Megan Dutcher
Megan is a student in the Biology Program, and she is pursuing a minor in Chemistry. Megan’s ultimate goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant. Before she does that, she first has to get her Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s degree in Physician’s Assistant Studies. “The Biology and Chemistry courses I have taken at SVSU have been very beneficial. Most of the courses have filled pre-requisites for the graduate programs I have applied to. The courses are tough but very useful. It is a great idea to go to graduate school because there are so many more opportunities available if you have a Master’s or a Doctorate in Biology.
Megan started as an Education Major but found her true love in Biology. Megan switched her major to Biology and decided to go Pre-Med and loves her decision. “Dr. Trdan, Dr. Dalgarn, and Dr. Lange have been really helpful. They are always willing to meet with me or work through any questions I have. They take pride in making sure their students understand the material.” Anatomy and Physiology, Cellular Biology, Developmental Biology, and Genetics are some classes that Megan really enjoyed. “These classes really helped me out because I am now Pre-Med. Learning the material has really given me the chance to truly envision my future goals.”
Megan’s great experience has been amplified by her participation in the Biology Club and the Health Professions Club. She was not entirely sure what field she wanted to focus on with her degree, but the clubs have helped her figure it out. Both the Biology Club and the Health Professions Club offer many opportunities for volunteering, research, and advice. “The best thing about the HPC (Health Professions Club) is that we go on many school visits and we have many different departments. There is Pre-Med, Pre-Vet, Pre-Physicians Assistant, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Dentistry. If you want to make a new group that has to do with the health professions field, we will make it and we will assist in helping you find out as much as possible about the field. Joining a club will be very beneficial in you college career to help solidify which area you would like to specialize in.”
Megan has also had the opportunity to get some experience in an actual hospital. She works at Covenant Hospital for VNA (Visiting Nurse Association) Home Medical as a contract worker from VNSS (Visiting Nurse Special Services). “I deliver home medical equipment to patients' rooms; I size patients up for equipment, show them how to use it, teach them about the products, and make sure they know how to use it before I leave. It helps to give me patient contact experience for preparation for graduate school. Most P.A. programs want applicants to have patient contact experience. Some people gain this experience being an EMT or CNA. Patient contact experience can also be gained by volunteering at a hospice like I have done. I also volunteer a few hours a week at a hospice and it is a great experience.”
Megan also shadows Physician’s Assistants and Doctors at Covenant. “I have seen numerous surgeries, such as open heart and I have followed P.A.s around as they did their rounds. This has given me the chance to see what the career entails. The hospital has many opportunities for students to shadow. One really good place to go to is Synergy Medical Education Alliance. They are really nice and excited to have students shadow. Dr. Chubb is the Pre-Health advisor and he has all the information you will need, including information about Synergy.”
One last piece of advice for students from Megan is to get involved with volunteering. “It looks really good on applications and it is truly fun. I have done relief trips, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice volunteering, Relay for life, and many other activities. Nothing feels better than giving your time as a volunteer and helping people in need.”
“Being active, joining clubs, taking pride in the classes and trying your very best to succeed, volunteering, and getting patient contact experience may be a lot of work but it is totally worth the experience!”