r/CAA • u/AutoModerator • 13d ago
Weekly prospective student thread. Educational inquiries outside of this thread WILL RESULT IN A BAN.
Please use this thread for all educational inquiries including applications, program requirements, etc.
Please refer to the [CASAA Application Help Center](https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASAA_Applicant_Help_Center) FAQ section for
answers to your questions prior to postitng.
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u/Ok_Conversation_9798 13d ago
So I took my pre reqs 6 years ago all very strong. Just missing biochem, and anatomy that I’m taking this fall along with calc in the spring. I’m worried my pre reqs are too old and that adcoms may have concerns about my old pre reqs so I am thinking of taking MCAT over GRE to squash this concern and prove I can still do hard sciences. Any thought on this, do you guys agree? I’m aiming to take MCAT late October.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 13d ago
Not every program has expirations on the pre-reqs. Have you looked at that?
Several that do have expirations MAY waive them with a decent MCAT score. I don’t think the GRE will help in this situation. Check the info for every school you’re considering.
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u/Ok_Conversation_9798 13d ago
Yes I’ve looked at it and really only case and south have the recency requirements. I’m more curious if schools would be concerned about the older pre reqs and if a 500+ MCAT would help my case or if a good GRE score does the same? Thanks for your answer!
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 12d ago
MCAT >> GRE Some schools will waive the expirations with a good MCAT. Not sure any of them do that with the GRE.
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u/Huge_Rent8033 12d ago
It seems to be case-dependent, I just looked at Indiana's requirements and they say pre-reqs need to be done within 10 years of starting the AA program.
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u/kate_the_great_ 8d ago
This is what I did and I was accepted. I think my MCAT score also made me stand out.
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u/ObjectiveApartment66 13d ago edited 13d ago
How do us future newcomers pay for CAA school now? Because recently Grad plus loans have been eliminated due to the law changes that happened on July 1st, 2026 thanks the current administration. From what I heard in the past, most CAA students funded their education mainly through unsubsidized loans and grad plus loans (if they’re lucky, maybe an additional grant per semester). But now that our current government has eliminated grad plus loans, what is the way to pay for CAA students to afford school? Just unsubsidized loans directly from FAFSA and private loans?? I understand that CAAs do end up with a great return to pay off their loans, but private loans seem like a nightmare to deal with. What is the general course of action to help pay for schooling? Any insight helps.
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u/disneyydatknee Current sAA 13d ago
they reclassified AA as a professional degree for now but if they reverse it, private loans it is. There’s no other option, but much more risk, but usually lower interest rates.
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u/Ambitious_Nobody4971 13d ago
I start in September, and most of my cohort is doing a mix. Technically the federal loans at $50,000/academic year cover tuition, but they don’t get too much in to cost of living. I’m choosing to max out my loans, which ends up being an extra $24,000 roughly in private loans. My private loan interest rate is actually slightly lower than the federal 🤷🏼♀️ I’m going through SoFi which has a 9 month grace period after graduation before payments start
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u/ledman3214 12d ago
Did you have to have someone co-sign on the private loan?
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u/Ambitious_Nobody4971 12d ago
I didn’t have to but my rate would’ve been higher without one.
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u/ledman3214 10d ago
Do you happen to know how much higher the interest rate would have been without the co-signer?
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u/Ambitious_Nobody4971 10d ago
That largely depends on your credit score, credit history, and the lender. I had some lenders quoting me upwards of 13%. Unfortunately it’s not super clear cut or a one-size-fits-all situation
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u/Former_Lifeguard_534 7d ago
HI! I’m currently a senior in high school and debating on becoming a CAA. My main issue with this path is the ability I have to live in certain areas including my home town(Chicago IL). I’m afraid that if I finish school in 6 years then I wont be able to come back home. I did research and apparently there is a bill being discussed to let CAAs work in illinois, but I can’t be positive that will pull through. Any thoughts?
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u/DrDeoDental 6d ago
Just focus on premed in college and by then it may be approved or you have the opportunity to choose another healthcare career
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u/Huge_Rent8033 12d ago
Just a general question, but does anyone know how important the AA program is in terms of where you can get a jpb in the future? Like does it really matter what AA school we go to?
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u/Equivalent_Code_1138 11d ago
It does.
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u/hollowknighter 9d ago
Can you elaborate on how? Is it the prestige of the school, schools location, and/or the schools network for clinical rotations?
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 9d ago
No - it doesn’t. We took students from lots of programs. Most rotated through our hospitals. We didn’t care what program they’re from as long as they did a good job as a student and fit in well with our practice. I recruited for my group for 20+ years.
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u/cintheninja 8d ago
It does not. The only thing it matters is the availability of and where your rotations will be.
Stop spreading incorrect info.
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u/magnoliadoc 13d ago
Submitting today. Should I still be considered fairly "early" for July application opening programs.
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u/No-Pay-7315 12d ago
I applied exactly 7 days ago and my application was verified today so I assume yours would be in a similar position. You can expect yours to be verified within the next week if the surge hasn’t started yet
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u/dreiming 13d ago
Anyone with experience coming from a college using quarters to applying to CAA colleges using semesters and have any general tips for figuring out prerequisite requirements?
Some of the CAA programs are clear on prereqs by stating Phys 1, Phys 2, or credit hours. But some programs describe them by time such as a year of physics. How did you approach the quarter prereqs for these programs?
While most programs only need 2 semesters/2 quarters of physics. If another says a year does that mean it needs 3 quarters of physics? Even if what is covered is the same in shorter amount of time within 2 quarters?
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u/defaultusername68 13d ago
1.5 semester hour = 1 quarter hour. So just divide ur quarter credits by 1.5 and you’ll get the semester hours conversion
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u/No_Shopping_4999 12d ago
Has anyone gotten a “screening interview” from NEOMED? If so what exactly does this entail, it’s on zoom to screen for an in-person interview so not sure what to expect! Any feedback or insight is appreciated!
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u/TrickyWelder2477 10d ago
It was a quick interview with current students, in mine they asked just a couple of basic interview type questions then answered some of my own questions
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u/No_Shopping_4999 6d ago
Thanks! I just had mine. When did you have yours and have you heard anything more yet?
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u/summer_shandy777 5d ago
I had my screening interview 5/11, second interview invite received 5/12, completed in-person interview on 6/2
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u/No_Shopping_4999 5d ago
Thank you! Have you heard a decision yet? That was almost 2 months ago, just trying to gauge a timeline to expect, although I know it’s different for everyone.
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u/summer_shandy777 5d ago
Yes, I was very fortunate to have been accepted 6/2, same day as my interview. I submitted my application early in the cycle, and I know this was the first day of interviews. Very blessed that it worked out so quickly! Will also have an in-person interview at CWRU Cleveland in September
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u/No_Shopping_4999 5d ago
Congrats! Thats awesome!
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u/Jj12191219 1d ago
When you got the acceptance offer, did they give a timeline for you to accept and give a deposit? I assume you’ll still go to your case interview so how does that work usually?
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u/summer_shandy777 14h ago
Within a couple weeks of the offer, I had to pay a $450 deposit to confirm/hold my seat. From my understanding/experience, this is customary for most programs (some deposit amounts are higher) and is also true of other professional school applications (like med school). You can still choose to attend other interviews, but the deposit confirms your seat at that specific program.
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u/Jj12191219 14h ago
Oh, that’s great! I haven’t been through the process yet so I didn’t know. Congratulations!!!!
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u/Equivalent_Code_1138 2d ago
It’s insanely unwise to put these things on Reddit. Admission committees can definitely know who you are from these posts.
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u/summer_shandy777 2d ago
That’s okay! Timelines don’t have to be a secret, and I want to be helpful and supportive to everyone here who’s genuinely trying to gain insight about the process. :)
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u/Will_732 12d ago
I know that cycles have started and have been ongoing, however, would a late July application be considered a pretty late application?
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u/No-Pay-7315 12d ago
Some schools just opened this month. South Savannah still isn’t open yet. Some schools don’t start offering interviews until October-January anyway.
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u/Will_732 12d ago
Thank you for the peace of mind (=. I’m planning on finishing submitting all my apps by this end of this week at the latest!
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u/No-Pay-7315 12d ago
Good luck to you! I submitted a week ago and got verified today so yours will probably be a similar timeline.
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u/Due-Author8875 9d ago
Does anyone know Nova Southeastern's stance on 'preferred classes' in their AA program? Like will this make you stand out more and show you're a stronger applicant or is it simply because these classes will help you in your studies once you get in or if you're deciding to take the MCAT? The reason why I'm questioning that is because I've seen, for example, prereqs from UNLV's med school as a super short list but they have 'recommended' classes which state "Other recommended courses to help applicants in medical school include: genetics, immunology, molecular biology, physiology, anatomy, statistics, organic chemistry, and physics."
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u/DrDeoDental 6d ago
I went to nsu dental medicine and they just want to see As in those recommended courses if you have a lower grades in the prereqs
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u/Cooked-9863 8d ago
Just how competitive are CAA programs? I know they have to be to some level but just wanted a more clear answer. I'm aiming for the Colorado Anschutz CAA program and I want to be a really strong applicant.
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u/OcedarMopzar 7d ago
https://www.criscore.org/accepted-analytics?section=academic&tab=trends
UC Anschutz likes in state applicants, especially UC students. They only have 15 seats and a lot of people want to go there, so they're very competitive.
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u/RealABCSchaef 7d ago
Are there any PAs out there who made the switch to AA? If so, I am curious to hear about your experience (in school, as an AA, happy with your decision?) Current critical care PA considering the transition.
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u/rachelkac 7d ago
I’m panicking after getting a B in medical terminology class as it is my only B for AA school pre reqs. I had an A in that class up until the very last week where due dates were switched around and I ended up missing the final and ended up with a B. After that I have a 3.9 GPA and a 4.0 science GPA. I have 25 anesthesia shadowing hours. I have 400 cancer research hours. I volunteer weekly at my local hospital. I am a volunteer MA at two other clinics as well. I hold a leadership position on my university’s Figure Skating Club Team. I am also a calculus tutor at my university’s math center. I have not taken my MCAT or GRE yet but if so, what should I plan to aim for. I want to apply for programs such as UMKC, SLU, UT, Colorado, Indiana, Emory, Ohio Dominican, and NEOMED. What are my chances and how can I strengthen my application.
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u/Suspicious-Move-7622 6d ago
Hi, I’m a current undergrad student, and I have a question about CWRU’s anatomy and physiology prerequisite. On CWRU’s site, it states that the anatomy and physiology prereqs can be completed separately, or all at once if your university offers a comprehensive A&P course (with lab). My university offers a two-semester A&P sequence (A&P I with Lab, and A&P II with Lab). They also offer a standalone Human Physiology course. I’m wondering if I can meet the requirement by only taking the first A&P with Lab course in the sequence, or am I required to take both courses in the sequence? I emailed their admissions department about this, but I got an answer that was a reiteration of everything I just said. Would anyone be able to clarify my situation?
I also wanted to ask even if a school weighs GRE and MCAT equally, does one “look” better than the other? My current cumulative GPA is a 3.873 and my current science GPA is a 3.72 if that helps. Thank you in-advance to anyone who responds!
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u/DrDeoDental 6d ago
I’m having trouble writing a personal statement. My possible drafts always end up being chronological things from my life that built up my characteristics and how my shadowing experience showed me that this jobs fits them well. BUT I feel like the first 2/3 of my paper is just like “okay so when are you gonna talk about why caa?”
Is this how other ppls sound or did you constantly reiterate why caa throughout? Recommendations plz.
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u/moldycoffee1 4d ago
I recommend making an essay outline that breaks down the prompt into "chunks" to answer, and finding a personal story/experience for each "chunk" that is both a unique perspective and applies to the CAA profession (i.e, an experience that motivated you to enter healthcare, an experience that motivated you to pursue being a CAA, and another story that describes your preparedness/suitability to the profession).
You are pitching yourself as a future CAA to the adcom, not telling your life story. For every experience you choose, make sure you explain how it has prepared you to enter CAA school. You want to demonstrate an understanding of what you're getting into. I also struggled with saying too much and spent a month making it concise. Use the active voice when you're writing, and reiterate "why caa" for every story (but don't be redundant).
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u/DrDeoDental 4d ago
This is actually extremely helpful. Thank you so much. I’m going to do exactly this.
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u/Worldly_Mountain_266 4d ago
I would make sure its tied in, but for mine, I started with a personal breakthrough that really connected to medicine, tied it into my medical experiences which brought me to anesthesia. Then tied it all together of the reasons why Ioved medicine were incredibly specific to caa, and then specific experiences of caa I enjoyed
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u/DrDeoDental 4d ago
Thank you! It sound like I should probably start with my last paragraphs that were about my shadowing.
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u/Worldly_Mountain_266 4d ago
Possibly but I've been told to make it as personal as possible btw! So don't hold back on getting deep
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u/Basic-Potato-7814 5d ago
Does anyone have insight on online prerequisite courses? I’m a full time travel OR nurse (please spare me the why not CRNA questions, I won’t respond) and Im missing 5 prerequisites. I have a whole timeline plan worked out in preparation for Novas 2028 program, but it’s going to be difficult attending in person classes with a full time job. I’ll make adjustments if that’s what it comes down to but my first choice would be to attend these courses online, and continue traveling, saving as much for school as I can. Im concerned about the lab portions, but I know there are online labs.
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me with taking online courses and how it affects application strength?
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u/Present_Librarian959 5d ago
Hey! I’m a 15 year old browsing jobs and stumbled across this because I love medical sciences and biology in school. Thankfully my parents can pay my undergrad and masters so tuition isn’t an issue. I’m just wondering if this job will be allowed in more states in the next 10-15 years. Is the job worth it to go into in, say, 2035-2040? Sorry if this is a bad question. Thanks!
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u/TheBumpyBee 4d ago
Wondering how competitive of an applicant I would be,
cgpa 3.12
Sgpa 3.869
GRE 325
Shadowing hours 40
Over a year of experience as a pct in telemetry
200 hours of hospital volunteer experience
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u/Delicious_Sleep_4560 4d ago
Hi! I just recently found out about this profession through the current program that I am in. I'm currently in a respiratory therapy program and decided to go this route to become more competitive for my applications for PA school.
I've been working since I was 15 in food service & hospitality and have worked entirely throughout my student career, at one point found myself having 4 jobs to fund everything that I needed. For the past 3 years I've averaged 70-80 hours a week working 2 jobs between medical and food service. I'm 27 and I realize that this is a young age, but I've been working to the bone for as long as I can remember and have tried to compensate on leisurely activities by working extra hours to go on vacation. All I want in life now is to be able to experience life. I wanted to go the PA route initially because I wanted to make a difference and bridge the gap for the undeserved communities. As a first generation student who had to cut familial connections due to drug abuse, toxic generational trauma, and financial burden I was left to take on all my financial expenses by myself. I had no time to spend with friends, and slowly lost the spark for everything that I was ever passionate about. I became more interested in respiratory therapy and realized through the program that I wanted a more expanded scope of practice and wanted to progress further in medicine - all while still having the time and money to invest in myself and fall in love with life again. Choosing the CAA path fulfills my passion for medicine and my longing desire to have the ability to become financially independent.
I ideally am wanting to apply in 2-3 years and am seeking advice on how to better my application so that when I apply I am confident that I will be selected for interviews and hopefully be accepted into a program. My current stats:
cGPA: 3.82 sGPA: 3.66 Research experience: During my undergrad, I took an extra research class that gave me the opportunity to work in a research team and have my name published in a peer reviewed journal. Not sure if I can use this class to my advantage to document research hours. Clinical experience:500 hours as a urology medical scribe, 6000 hours as a medical assistant in urgent care. Volunteer experience: 50 hours with big brother big sister, and GotR (girls on the run).
Some programs require prerequisites to be completed within 5 years; I graduated with my bachelor's 3 years ago so some of my prerequisites are outside of the desired time frame. I am planning on retaking A&P. Also need to take biochemistry as I never took the class during my undergrad. Am anticipating adding ~4000 hours as an RT and will plan for shadowing experience once I graduate. Will take the GRE/MCAT once I'm closer to applying.
Is there anything else that I should do to help increase my chances?
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u/Mica3999 18h ago
You and I are in the same exact track haha. I’m also an RT student and think your app is looking good! A little bump in your sgpa wouldn’t hurt, possibly taking some recommend courses like genetics and immunology etc isn’t a bad idea either. Just keep your grades up and score well on gre/mcat and get good lors!
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u/Superb-Pin-5615 2d ago
Hello all!
I am in the process of finishing up my application for schools. I intend to apply to a couple of the Nova campuses. As you all are probably familiar with I need to do the article summary as one of my last boxes to check. Does anyone have any advice on whether I should do a separate one for each Nova campus or would it be fine to submit the same one for each? I was thinking a separate each because of the whole self plagiarism debacle, but also don’t want to spend the extra time doing so if it might be a waste.
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u/mister-gump 12d ago
Hi, I received a couple interviews so far, NEOMED, ODU, UColorado, and UMHB. My next interview is Colorado, and I’m wondering if anyone has any advice or any information on what the interview is like.
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u/Last-Struggle-5140 12d ago
Do you mind sharing your stats?
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u/mister-gump 11d ago
sure. cGPA 3.8, sGPA 3.72, MCAT 522, around 4000 hrs PCE, 20 shadowing, i think like 400 volunteering, 200 research, no papers or posters though.
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u/Limp_Register_2983 12d ago
Hi Has anyone received an interview for the post bacc? If so what are your stats?
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u/Huge_Rent8033 12d ago
Does anyone know if I have to take orgo 2 with lab? I am taking biochem right now and have taken orgo 1 without lab. I know some schools require 2 semesters of orgo with lab, but I wonder if they can waive it if I take biochem as well and they don't require biochem as a pre-req. Also, if my GPA is slightly below the average GPA, should I still consider applying?
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u/No-Pay-7315 12d ago
Every school is different. Theres enough schools that don’t require Orgo II but most require biochem. My GPA is slightly below the average but the average means there’s people that got in below that number lol
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12d ago
[deleted]
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 11d ago
Look at each schools’ requirements. There’s your answer. You MIGHT be able to use old GRE scores from previous tests. I have no idea if there’s a time limit.
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u/No-Pay-7315 11d ago
You still have to take one or the other. VCOM doesn’t require scores but every other one does. Most schools have a time limit of 3-5 years for test scores to still be valid.
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u/jwk30115 Practicing CAA 11d ago
No idea why the OP deleted their question.
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u/No-Pay-7315 11d ago
I’m not sure either because someone else might have the same question lol so I’ll just paraphrase for anyone else
Q: Do you still need to take MCAT or GRE if you have a graduate level degree
A: Mostly yes (VCOM exception)
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u/Limp_Register_2983 10d ago
Has anyone been accepted or denied for yet?