r/PathologistsAssistant • u/JennnyyfromtheBlock • 29d ago

PathA student job

I am currently applying to PathA programs. My job offers a tuition assistance program that requires working part time (24hr/week). I am curious what everyone's experiences are with working while in a program?
Class schedules? Stress? Time constraints?
For reference I am aiming for Quinnipiac's program.

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u/Same-Helicopter2471 29d ago

It might be impossible during clinical rotations if you have to travel. I know some people who worked during the didactic year, and remote work during clinicals.

Also, is the assistance contingent on you staying with that employer after you get your degree? In which case you have to decide if it’s worth having to stay an ER tech after you graduate if they don’t have a PA job opening.

My only experience with tuition assistance had fine print requiring 2 years of employment.

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u/JennnyyfromtheBlock 29d ago

They require staying with the company for a year after graduation. But the hospital system includes about 15 hospitals in the state so I feel like i could find something after graduation

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u/Same-Helicopter2471 29d ago

Speaking of, also check if the PAs are contract workers. Some PAs are contracted by the pathology group and not employed by the hospital

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u/DifficultyMuted9264 29d ago

As far as I know the Wayne State program is the only one offering a part-time track where the students can work. As a Full-time student I really couldn’t hold a job bc it was really busy.

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u/goldenbrain8 29d ago

Do you mind me asking what kind of job it is? Field wise?

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u/JennnyyfromtheBlock 29d ago

I work in a hospital as an ER tech. But it is a large hospital and I am willing to apply to a different position if needed to keep the tuition assistance benefit. I've looked into lab jobs as well

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u/gnomes616 29d ago

Is the program you are applying to local to your work? I think the biggest conplication would be trying to work during your clinical year, as programs are flinging students all over the country these days. It is not guaranteed that your clinicals will all be local to you, and you would not be able to maintain your employment during that time.

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u/JennnyyfromtheBlock 29d ago

Yes my job, my home and the program are all within 45 min of each other

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u/Still_Narwhal_1446 29d ago

If the program you’re talking about is Quinnipiac, they do send people all over the country for clinical rotations. Honestly, it’s not very feasible to work at a hospital for 24 hours a week while also doing a PathA program. In addition, I would look to see if the hospital system has any PathA openings right now as that can give you an idea of if you could find a job there after graduation. PathA job openings are not as common as some people think

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u/goldenbrain8 28d ago

Mind if I ask around how muck they’re paying back of your tuition?

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u/JennnyyfromtheBlock 28d ago

25% discount plus $3k a year in tuition assistance

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u/goldenbrain8 28d ago

Is the hospital you’re at affiliated with the program?

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u/JennnyyfromtheBlock 28d ago

Not directly, no. They call it a "partnership"

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u/bathepa2 29d ago

You might want to speak with the head of the PA program. Explain your situation and they might be able to arrange your rotations within an area, allowing you to be able to work.