I have had the privileged of watching several PA classes being transformed from laypersons to professionals ready to enter practice. That is not to say they have learned all they need to know; even 4 years of medical school can’t do that. But they are ready to become part of a healthcare team and enter their respective area(s) of practice. There they will have another learning curve of 5 – 7 years to be “comfortable” in all they do.

So, what is it like to be a PA-S (student) and be “transformed”? Of course it is different for each person. But the best analogy I can come up with is the chrysalis of a butterfly. Yes, it may be an over-used example. It certainly does not apply to just becoming a PA-C (clinician). And I have no idea how much self-awareness the caterpillar has in its transition; but I do think it is helpful to think.

You probably remember the process from a grade school experiment. The caterpillar, after reaching maturity, picks a branch, attaches itself, forms the chrysalis and eventually emerges looking quite different. So too, the PA student is admitted to a school, settles in, and begins the change process.

Remember watching that hanging object, day after day, wondering when and if the emergence would take place? At that young age we were not aware of what was going on inside. It seemed like nothing was happening! But, a study of the process, reveals a lot is happening. Parts are being catabolized (broken down and digested) for anabolism (the growth of new structures). The chrysalis is a cramped space.  Because of the breakdown and growth, it must be hot.  I suspect all that change hurts (if caterpillars / butterflies feel pain). It certainly can’t be comfortable. And so, the PA student in their classroom and study-time chrysalis, learns to apply old knowledge, to acquire and grow new knowledge, and turn that knowledge into wisdom with application. Things have to be connected to understand the human body as a whole. And then they must be connected again in new ways to understand a disease processes and how it affects the body in individual systems and as a whole. Trust me, that is not comfortable. The brain can feel cramped as it is “expanded” every day with new knowledge. Time that once was leisure or recovery time, becomes study time. The previous life becomes “consumed” to make room for a new life as a provider of medical care. It may look like “just going to school”, but there is a whole lot more going on. And just like the change from caterpillar to butterfly doesn’t take a break until the new organism emerges, neither does PA school. We were warned not to “help” the butterfly out of the chrysalis. We could injure it or cause it to be too weak to fly, since the struggle out of the chrysalis is an integral strengthening process. So too, may parts of PA school are necessary, even if they cause discomfort.

Remember also, that the new butterfly didn’t float off right away. It had to dry and learn to use those wings. The PA is not yet ready to “fly off” to practice. They need to learn from other clinicians and mentors how to use all that new knowledge and wisdom. And so, they spend time with different specialties to strengthen those “wings” in preparation for solo flight one day after graduation.

Now this wasn’t written to make you feel sorry for all the discomfort a PA-S must go through. Nor was it written to glorify a PA-C as a beautiful butterfly that was uniquely fashioned for the world.  It was written as encouragement. Encouragement to stay the course. Does the training stretch you? Good, it should. Does it “hurt” at times? Yep. The instructors don’t mean for it to hurt, but as they say in sports, “No pain, no gain.”

If you have a loved-one in PA school and you see them struggling, support them. You may not be able to completely understand, but you can encourage them. And don’t try to open the chrysalis for them or push them off the branch too fast. That only leads to a failure to fly.

Stay the course, work the process, the transformation will happen – even if it is not comfortable. And while all who read this may not agree with me; I believe Someone called you to this. He has called you to be faithful, even when the path ahead is only clear enough for the next step. He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when the path takes a sharp right, a sharp left or doubles back on itself.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Northwestern. 

About the author

Dr. Alan Laird ’82, served as the founding medical director for Northwestern's physician assistant program from 2019-22. Prior to his retirement, he was a board-certified family practitioner at the Orange City Area Health System where he served as the chief medical officer, handled outpatient care at a satellite clinic, as well as inpatient care, and provided emergency room coverage. Dr. Laird is a Northwestern College graduate who earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa. 

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Are you considering starting your master's degree, but it never feels like quite the right time?
Are you a current graduate student wondering, can I really manage this all? Michaela shares her experience in the M.A. in Counseling program – and encouragement to go for it! 

A Note for Graduate Students–You Can Do It!

If you’re reading this and questioning if it’s the right move, the right time, or the right place to begin a master’s program, take this as your sign to say YES to a wonderful and unexpected adventure.

My name is Michaela and I’m a graduate student in Northwestern’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Before I officially began this journey I already worked full-time, coached high school soccer, and was a social individual. My biggest fear was not having the time or energy to survive the program.

"My mindset began to shift from “IF I finish this program” to “WHEN I finish the program"

Here’s the thing though – when you feel a strong sense of calling for your life, you’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen. While it was an adjustment in the beginning, I have learned how to balance work, my social life, and school so it feels like a perfect fit. On top of that, the nature of the program (exclusively online) has allowed me even more opportunities to tweak my schedule as needed and still complete assignments each week. My mindset began to shift from “IF I finish this program” to “WHEN I finish the program.”

I cannot say enough good things about Northwestern, my professors and classmates, and my overall experience in the counseling program so far. The amount of support I receive each week from others in the program is astounding and it keeps me motivated to work toward my goals. So, if you’re still wondering, say YES today. Start your journey now. You will not regret it.

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Enrolling in college is a huge step—whether it’s transferring to complete your degree or returning to school after some (or much!) time away. The transition to completing homework and writing papers on a regular basis can be intimidating at first. Thankfully, you are not alone in making the transition to academic life.

Academic support is available to those who need it. As a writing tutor at Northwestern, I have had the opportunity to help students in an online nursing course. While tutoring looks a little different online, we are here to walk alongside you to help you succeed.

Receiving feedback will be a different process than face-to-face interaction. However, the quality of support will remain the same, and tutors will go out of their way to help as much as they possibly can.

When asking for help, students will typically send an electronic copy of their paper via email. Depending on tutor and student availability, a time can then be set up to discuss the paper. Tutors aren’t there just to provide constructive criticism; we will also help you to capitalize on your strengths and grow more confident in whatever subject you’re working in.

In the past, I have done Skype meetings or phone calls. In-document comments are also provided so students can more easily remember the comments discussed. From there, any further questions can be discussed via email, phone call, or Skype. Tutors are willing to help and work to meet your schedule demands.

While college or grad school can seem demanding, you are not alone. Whatever class you’re concerned with, from math and chemistry to writing, support is available. The tutors are willing to work with your schedule to provide you with the best feedback possible. For more information about tutoring services, contact your Northwestern academic advisor.

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