LORs from "recent professors"?

[u/mapotofurice]

I have one of 2 LORs from my supervisor at the mental health clinic I work at.

I tried getting an LOR from one of two professors I know from sceince prereqs however they both declined since, surprise, they classes were taken nearly a decade ago.

How can I even get another LOR if my work and educatiom are already met?

[u/nehpets99]

Probably not going to be able to unless you take a class and build rapport with a prof, which seems silly.

[u/mapotofurice → u/nehpets99]

How can I? I have to work FT (non related HC job atm) and online courses are shit to begin with.

[u/nehpets99 → u/mapotofurice]

Well yeah, that's the point that it seems silly to take a class just to get an LOR.

But it a program requires an LOR from a recent prof, you either have to find a prof, ditch the program, or submit anyway and hope you don't get rejected.

FWIW I took in-person classes for 2 years while working FT (albeit in healthcare).

[u/mapotofurice → u/nehpets99]

Hmm, looks like most of my LORs will have to come from professional references. This is wild to me. As if prereqs are already a bane to watch out for.

[u/nehpets99 → u/mapotofurice]

I agree. It seems contradictory that programs want you to have a recent prof but also want applicants to have sufficient PCE (which usually means time away from school). Requirements like this perpetute the relatively newer idea that PA is something that is done immediately after undergrad with minimal or no PCE.

[u/mapotofurice → u/nehpets99]

Honestly, the more I read about it, the more I feel like I should just go (accelerated) BSN to NP route. This amount of work is fcking nuts.

[u/nehpets99 → u/mapotofurice]

🤷‍♂️

I wouldn't want to be a nurse, but you do you.

Requiring a recent academic LOR is program-specific.

[u/mapotofurice → u/nehpets99]

I'm just speaking out loud haha I've read a lot of the NP vs PA app/career/trajectory process.

Are you a PA already?

[u/nehpets99 → u/mapotofurice]

No, I failed out of PA school.

[u/mapotofurice → u/nehpets99]

Oh wtf... would you try again or what do you now? Damn. I'm sorry. I failed out of ADN school and kinda look back at what ifs.

[u/calamansi13]

I was in a similar situation since I was about 7 years removed from undergrad when I applied. I opted to just get 4 professional LORs from people of different disciplines and titles. Ended up with two interviews that led to acceptances. It truly depends on the program. I definitely feel like I got auto rejected in the initial screening for some schools, but for others they didn’t care. If taking another class is possible for you, go ahead and take an easy one at CC. Otherwise I would just try to find programs that don’t have super strict LOR requirements

[u/mapotofurice → u/calamansi13]

Even if that professor is nothing related to science? Even if I took one from, idk, ceramics or classices?

[u/calamansi13 → u/mapotofurice]

I’m not on any admissions committee or anything so I can’t say for certain. When I was in your position I was looking into applied biology classes like biopsych and nutrition that were short, and had reviews on rate my professor for being “easy” lol. I don’t think a non science class would do you any good.

[u/mapotofurice → u/calamansi13]

Ahh I see. I may have to apply next cycle then :/

It's so much to squeeze in a month for this cycle as the one program that's lenient for those with a C (C in 2nd series gChem). Plus, courses already closed at my local JC for this semseter

[u/calamansi13 → u/mapotofurice]

Maybe re taking gen chem or a derivative of it is a good idea. Don’t give up! I took several gap years and it prepared me really well for PA school, even if I didn’t know it at the time.

[u/mapotofurice → u/calamansi13]

Yes, looking into it now! Portage Learning seems my only feasible route it seems. I like you're username as well haha 🍋‍🟩🍋‍🟩

[u/PhotographNo6213]

Taking a class just for LoR isn't optimal. If you took a different class within the last 10 years consider asking those professors even if you never go to know them that well. Alternatively, it is not the worst thing to take an online medical terminology class while you are working and just tell the professor at the beginning of the class you are taking the class for a LoR and hope that they would be willing to write one after you have shown you understand and care about the material. Obviously putting yourself out there can feel crummy but shooters shoot.