Lots of PJs go the officer route and specialize just like I am doing into an MD or PA program. Or you can do contracting, get a degree in whatever you like with the military paying for your education. Another option for you could just be to go the Guard or Reserve route where you would have to take a hiatus from your job while you are in training but will be able to work a normal civilian job once you are done with training.

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.

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.

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.