my wife is a PA…she got a job fairly quick..

PAs are in great demand. Here’s why. Lots of HMO-based doctors offices run after-hours clinics where they see patients on a first-come first-served basis. They’ve got a triage system (a nurse or even a receptionist) who decides whether the patient will see the PA or the MD. The PA gets the ear infections, the strep throat, and the sprains. You get paid pretty well, about 25-50% more than a nurse. You can write scrips for meds (but not for oxycontin), and if you see something where there look like there could be complications or you’re not really sure, the MD is there on hand to help you make hard decisions. Sound like a good plan you have there.