Why? Working with patients in a medical setting might be the most important part of an applicant’s pre-PA journey. Medical experience is the best way to be educated about working in the medical field; it promotes an appreciation for the healthcare team; and it teaches valuable skills that will apply to a career as a …
Standardized Tests
Why? As with coursework, PA schools will look at standardized test scores. They provide schools with an idea of how well applicants are prepared with the necessary background information. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) are the commonly required standardized tests. Typically, schools will …
Prerequisite Coursework
Why? Programs will look at applicant GPA and prerequisite fulfillment as part of the application process. There are minimum requirements for each at almost all programs, which are listed on the program’s website. It is important to note that the GPA programs will see will be calculated by CASPA, which may differ from the GPA …
Shadowing
Why? PA programs want to see that you understand the PA profession. In my experience, shadowing was the best way to learn about PAs. Not only is this an opportunity to establish relationships with current PAs, but also to see what their role was on the health care team and how it varied between specialties …
Personal Checklist
Wherever you are in your PA journey, take a moment to take a personal inventory of your qualifications. What have you already accomplished? What still needs to be done? Celebrate where you are right now! Make a list of what you need to do and set specific goals for yourself. Write them down, tell a …
What Programs Look For
Passion and Understanding of PA Profession Programs look for applicants with a passion for PA profession. They want to know why you want to be a physician assistant. It is an incredible profession with a challenging path; programs want to see applicants with the burning desire that inspires them to go the extra mile before …
Definitions
Didactic year The portion of PA school that involves classroom learning. Clinical year The portion of PA school that involves rotations in various specialties providing care to patients and putting the medical knowledge gained during the didactic year into practice. Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) This is an application service used by most …
What is a PA?
Definition The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) website has extensive information about the PA profession. According to their website, “PAs are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. …
My Story
Going into junior year of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do, but I knew that I was good at math and science. I was looking at careers like Data Analyst or Actuary, none of which truly caught my attention. There was increasing pressure to start looking more seriously at what …