I am looking to become a PA after a career as as a PJ and was wondering what your experience was like and what steps you took to become a PA while in the Air Force?
It's a long application process. You can look the Interservice Physician Assistant Program online and see the requirements. I would say that unless you currently have a scholarship or are in some other way uniquely invested in your current schooling, I would recommend joining now, then doing more schooling on the military's tuition program. I think what helped me get into PA school was the experience I had in conjunction with the fact that I earned all my credits while being deployed and was successful in both aspects.
How did you get your bachelors degree in 16 months, is it like a special program or something?
I went through the Interservice Physician Assistant program. You earn a BS degree after the first 16 months (Phase 1), then you earn a Masters Degree in Physician Assistant Studies in the following 12 months (Phase 2).
Regarding the transition from being a PJ to medical school or to becoming a PA, are the skills transferable and is the experience attractive to schools?
The experience is absolutely attractive to schools. I am currently in a top 10 school for PAs and I believe that is one of the biggest reasons I was accepted. Schools know you will never quit or fail if you have had that mentality instilled in you from experiences in Special Operations, not to mention the opportunities and experiences I have had as a PJ really set me apart from other candidates.
What route did you take in order to be a PA? Did you get a bachelor's in something like biology first?
Just did some prerequisites, and applied for the IPAP program. It is a highly selective program, so my PJ experience definitely help set me apart from other applicants.