying consistently like I should be.  We have the 3rd exam this Tuesday, and I, like majority of my classmates, still feel unprepared.  There is just so much to retain in this interval prior the 3rd exam.  We are on the head and neck, and the nerves stemming from the brain are so hard to understand fully.

    I received most of my comfort from speaking to the 2nd year students, and asking them how the hell they did it! lol  

    This weekend you can expect me to continue chiseling away at my studies! Woof...

To Date...

         To date we have completed " Intro Into The PA Profession " already.  In Anatomy we have completed everything except the head and neck.  In fact, we have moved past the neck already, and are picking through the cranial vault ( the inside of the skull ), and so if that doesn't give you an idea of our pace, I'm not sure what will.  I have personally had the opportunity to network with some of the 1st year medical students and they haven't even began Anatomy yet.  We are spending the remaining 1.5 weeks on the head and neck, and then the other 3.5 on neurology. 

         The time has seriously flown by when I think about it, and it's not super stressful like I thought it was going to be, it's more demanding than I thought though.  Sometimes I don't want to study, and that's where building a solid foundation in the art of " Self - Discipline " helps alleviate the procrastination.   For me it's not about thinking whether or not I can make it through the school, it's more about asking myself numerous times, what will the future semesters hold in regards to difficulty and demand? 

       I noticed that I have personally began to evolve in regards to understanding what Michael S. Hill is capable of, and there is nothing in this world that can not be accomplish if you have two principles that are sturdely embedded in your mind and heart. " Hard work and Dedication ". These haven't failed to push the envelope in the pursuit of my goals.  These are the two tools that I will apply, dreams are attained by using these two implements.

         For those of you who didn't get in a PA program this year, re - apply because applying " Dedication " means that your striving to obtain your goals. Don't give up. 

Health Fair

This past Saturday I joined some 1st year medical students at a health fair assisting with migrant hispanic workers south of town.  It was a very humbling experience, because I was able to assist them with their health concerns.  We took basic vitals such as BP/BS/BMI/Eye/Hearing/ and a brief mental health exam.  Overall, the experience was phenomenol, and I was able to instruct some of the 1st year medical students on how to take a BP appropriately.  Since I've had experience as an EMT I felt I was more approachable and comfortable during my interactions with patients.  One thing I could improve upon is my Spanish! haha

" There's only one way to eat an Elephant, one bite at a time. "

Anatomy Exams I & II

Well, as of today we are already finished with half of anatomy, and we have blown through the entire body except the neck and head, which we will start this Monday.  Crazzy!!  In the exams were tough, but with persistent studying achieving a decent grade is doable.  A few notes on that:

1. There is a different study skill required for being great on the " Practical ".  It's hard to do equal on both " Written " and " Practical " becase of this.

2. Depending if you have a 1000 lb brain then you can obtain a great grade on both, but since I only have a brain that weighs 900lbs  ( haha, your in class with a alot of 900lbers ) there is a definite fluctuation between both grades.

I have learned a lot about myself and my study skills, I have to re-adjust to feel more confident during our next exam coming up in 1.5 wks. They have assessment centers here that I.D your type of study habits, and I seem to be Highly Kinesthetic, so I have to be hands on during my study, bringing my lecture material to lab and writing with the chalk board, and often with the dri-erase.


Alot, has occurred since the last time I've written, and we have finished our " Intro Into The PA Profession " class already.  We have begun our " Interviewing " class already, and I have participated in some annual community events already.  I'm actually going to a health fair this morning, and I'll be able to sport my white coat, so I'm pretty pumped about that! 

" It's not the years in your Life, it's the Life in your years. "

Exam 1 This Friday

So, the semester is some what tiered, and our 1st Anatomy exam is this upcoming Friday, and everyone is anxious! We started with just one class, but have 2 now. It will grow in numbers as the semester progresses.  I'm pretty excited, and I'm headed to the Cadaver lab in an hr to prepare more for the practical.  Overall, I feel like I've studied so much already that I want to just get the exam over and done with!   I'm not the type of person who gets super stressed over the exam, and in fact, I'm kinda the exact opposite for some reason.  When I first hit undergrad I would become worried prior to exams, but now I just feel like I just want to get it over and done with.  Sometimes I wish I felt like a had more of a sense of urgency prior the exams because I think I would do a tad better...gottat work on that...well...off to Cadaver lab.  Stay tuned for my results! 

" Shoot for the moon, for if you fall short, you will still land amongst the stars."

Week 2 Complete!

Here's the scoop, the 1 st week of school was hectic because there were two portions of the body we went through on the 1st day of class.  Overall, felt overwhelming of course.  My classmates and I have already began to study in groups, even though in the beginning most of us were studying independently.  The quiz was an eye opener for everyone because we learned how exam/quiz questions will be presented. It's no different from learning from that 1st exam in undergrad., but with a bit more spice. 

The first exam is going to be next week, and it touches on topics ranging from back muscles, their innervations, and vessels.  Shoulder, Axilla, Arm, Forearm, Hand, and Thorax....lots of info indeed. 

" Running and Gunning "

Finally It's Here!! The 1st Day of School!!!

Ya know, the day was strenous, in only that the information was a lot.  The information in general wasn't that hard.  It was interesting to finally get a course load, and I think my classmates were happy with the day as well.  I spoke with several of them, and the concensus is that it's do able.  I'm very excited to start though, and the day was a bit tiresome because we sat in Anat. for 8 hrs!! lol  The professors were cool and easy going.  After the day was over though I can't lie, I hit the bed for an hr! Haha, it freaking drained me!  My fellow classmates can concur, and most of them shot off to the library to attempt to retain the material, some went to the gym,  and some went home.  I myself, went to the YMCA in the Medical Center for about 45 minutes, got home, showered and cooked.  I attempted to lay down for about 45 mins, but had to call family to inform them about my day. 

From about 8pm onward I studied, and today in lecture we went over the vertebrae with the nervous system intertwined throughout it.  There is a lot to know already, and tomorrow we are already going to the NEXT subject! Haha, the shoulders!  It's like Mach 2 on the European Audoban. 

My studying mostly consist of lecturing myself aloud on a dry-erase board.  It's a great way to retain the material because if you can teach it, then you have learned it.  Although, it is silly thinking about how I'm talking to myself aloud.  Maybe an invisible patient could work for imaginative purposes! lol


Here's the thing though, for my followers and future PA-C students,  you have to remember that we are here as students a couple reasons.

1.) We WANT to be here.  We are passionate, dedicated, and fortified by our inner spirits to improve the human condition.  All 45 of us have the vision of becoming a PA-C!

2.)  The faculty and staff know what they are doing when it comes to selection.  They wouldn't have selected you as a student hadn't they known your potential to handle to program.

So, for those of you that are worried about the intensity of the program, just remember " Pain is Temporary, Quitting is Forever. " In all actuality, 27 months will seriously fly, especially when your so busy.  This material isn't nuclear phyics, and with that being said, all you need is the " Eye of The Tiger " to climb the mountain. 

The heat will crank up in the kitchen of PA school I'm sure, but I don't think I'm understating the program because I've spoken with numerous 2nd yr students who have been through it all.  They all have the same advice, and that is to complete the 1st semester successfully, even though tough, and you will be fine the rest of the forth coming semesters. 

" Attitude is everything, pick a good one. "

Michael S. Hill PA-S

Orientation Yesterday!

Yesterday's orientation was an eye opener, but the seeds for friendship and perserverance throughout the program were planted needless to say.  Beside being a very long day, 08:00a - 05:00p, I had lots of fun during the orientation.  Breakfast and lunch were provided, and there was lots of tid bits of information to understand, everything from becoming HIPAA certified, the Graduate Studies Resources being available to us, the PA Program resources that are available, emergency contacts, obtaining ID's, meeting with professors, touring the campus, asking lots of questions, and like already said, establishing a bond with classmates.  There was even a 2nd yr student there to give the class insight into what to expect, also to make sure we take advantage of the academic resources that are available in regards to the Academic Enrichemnt Center ( AEC ).  This center is a place to collaborate with fellow students on varying subjects.  We can start tutor group sessions, and tweek varying study habits that may be causing conflict with our performance. 

Overall, that day was the spark for ignition to what is to be our FIRST SEMESTER!  CHEERS TO THAT! The flame will ignite Monday Aug. 20th. Some of my classmates are going to hang 10 for an evening at one of the local bar and grills tomorrow.  I'm extremely happy that my fellow colleagues are open to friendships, and are just as compassionate, motivated, and determined as I am in becoming a future PA-C!

" Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision."  Muhammad Ali

Coming Close To The Beginning....

         Well, I am excatly 10 days out from the beginning of my journey to becoming a PA.  I'm both anxious and nervous because there will be  soo much to learn!  In 2 yrs I will be practicing with 3rd and 4th yr medical students, and that's difficult to grasp that concept.  There will be loads of information blasted my way, I ran into a 1 st yr student of the program, and she described it as standing in a hurricane, and I think I stated this already, but since time is nearing it is becoming more and more surreal.
         Exactly 9 days ago though I was playing a local soccer match, and hurt my left knee.  I made an appt. with my PCP, and we ruled out a fx luckily.  It has taken some time now to heal, but I'm glad that I will not need surgery.  The injury has put a damner on all physical activity to include fishing, which I love to do.  I brought my kayak, and now I won't even have the opportunity to use it.  So I'm kinda down about that.
          I have talked to one of my classmates over the phone, as he wanted to just get in touch and make sure our rendevouz for a meet n greet were still set, and in a wk I will be attending.  I'm really ready to start making connections with my classmates and  to begin a strong friendship between everyone.  The program has a saying, there are no " Islands ", which basically means there is no " I " in " Team ". 
        We made a FB group and have over half the class on board, but there is still about 10 or so that have not joined, so I'm assuming they don't have an account with FB. 
         Again, I have spent some time hear and there skimming through my A&P book familiarizing myself with basic concepts so it hopefully lessens the strains when crunch time starts!  I know for a fact that I will be typing away at this blog when school starts, and I will fill you in on the goods throughout the program.

" You miss All the Shots you don't take "

PA News Update!!!

Forbes Ranks Physician Assistant Studies as Top Master’s Degree for Long-Term Employment Opportunity

2012-06-11

Majority of PAs are female as the profession grows
Alexandria, VA — Forbes again named physician assistant studies the single best master’s degree for the third year in a row, citing the profession’s favorable outlook for salary and long-term employment.
“The continued recognition from Forbes is a welcome one for our profession because PAs increase access to quality, coordinated healthcare in virtually every medical setting and specialty,” said James Delaney, PA-C, president of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. “Whether we work as administrators, clinicians or educators, there are limitless opportunities for the more than 84,000 certified PAs in transforming our nation’s healthcare.”
To meet the continuous demand for PA services, industry experts estimate that by 2025, there will be 189 PA programs and more than 127,000 PAs in the healthcare workforce. Currently, 6,000 PAs enter the workforce each year after graduating from the 164 programs around the country.
Newly released data from the AAPA 2011 Census shows that the profession, already 61 percent female, is going to continue the trend. Of those PAs entering the workforce annually, 75 percent are female, and data shows that male PAs are retiring at a faster rate.
The average PA education program is 27 months long and is modeled on the medical school curriculum — a combination of classroom and clinical instruction. Admission to PA school is highly competitive. Applicants to PA programs must complete at least two years of college courses in basic and behavioral science as prerequisites, analogous to premedical studies required of medical students. PA education includes instruction in numerous core sciences, as well as more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations.


   For me, this is the incentive to grind out PA school and begin a wonderful career! It's pretty special when your profession is recognized as having the best longevity when it comes to careers, especially by Forbes for 3 yrs in a row.  Again, it makes me even more thirsty to become a PA. The road to becoming one is going to begin 25 days from today! Till then!

" Hardwork & Dedication " - Floyd "Pretty Boy" Mayweather

PA News Update!!!

Study Indicates No Wage Gap Between Female PAs and MDs in Primary Care

2012-07-19

James Potter, senior vice president, advocacy and operations
A new study by two Yale economists indicates that there is little difference in hourly career earnings between female PAs and that of female MDs in primary care. The research entitled, “Are Women Over-investing in Education? Evidence from the Medical Profession” by M. Keith Chen and Judith A. Chevalier was featured in a Forbes.com article by Gergana Koleva and published this month in the Journal of Human Capital. The analysis factored in the economic and time costs of completing medical school and residency training versus a typical two-year physician assistant program, the existing gender gap in post-degree earnings, and the tendency for women physicians to reduce work hours when they have children.

The Yale study argues that unless women physicians plan to work consistently more than 40 hours a week, there was little difference between the hourly career earnings of female physicians and those of female PAs in primary care medicine. In fact, the analysis suggests that the women PAs earn slightly more over the course of their careers.

The study used an economic measure known as net present value (NPV) to determine whether a long-term venture such as a medical career is worth the investment. The career NPV of women becoming a primary care physician was found to be about $1.67 million, whereas the career NPV for women becoming a PA in primary care was about $1.68 million.

The economists found that the career NPV of a male physician was significantly above that of a male PA in primary care medicine. Their analysis reported that the career NPV of a male primary care physician was about $2.3 million, while the career NPV for a male PA in primary care averaged $1.9 million.

         This is a great look for female practicioners! Who would have thunk!? I personally believe that when I get out in 2yrs I want to work super hard while I'm young, as I will be 25 yrs old. I would like to have a hectic work week so I can grab the experience, and the money which will soon come after.

         On a side note, I'm assuming that the female PA's are working a tad harder than the MD's, and what I mean by that is that  they are accumalating more hours per week, as stated by the article. So yes they are making more, but I wish men could say the same!! lol For males the difference between the PA and the MD is around $400,000 in NPV. That's a house, among many other things!

Long Time No Type!

Well, it's finally about to happen! I have moved to my new town of Study. In Ohio by the way, and have completed all of my vaccinations and the physical prior matriculation.  I was able to join my group of classmates on a facebook page that one of them made. I' m super excited to begin.  I know that there shouldn't be a hurry to enter a hurricane, but I'm just ready to grow and start practicing. After all, it's only going to be 2 yrs of school!  I was leaving the student health center after recieving a PPD shot and actually ran into one of the 1st yr PA students who had one thing to say. " It's a Hurricane".  The program assigned me a summer reading project, and was told to read the book called, " Study Without Stress". ( by Eugenia G. Kelman & Kathleen C. Straker )  The author talks about condensing your notes, and having ample time to self - test. Also, it's all about time management. I'm actually getting some use out of the book though, and I would encourage future students to obtain a copy!

I've mostly been super busy furnishing my apartment, and getting my utilities set up. I just put my Internet up today, and have also installed a wireless router coupled with my modem.  It wasn't as hard a set as I thought it would be.  I started looking over some anatomy throughout the day as well.  I thought it was interesting to read over stuff here and there. It's wild how much you can actually remember.  Orientation begins August 15th and school begins the 20 th. INCEPTION!

Until then, I beleive I will enjoy what this town has to offer, and will make sure to attempt some fishing in my spare time. I looked into joining the University gym or Rec. Cntr, but I can't untill school starts unfortunately!  The will be a PA NEWS UPDATE!! Tomorrow a.m! Stay tuned!

" Keep a sense a humor, especially about yourself, it is a power above all measure. "

PA News Update!!!

                

 

Check This Out!

 

New Labor Department Health Careeers Portal Includes PAs

2012-05-16

         AAPA is among the groups that had input on the U.S. Department of Labor on a new online portal for to assist new entrants and un- and under-employed persons transition into high paying, high growth healthcare careers.

         Called Virtual Career Network (VCN), the online portal was sponsored by the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, and developed and operated by the American Association of Community Colleges.

        VCN will help those interested in the health professions determine whether such a career is appropriate for them by linking visitors to labor market information and experiential information, such as career videos or “day-in-the-life stories.” The online portal also answers common questions about salary and job growth.

After looking around VCN, a visitor should be able to:

Decide which healthcare career is the best fit for them;

Identify the credential(s) needed to get and hold a job in the career or career path they choose;

Locate an appropriate instructional program, either online or at a local community college, completion of which would lead to obtaining that credential;

Receive the developmental education (directly through the platform) where online assessments determine that additional academic preparation is required to meet the prerequisites for entry into that school and/or instructional program;

Find and apply for financial aid to help cover costs of taking such an instructional program; and

Create and maintain a personal Career Management Account in which they can store all of this information (and more), maintain personal control over their academic, counseling, and work records, and (over time) direct their own career development.

The Virtual Career Network’s PA webpage is here.

http://www.vcn.org/healthcare/careerdetails?onetcode=29-1071.00

Copy n paste! :)




         This is very interesting, I know that there are many websites out there that give this type of information to the user. What is very unique about VCN I believe is the ability to see "day-in-the-life stories" and the ability to sign up for any classes on VCN to help you accomplish your credentials. I think this will further help those individuals who seek a health proffession career information so they can pick the best profession for them.  I wish they had the VCN fired up 3.5 yrs ago when I was looking into the PA profession because it would have been an excellent resource to maintain a path to accomplishing that goal. Again, VCN, pretty neat!